Smokey and sweet, this slaw has it all. Crunchy cabbage, Β crispy Asian pear, shredded carrots, and a smoky peanut sauce to bring it all together. This gluten-free and vegan side dish will bring new meaning to the term coleslaw.
So I gave you my version of pasta salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, and now, the ever-loved, coleslaw! I mean really, is any BBQ or summer cook-out complete without a coleslaw? I think not! The best part about this slaw is that you can make it year-round and it won't seem weird. It's totally not your traditional coleslaw, but you should get excited about that. Also prepare yourself for a long story that goes along with this slaw. A bloody and gruesome story (kind of). But an important, lesson-learning story for you and myself. Now let's start from the beginning.
It was a dark and stormy night...okay no, it was a bright and sunny summer afternoon. I realized I had a bag of red cabbage that really needed to be used or it would become the worst, food waste! Without a moment to spare, I grabbed that bag of cabbage along with the whole savoy cabbage and Asian pear I had. As well as some bright orange shredded carrots to brighten things up. Coleslaw. I needed to make coleslaw. I hadn't had that creamy cold summer side dish in years and with my obsession this summer of re-creating old summer favorites, my plan was set.
Of course, just like all these summer recreations, the "sauce" or "dressing" was the next hurdle to overcome before the recipe could come to fruition. I really had no idea what I wanted to do for this component. The creamy sweet sauce is the most important part of a good coleslaw in my mind. Since I had a bit of an Asian theme already started with the savoy cabbage and Asian pear, I decided to go in that direction and take it a step further. Peanut! Or shall I say, peanut flour! I forgot about my peanut flour in the fridge all summer; how neglectful! It would be used for this slaw, neglect no more. Using peanut flour would allow me to bring tons of flavor and make it saucy enough without blowing the health factor. I'd also keep it sweet to highlight the Asian pear, but since peanut could go either way, I decided to add a bit of smokiness and make this the best of both worlds.
Now, lucky me, the red cabbage was pre-shredded and so were the carrots. The savoy cabbage was easy enough to chop for the slaw, but the Asian pear posed a bit of a dilemma in getting a good "slaw cut" with just my knife skills. What to do? Then I remembered I had a mandolin which I'd only "tried" to use once when I first got it a few years ago, was frustrated with it, and never used it again. I was determined to make this attempt be a success, so I dug it out of the depths of the bottom kitchen cabinet (which is a scary, precarious, stuffed place) and set it on the counter. The box was all in German or Swiss, so were the directions (until I realized there was some English hidden on the actual device).
This is where things get a little...messy. I had no idea how to get the actual mandolin out of the safety case. I was pulling with all my might and it wouldn't budge. I then regripped with my hand and ended up placing my finger into the side of the sharpest blade known-to-man, and gauged out the tip of my pointer finger. There was blood. In my sad moments of pain, but also pure determination to get that thing out, I then saw (covered in red), the "press here to release" button. Wow. A little to late. So I got the thing out, washing everything off while my finger continued to bleed and then wrapped my finger as best I could. I grabbed my Asian pear, placed the holder/safety guard on it, and took a deep breath. I was surprised by just how easy it was to slide the pear back and forth over the sharp blade to produce perfect "slaw-strips".
Once the first side of the pear was flat, I needed to do the other side. Done. But then I wanted to do the 2 other side of fruit so no part of the pear when to waste. The safety holder didn't fit as perfectly on these sides, so I ended up taking my chances and holding the edge of the pear. This was a bad idea. I ended up with another blood bath and sliced under my other pointer finger nail, as well as about 4 other cuts on my finger. My hands, my poor hands, at this point were burning, bleeding, and not in cooking condition. But I had to finish the slaw! So off to the bathroom I went and wrapped my my hands as best I could while keeping them movable for use. At least the hardest part was over now and I just had to mix up the peanut sauce. O how my hands burned and hurt...so much.
I stirred up the sauce quickly and without any further damage to my hands. Tossed everything together and then forced myself to hold out a little longer to photograph before I cried of hand-pain. Thankfully that didn't take too long which allowed me to then put my slaw in the fridge to chill and then clean up the mess I made...big mess, and make myself a mug of hot tea to comfort my damaged little foodie soul and hands. Now, don't get me wrong, I love that mandolin now that I know "how" to use it after the lessons I've learned nd how I've seen how easy and efficient it is if you take you're time and be a patient proper cook. So from this experience, read directions thoroughly even if it's hard to find the English, already use the safety guard, buy some knife gloves, and calmly do you're prep work. I ended up with gouged out fingers for weeks and my one pointer finger tip still hurts when I touch it. All for the slaw as I say. I sacrificed my hands all for the perfect coleslaw. :/
Smokey & Sweet Peanut Slaw
Smokey & Sweet Peanut Slaw
Smokey and sweet, this slaw has it all. Crunchy cabbage, crispy Asian pear, shredded carrots, and a smoky peanut sauce to bring it all together. This gluten-free and vegan side dish will bring new meaning to the term coleslaw.
