Transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience with this vibrant **Summer Slaw with Ginger Miso Dressing**. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, crisp vegetables coated in a delightfully tangy and creamy, dairy-free dressing that promises to be the star of any gathering. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and picnics, this easy-to-make slaw is packed with flavor and nutrition, offering a delicious way to enjoy your greens.
This beloved recipe has been updated from its original version, first published on July 4, 2017, to bring you even more deliciousness and insights.
Why This Ginger Miso Slaw Will Be Your New Favorite
Prepare to fall in love with this Summer Slaw! It’s more than just a salad; it’s a sensory delight that brings together incredible flavors, textures, and health benefits. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- Visually Stunning & Nutrient-Rich: Beyond its striking appearance, the kaleidoscope of colors from various cabbages, carrots, and kale signifies a powerhouse of nutrition. Each vibrant hue contributes essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making this slaw not just beautiful but also incredibly energizing and beneficial for your health.
- Irresistibly Delicious: This slaw offers a masterful blend of crunchy textures and savory-sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The interplay between the crisp vegetables and the luscious dressing creates a satisfying experience that leaves you feeling both indulged and nourished.
- Creamy & Dairy-Free Dressing: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the ginger miso dressing. It’s wonderfully creamy and rich, yet completely dairy-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Its tangy, umami-rich profile perfectly complements the fresh vegetables, elevating the entire dish.
- Effortless Preparation: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create this masterpiece. Made with common, easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-quality salad with minimal fuss.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: For those who love to plan ahead, this slaw is a dream come true. The components can be prepped in advance, making it incredibly convenient for busy weekdays or last-minute gatherings. Its robust nature means it holds up exceptionally well, maintaining its texture and flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re heading to a casual backyard BBQ, a festive potluck, or a serene picnic, this slaw is your go-to dish. It travels beautifully and is always a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its refreshing taste and impressive presentation. It’s truly a versatile side that fits seamlessly into any summer event.
Essential Slaw Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Summer Slaw begins with selecting the freshest vegetables and knowing how to adapt the recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here’s a detailed look at the core ingredients and their versatile substitutions:
- Cabbage (Napa & Red): Napa cabbage is an excellent choice for slaw due to its dual texture – tender, leafy sections combined with crisp, crunchy ribs. For a striking visual contrast and an added nutritional boost, we incorporate purple cabbage (also known as red cabbage). If purple isn’t available, green cabbage works just as well and maintains the refreshing crunch. For a softer slaw that wilts quickly, ideal for immediate consumption, consider using Savoy cabbage.
- Kale: Lacinato kale (also known as dinosaur kale or Tuscan kale) is favored for its ease of de-stemming and its ability to be cut into thin, uniform strips, which soften beautifully in the dressing. You’ll achieve similar nutritional benefits and a delightful texture with curly green kale or the striking purple kale, offering another layer of color.
- Carrots: These root vegetables add natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue, alongside a satisfying crunch. If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrate intake or simply prefer a different flavor, julienned red bell pepper or crisp snap peas make fantastic alternatives, contributing their own unique textures and vibrant colors.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Also known as scallions, these slender onions provide a mild, pungent flavor that brightens the entire slaw. They offer a delicate oniony kick without overpowering the other ingredients. Thinly sliced shallots or finely diced red onion can be used as substitutes, each adding a slightly different aromatic note to the dish.
- Optional Garnishes & Additions: Elevate your slaw with a variety of textures and flavors. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crunchy pumpkin seeds for added nuttiness and visual appeal. Fresh cilantro leaves introduce a burst of herbaceous freshness. For an extra layer of crunch and healthy fats, toasted almonds or walnuts are excellent choices. Thinly sliced red bell pepper or radishes can also be wonderful additions, enhancing both color and crispness.
Crafting the Perfect Ginger Miso Dressing
The soul of this Summer Slaw lies in its creamy, tangy, and irresistibly flavorful Ginger Miso Dressing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and addictive sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to master this delectable dressing:
- Miso Paste: For this particular ginger miso dressing, we recommend using mellow white miso (also known as Shiro miso). Its mild, slightly sweet, and umami-rich profile is perfect for a balanced dressing. Deeper insights into miso varieties are provided below, helping you choose the best type for your taste.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil is a non-negotiable ingredient, lending a distinctive nutty, savory aroma that defines the “Asian slaw” vibe of this recipe. A small amount goes a long way in delivering profound flavor. If you prefer to minimize oil, a blend of half tahini and half water can offer a creamy alternative, though the flavor profile will shift.
- Vinegar: Unseasoned rice vinegar provides a delicate, subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the miso and sesame oil. Its mild acidity is key to balancing the dressing. White wine vinegar can serve as a suitable substitute, or for a brighter, citrusy note, fresh lemon juice can be used in place of vinegar.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of pure maple syrup is essential for tempering the strong, savory flavors of the miso and ginger. It adds a hint of sweetness that rounds out the dressing without making it overtly sweet, creating a harmonious balance.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger is paramount for that authentic, invigorating “zing” that distinguishes this dressing. Its pungent, spicy, and aromatic qualities are irreplaceable. While powdered ginger can be used in a pinch, it will lack the vibrant freshness and depth of flavor that only fresh ginger provides.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dressing with a robust, aromatic punch. Don’t worry about raw garlic bitterness; the acidity from the vinegar helps to temper it, leaving behind a delightful burst of flavor that enhances the overall profile of the dressing.
- Optional Spice Kick: If you appreciate a bit of heat, consider adding ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha to the dressing. This extra layer of spice can add an exciting dimension to the already flavorful sauce.
What Exactly is Miso? The Nutritional Powerhouse
Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning that has gained global recognition for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits. It is a fermented paste, typically made from soybeans, sea salt, and a “koji” starter – a fungus (Aspergillus oryzae) cultivated on rice, barley, or other grains. This fermentation process is what gives miso its distinctive umami flavor and its probiotic properties.
- Aiding Digestion: As a natural probiotic, miso paste is a phenomenal digestive aid. The fermentation process cultivates beneficial bacteria, which can help restore and maintain a healthy balance of microflora in the intestines, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Nutrient-Dense: Miso is a fantastic source of several essential nutrients. It’s particularly rich in B-vitamins (including B12, though plant-based sources can vary), complete protein, and a wealth of antioxidants. These components are vital for overall health and well-being.
- Immune System Support: The probiotics and antioxidants in miso contribute to a stronger immune system, helping the body fight off infections and protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Regular consumption can support your body’s natural defenses.
- Blood Quality: Miso is also known to help improve the quality of blood. Its nutrient profile and probiotic content can aid in detoxification processes and promote healthy circulation.
- Versatile Flavor Enhancer: Miso’s savory depth, often described as umami, makes it an incredible flavor enhancer. It pairs exceptionally well with fresh ginger, creating a harmonious and authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile perfect for dressings, marinades, and more.
- Beyond Dressing: Don’t limit miso to just dressings! It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that can deepen the flavor of countless dishes. It’s particularly popular in vegan soups, adding a creamy, savory richness without dairy. For example, it would be a delightful addition to a hearty yellow split pea soup.
Choosing the Right Miso: A Guide to Varieties
The world of miso is diverse, with various types offering different flavor profiles and intensities. Understanding these differences can help you select the best miso for your culinary creations. Always remember to read the label, especially if dietary concerns like gluten-free certification are important to you, as not all miso varieties are gluten-free.
- White Miso (Shiro Miso / Mellow White Miso): This is the mildest and sweetest type of miso, characterized by its light color and smooth texture. Shiro miso is typically made from soybeans fermented with a high proportion of rice for a relatively short period, usually no longer than six months. Its gentle flavor makes it ideal for dressings, light soups, and marinades where a subtle umami kick is desired.
- Yellow Miso (Shinshu Miso): Similar to white miso, yellow miso also starts with soybeans but is fermented with a combination of rice and barley. It offers a slightly stronger and earthier flavor than white miso, with a balanced saltiness and sweetness. Yellow miso is versatile and can be used in a wider range of dishes, including hearty soups, glazes, and stir-fries.
- Red Miso (Aka Miso): Red miso boasts the deepest, richest, and most pronounced salty flavor among the common varieties. Its dark color is a result of a longer fermentation period, often extending over a year, with a higher proportion of soybeans. Red miso is best suited for robust, hearty dishes like thick soups, stews, and marinades for grilled meats or vegetables, where its intense flavor can truly shine.