- Yield: 8-10 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Cuisine: American, Asian
Ingredients
- 1 Small Savoy Cabbage (about 6 cups chopped)
- 3 Cups Chopped Red Cabbage
- 1 Cup Shredded Carrots
- 1 Large Asian Pear (thin julienne with mandolin or grater)
- Peanut Sauce:
- β Cup Peanut Flour (or peanut "powder")
- β Cup Water
- Β½ Tsp Minced Garlic
- Β½ Tsp Onion Powder
- Β½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
- ΒΌ Tsp Black Pepper
- 2 TB Apple Cider Vinegar
- Unsalted Roasted Peanuts (optional, topping)
Instructions
- Prep your veggies as described about and add all to a very large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut sauce ingredients and stir to combine.
- Pour the the sauce over the slaw, massage in and toss with your hands. Add peanuts if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to chill and allow the flavors to "marinate".
- Amazing make-ahead and produces so much slaw it's perfect to have the whole week or to bring to a potluck!
Β 
This slaw was absolutely worth the pain and injury. It's crunchy, sweet, savory, nutty, and best of all, smokey! The Asian pear and peanut flavors are the stand out with that subtle hint of smokiness in the background. I made a perfect healthy, gluten-free, and vegan slaw that satisfied my coleslaw craving for yet another summer. With all these sides and burgers I've made this summer, I think I could throw the greatest gluten-free and vegan summer bbq yet! I'd say mission accomplished in showing the world you can throw the best plant-based healthy gluten-free summer party without missing any of the stereotypical classic components! I may be battered and bruised, but more knowledgeable and nourished than before and wise enough to teach you not to make my silly mistakes π
So tell me:
+ Do you like coleslaw? If not, try this one! Promise it will change your mind!
+ Ever use a mandolin? Great invention, just not "kid-friendly" π
*Recipe linking up for the week!Β Allergy Free Wednesdays,Β #RecipeOfTheWeek,#StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday,Β Gluten-Free Fridays,Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays,Β Healthy Vegan Fridays,Β Tasty Tuesdays,Β Meatless Mondays, Lenaβs Tasty Tuesdays, TFFM Meatless Monday, Waste Not Want Not!*
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Create With Joy
Your recipes and photos are always so scrumptious, Rebecca!
Thanks for sharing this with us at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy. I'm happy to share that you are one of our Featured Guests again this week! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sherry
I do love cole slaw. And, I love peanuts. Your recipe will be featured at this week's party:-)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Raia
Congrats, Rebecca! This was the most popular post on last weekend's Savoring Saturdays, so we're al featuring it this weekend! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear!
kimmythevegan
This sounds SO MUCH BETTER than regular slaw! I love the sound of the dressing. And the asian pear - fantastic addition.
Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The Asian pear is the best unexpected sweet little part ;( Thanks Kimmy!
Julia
Oh I really want to try this because it looks great.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I hope, thanks.
Creatively Homespun
This looks amazing!!! Seriously.. YOU ROCKED IT THIS WEEK!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Emily
This looks so delicious and HEALTHY! I love crunchy salads with interesting flavors. Mmm mmm mm
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Hannah @ Eat, Drink and Save Money
This looks amazing! I can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Miz Helen
Your Smokey Sweet Peanut Slaw looks delicious, I can't wait to try this recipe.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Danielle @ Poor and Gluten Free
This looks delicious, Rebecca! I'm pinning it π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Danielle!
Jennifer Stewart
It's not a cooking party until someone gets cut:) Happens to me all the time. I think I need to get one of those butchering gloves to use when I use my mandoline! I am such a clutz! I love the smokiness with the slaw and the crunch from the peanuts!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Those are the gloves I'm talking about! Haha! I need them! Thank you Jennifer! xoxo
Dawn @ overboard Creations
This really looks inviting to eat. Great summer food.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is!
Collin
Looks very delicious! Love peanut sauce, will have to try yours!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Collin!
Katie
Yum, Rebecca! This looks so delicious. So glad to find your blog! Following:-)
Katie
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Katie! xoxo Enjoy!!!
Kristin @ smartEpartE.com
Thanks - always looking for gluten/dairy free recipes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome dear! This is the place!