- Chickpea Miso: An excellent soy-free alternative, chickpea miso is crafted using chickpeas instead of soybeans. It undergoes a similar fermentation process with grains, yielding a savory paste that is often lighter in color and milder in flavor than traditional soy-based red miso, making it a great option for those with soy sensitivities.
- Rice Miso: While many light misos are already made with a significant percentage of white rice (often labeled as white miso), jars specifically labeled “rice miso” frequently refer to varieties made with brown rice. These often ferment for a longer duration, sometimes up to 12 months, resulting in a much stronger, more pungent flavor. It’s a great choice for adding profound depth to dishes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Summer Slaw
Creating this delicious Summer Slaw is a straightforward process, broken down into two main parts: preparing your vibrant vegetables and then whisking up the irresistible Ginger Miso Dressing. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step One: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by prepping all your chosen vegetables. Once prepped, transfer them into a large mixing bowl. You can use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy wooden cutting board for precision, or utilize the slicing disc of your food processor to save time.
First, take the Napa cabbage and slice it lengthwise through its core. This will yield two halves, which you’ll then cut into quarters.
Lay each quartered cabbage section cut-side down. Using your sharp knife, thinly slice across the cabbage to create fine ribbons. Transfer all the sliced Napa cabbage to your large mixing bowl.
For the lacinato kale, firmly grasp the end of the stem with one hand. With your other hand, gently but firmly pull the leaves away from the stem, removing the tough central rib.
Stack the de-stemmed kale leaves and carefully cut them into thin, uniform strips. Add these vibrant green strips to the large mixing bowl with the other vegetables.
Slice the red cabbage into quarters. Carefully cut out and discard the dense, woody core from each quarter. Then, thinly slice the red cabbage just as you did the Napa cabbage. Add the beautiful purple shreds to your mixing bowl.
To prepare the carrots, you have a few options for shredding. You can use a julienne peeler for fine strips, the shredding attachment of your food processor for speed, or the large-hole side of a box grater for a more rustic shred. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl.
Finally, prepare your green onions (scallions) by removing the root end and thinly slicing them. Add these to the bowl with all the other slaw ingredients. Once all your vegetables are prepped, set the bowl aside while you prepare the delicious dressing.
Crafting the Creamy Miso Ginger Dressing
The secret to this exceptional Summer Slaw is its smooth, flavorful Ginger Miso Dressing. While an immersion blender will make quick work of this, creating a perfectly creamy consistency, you can certainly achieve a great result with a small bowl and a fork, relying on a bit of vigorous whisking.
Start by carefully measuring out your liquid ingredients: the mellow miso paste, fragrant toasted sesame oil, unseasoned rice vinegar, pure maple syrup, and cold water. Combine these in a tall, narrow container, such as the one that often comes with an immersion blender, or a small bowl if mixing by hand. Next, peel your fresh ginger and garlic cloves.
Using a microplane zester, finely grate the fresh ginger and garlic directly into the container with the other dressing ingredients. This ensures maximum flavor distribution. Alternatively, you can finely mince the ginger and garlic with a knife before adding them.
Using your immersion blender, blend all the dressing ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth, thick, and beautifully creamy. If the dressing appears too thick for your liking, add small amounts of cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and continue blending until you achieve your desired consistency. For hand mixing, combine thoroughly with a fork, mashing any miso clumps against the side of the bowl until smooth.
Now, it’s time to bring the slaw to life! Begin by pouring about half of the prepared Ginger Miso Dressing over your large bowl of colorful shredded vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece of cabbage and kale is lightly coated. Taste and assess the dressing level; you can always add more if you prefer a richer, creamier slaw. Alternatively, you can serve the remaining dressing in a small pitcher on the side, allowing individuals to add extra dressing to their own servings as desired.
Beyond Slaw: Creative Uses for Ginger Miso Dressing
While this Ginger Miso Dressing is undeniably perfect for Summer Slaw, its versatility extends far beyond. Don’t let any leftover dressing go to waste; its vibrant, umami-rich flavor can elevate a multitude of dishes, transforming simple meals into gourmet experiences. Here are some inspiring ways to incorporate this delicious dressing into your cooking:
- Jazz Up Summer Salads: Even the simplest green salads can be transformed with a generous drizzle of this dressing. Its unique flavor profile makes everyday greens feel special.
- Elevate Roasted Vegetables: This dressing is an excellent companion to any roasted vegetable. Try it drizzled over tender Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant, enhancing its earthy notes with a burst of ginger and miso. It also works wonders on grilled asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
- Dip for Appetizers: Serve it as a sophisticated dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers. It’s particularly fantastic with fresh veggie spring rolls, offering a lighter, tangier alternative to traditional peanut sauce.
- Marinade for Proteins: Use it as a flavorful marinade for tofu, tempeh, chicken, or fish before grilling or baking. The miso tenderizes while infusing deep umami notes, and the ginger adds a spicy kick.
- Sauce for Bowls: Drizzle it over grain bowls, Buddha bowls, or poke bowls for an instant flavor upgrade. It ties together grains, roasted veggies, and protein beautifully.
- Enhance Vegan Dishes: Take your vegan creations to the next level. Imagine this dressing enhancing the delicate flavors of vegan crab cakes or as a glaze for baked tempeh.
With its bright, savory, and slightly sweet profile, this Ginger Miso Dressing is a culinary secret weapon, ready to add a burst of freshness and complexity to almost any dish you can imagine.
Clever Time-Saving Hacks for Your Slaw
Don’t let a busy schedule or a dislike for chopping deter you from enjoying this incredible Summer Slaw. There are plenty of smart ways to drastically cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor or quality. Embrace these shortcuts and get this delicious slaw on your table faster:
- Leverage Your Food Processor: If you own a food processor, make it your best friend for this recipe. Its slicing and shredding attachments can chop all your cabbages and carrots in mere minutes, saving your hands from extensive knife work.
- Pre-Shredded Carrots: Many grocery stores offer pre-shredded carrots in the produce section. This is a fantastic time-saver; just open the bag and add them straight to your bowl.
- Pre-Shredded Cabbage Mixes: Look for pre-shredded cabbage, often available in green or mixed varieties. While it might not include the exact blend of Napa and red cabbage, it still forms an excellent base for your slaw.
- Broccoli Slaw for a Twist: For an even quicker and unique alternative, grab a bag of pre-made broccoli slaw. The crunchy texture of broccoli stems and carrots, combined with this tangy miso dressing, creates a delightful and speedy meal. It’s a “Bam… done!” moment, truly transforming a convenience product into a gourmet experience.
With these clever hacks, you can enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade Ginger Miso Slaw even on your busiest days.
Maximizing Freshness: Prep & Storage Tips
Planning ahead and proper storage are key to enjoying your Summer Slaw and Ginger Miso Dressing at their best. Follow these guidelines to keep your ingredients fresh and your meal prep efficient:
- Efficient Meal Prep: To get a head start, prepare all your vegetables in advance. Store the undressed, shredded vegetables in a tightly sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Prepare the Ginger Miso Dressing separately and store it in its own airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Keeping them separate ensures the vegetables remain crisp until you’re ready to serve.
- Storing Dressed Slaw: Once dressed, the slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for the next day, making it perfect for packed lunches. However, after about 24 hours, while still perfectly safe to eat, the vegetables will gradually start to soften and wilt. For optimal crispness, it’s always best to dress just before serving.
- Freezing Guidelines: We do not recommend freezing the prepared slaw, as the delicate texture of the vegetables will suffer significantly upon thawing, becoming watery and mushy. However, the Ginger Miso Dressing is remarkably freezer-friendly! You can easily freeze it in an airtight container or even ice cube trays for convenient portioning, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature, then whisk well before using.
Chef’s Secrets: Debra’s Pro Tips for Perfect Slaw
For an even better Summer Slaw experience, take a leaf out of Debra’s book with these expert tips designed to enhance freshness and convenience:
- Potluck Perfection: When bringing your amazing Summer Slaw to a potluck or picnic, always transport the shredded vegetables and the Ginger Miso Dressing separately. Toss and dress the slaw right before serving at the event. This guarantees maximum freshness, crispness, and a vibrant presentation that will surely impress.