Marla
HI Rebecca,
This is a really unique idea for coleslaw -using peanut sauce and it sounds quite tasty.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It is! Thanks Marla!
Nisha
This looks lovely, fresh and healthy! I can't wait to try it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Judith
This looks delicious! Would make a great lunch. Pinning for later!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Totally! Thanks dear!
casey
This is a great recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Lyn @MidMichiganMom
The colors make this dish look so appealingβ¦almost too pretty to eat? No, just kidding, I would eat this in a heartbeat!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, good π I would too! Gaze for a moment and then devour!
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
Um, every word of that title is enticing me in so many ways π This sounds amazing! I've been all over peanuts lately and I'm loving them in savory things. Never had a peanut slaw but this one has me convinced!
I used to use a mandolin but I find it a little clunky and def not very kid friendly π I've been using my food processor for everything of this nature lately and I love it so much more.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This is totally perfect for you!
I actually think my food processor doe shave that grater blade....but again another thing I have no idea how to use π And the Asian pear wasn't the right fit to fit down the slicing shoot!
Tiffany
Hi, Rebecca ~ This recipe looks absolutely delish! I can't wait to give it a try! I'm pinning it and sharing it on my Facebook page.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
Hi Rebecca,
As soon as I saw this gorgeous slaw. I just love a healthy slaw and this is perfection. Such wonderful flavours! Thanks for a great recipe !
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much!
Esther
This sounds really yummy. Pinned and ready to try π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Esther!
Amber
This sounds so great! I love a great slaw! And I just got Asian Pears in my CSA box this week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect timing! Asian pears are the best!
Nichole aka CuppaGeek
This looks so good! I need to make some for my lunch.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Melanie Greenhalgh
Never used a mandolin, but love the look and the food styling you have done in this post. I am so giving this a try because I love coleslaw and need Summer to arrive ASAP - because winter is getting me down! Nive post. Mel xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you dear! If you use a mandolin...be careful π
Kristy @ Southern In Law
This looks amaaaaaaaaazing, girl!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Kristy!
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free
Pear and peanut? You're a genius Rebecca! Such an amazing twist on slaw.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Alisa!
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige
This looks so good! Also, Asian Pears are probably one of my top 5 fave fruits π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Omg! You're one of the first people I've known to say that! Yay! One of my top 5 too!
Linda @ Veganosity
Are you trying to make me pass out? Oh my God, you poor thing. Mandolins have the sharpest blades. Your lucky you still have your fingers!
The salad looks delicious. π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! I know! I really just jammed my fingers right down on the blade when trying to pull it out! So stupid!
Thanks Linda π
The Vegan 8
Love sweet and I love smokey sooo much! This looks beautiful and downright delicious!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Brandi!
Amanda - RunToTheFinish
Cabbage is sooo good for digestion, I've been meaning to find some new ways to add it in. This one looks easy enough that I could do it too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, it so is! Thanks Amanda!
kenzie negron
this looks so yummy! x,kenz
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Laura
This sounds like I'd want to eat it on its own for my lunch. I especially like that the sauce is mayonnaise free for a change - so many coleslaw recipes sound nice but then get drowned in mayo so that's all you can taste. Plus, I'm addicted to peanut butter π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Laura! Peanut flavor without the "butter" though π
Kari
This is a great combo. Love the peanuts and the smoked paprika. And you kept it healthy with apple cider vinegar.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Trish
This looks delicious - and love that it is vegan, too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That's what you get on this blog!
Lisa
Hi Rebecca - I just found this post on Merry Mondays - yum!!! I can't wait to try it. I am also putting together a post for my readers and wanted to feature a couple great and different salad recipes - I would love to share your link!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Lisa! Go ahead!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog
Sorry to hear you had such a hard time with your mandolin. At least you had an awesome coleslaw as a reward for all your sacrifice!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, that's what I keep telling myself π
Farrah
Ah, this sounds perfect, and I love all the colors in it! Great idea on adding an Asian pear! <3 (I'm sorry to hear about your hands! :O )
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thank you Farrah!
Julia
Love the smoky paprika in the peanut sauce. Such a great idea. This slaw would be perfect on tacos, especially fish tacos!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It would get great in a taco!
Rachel Edington
Okay Rebecca, it's time you get yourself on Master Chef (Home cook) You woulld be awesome! Every recipe including this one is just amazingly delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, you are so sweet Rachel! xoxoxoxoxo
Emily @ Zen & Spice
Haha omg. I think everyone at some point has a bad mandolin experience. The first time I used one I cut a huge gash in my finger-- after I had just promised my boyfriend that I would be careful and not cut myself. Oops.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha! I know! It's so dangerous! First time users beware!!