- Dress to Order: If you’re not planning to eat the entire batch of slaw at once, only pour the dressing over the portion you anticipate consuming. This simple tip ensures that any leftovers remain crisp and unwilted, ready for a fresh dressing application when you’re ready for more. It’s an easy way to enjoy fresh slaw for days!
Explore More Delicious Cabbage Recipes
Cabbage is a remarkably versatile and nutritious vegetable, offering endless possibilities in the kitchen. If you’ve fallen in love with this Ginger Miso Slaw, you’ll be delighted to discover other fantastic ways to incorporate cabbage into your meals. Here are some more inspiring recipes featuring this humble, yet incredible ingredient:
- Chopped Salad Recipe
- Roasted Red Cabbage
- Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Simple Cabbage Salad
Your feedback means the world! Commenting and rating recipes is one of the best ways to support your favorite food bloggers. If you’ve made this incredibly delicious Summer Slaw, please consider leaving a five-star rating below and sharing your thoughts in a comment. We’d also love to see your creations! Share your photos on Instagram by tagging me @dkhealthcoach and using the hashtag #debraklein. Thank you for your support!
📖 Recipe: Summer Slaw with Ginger Miso Dressing
Summer Slaw with Ginger Miso Dressing
Author: Debra Klein
This delightful Ginger Miso Dressing transforms humble cabbage into an extraordinary Summer Slaw! This easy recipe bursts with flavor, providing a delicious and vibrant way to enjoy your vegetables. It’s the perfect healthy side dish for all your BBQs, potlucks, and picnics.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 53 votes. Rate this Recipe
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Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins
Course: Salad, Side Dish | Cuisine: American, Asian
Servings: 6 | Calories: 135 kcal
Equipment
- Box Grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting Board
- Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set
- Immersion blender
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- ¼ head napa cabbage
- ¼ head red cabbage
- 3 large carrots
- 6 stalks lacinato kale
- 1 bunch green onions
Ginger Miso Sauce
- ¼ cup light miso
- ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Veggies: Begin by halving both the Napa and red cabbages lengthwise through their cores. Then, cut each half into quarters. Thinly slice all the cabbage quarters and place the shreds into a large mixing bowl. Next, peel the carrots, then shred them using a food processor’s shredding disc or the coarse side of a box grater. For the kale, remove the tough central, woody stem from each stalk, then stack the leaves and cut them into thin julienne slices. Finally, trim the root ends off the green onions and thinly slice them. Add all prepared vegetables to the large bowl.
- Make the Miso Dressing: For the smoothest dressing, use an immersion blender, a small food processor, or a jar blender. Measure the miso paste, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, water, and maple syrup into your blending container. Use a microplane to finely grate the fresh ginger and garlic directly over the other ingredients for maximum flavor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you’re mixing by hand, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk vigorously with a fork until smooth, ensuring the miso paste is fully incorporated.
- Combine and Serve: Pour about half of the prepared Ginger Miso Dressing over the colorful slaw vegetables in the large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly until the vegetables are evenly coated. Taste the slaw and add more dressing if you desire a richer, creamier consistency. You can also serve the remaining dressing on the side in a small pitcher, allowing guests to add extra as they please.
Notes
- Kale: Feel free to substitute lacinato kale with curly green kale or vibrant purple kale for similar texture and nutritional benefits.
- Cabbage: If Napa cabbage is unavailable, Savoy cabbage can be used for a softer slaw. While purple cabbage adds beautiful color, green cabbage makes a fine alternative.
- Green onions: No scallions on hand? Spring onions, thinly sliced shallots, or finely chopped red onion can provide a similar aromatic element.
- Carrots: Any color of shredded carrots will work well. For a different flavor profile, consider grated parsnips, beets, or thinly sliced celery.
SAVE TIME: To expedite preparation, purchase pre-shredded cabbage mix from your grocery store. You’ll only need to add the fresh onions and kale. Pre-shredded carrots are also readily available, saving you another step.
Nutrition
Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 467mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 6673IU | Vitamin C: 34mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg
Note: The nutrition calculations provided were performed using online tools and are estimates. For the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, it is recommended to calculate the nutritional values with the actual ingredients you use. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete, and useful for your specific dietary needs.
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