Emily @Sinful Nutrition
You had me at peanut! π Love the addition of asian pear too. So crunchy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Thank you Emily!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks
This is a great recipe!! Love that the sauce has peanut flour and smoked paprika - so smart, so delicious. Thanks for creating!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Dani!
annabelt @ geeks diet
This looks great, though forged in battle! I think I'd get rid of the mandolin after that - that took true dedication! Hope your fingers are on the mend
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha π I should make a warning sign for it π
jules
I can't wait to try this slaw! We love all things peanut in our house, and use the defatted peanut butter powder almost daily! Thanks for another way to try it!
~jules
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Peanut flour is so great! Baking, sauces, frosting!
Thanks Jules xoxo
Melanie @ Nutritious Eats
Slaw is one of my favorite sides (and I mean the slaws I make. I don't trust restaurant slaw). So many great variations like this one! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This was my first ever slaw and yea...homemade takes the crown!
Lisa @ RunWiki
This slaw is right up my ally- I love peanut anything and the sweet paired with the savory flavors is my fav. I have always wanted a mandolin but my kitchen is tiny and I have no room to store it... so the knife it is.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The mandolin takes up no space!! Get one!! Haha...just be careful π
Michelle @ Unbound Wellness
I love cole slaw, and this looks delicious! Mandolins are amazing... you just reminded me that I need to add one to my wedding registry π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahaha, just add some chef's gloves as well π
Sandi Gaertner (@sandigtweets)
I love the added smoke to the peanut sauce. Definitely something I need to try soon.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Sandi!
Rachel
Looks delicious.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
π
Heather@hungryforbalance
Oh my gosh!! The same thing happened to me when I used my mandolins last time. I have been a little "mandolins shy" ever since. I am not usually a fan of coleslaw, but this version looks good! I love the addition of the Asian pear!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, yea...I haven't used it a lot since, but I still love it. Love/hate!
Asian pear just makes it's the best π
Raia
Sounds delicious, Rebecca! I'm on a coleslaw kick lately - it's the perfect summer lunch! π Love the addition of the Asian pear! Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Summer essential!
Melissa @ vegan does it
Oh, your poor hands, but this slaw looks so fantastic! I've never liked the mayo based slaws much so this is more my style. Definitely pinning π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, thanks Melissa!
Sina
This looks so delicious, Rebecca! π And the dressing sounds awesome!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Sina!!
LizZ H.
OMG!! You have saved my life! I LOVE coleslaw, but I can no longer eat dairy. I am so glad I found this post π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Perfect!!! xoxo
Kathy
I love slaw and this one looks fabulous.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Unhinged Mummy (aka Janine Woods)
Oh I love a good home made coleslaw so I'm definately going to have this a go. Think I will just stick to using a knife though π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
If you have mad skills and can cut that Asian pear super thin!
Sarah | Well and Full
Ooh this looks great! My mom was just asking me for some vegan recipes she can bring to a cookout this weekend so I'm definitely sending this her way π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O yes!! This one will be a showstopper π
Michelle@healthiersteps
Love the addition of the Asian pear to your recipe, sounds delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Michelle!
Sabrina
What a great recipe and I kind of love that we are on the same page too, I did a peanut slaw last week, haha. Yours looks AMAZING and I love the smokiness!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks dear! Smokey and peanut is a good combo π
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
I am a huge coleslaw fan and I am loving this twist! Sometimes they can get bogged down with the creaminess but this looks fabulous!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you Des!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit
OMG I totally remember this day!!! hahahaha π I remember you sounding a little cavalier at the time about your coleslaw battle scars, but now I know the whole story! Hate to say it, but in the battle of Rebecca vs. Mandolin I think Mandolin might've won this one π And let you walk away with your little bowl of coleslaw in exchange for you fingers. But I'm sure that coleslaw has never tasted so good as this one after all you did to make it happen π No but seriously this looks amazing!!! Coleslaw is my favorite "salad". Everything sliced all small makes it yummier. And that peanut sauce <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahahahahaha π It did win...a bit...my finger legit still hurts to the touch since the gorged out piece was so deep. But I mastered a perfect slaw!
AND the Asian pear which I promise 1837248129389x you will LOVE so much you will be forced to the love of the Asian pear π
Liz
Mmmm this looks super yummy! I love peanut anything!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Same! Thanks Liz!
Annmarie
I think I might have to make this but without the peanuts (can't have them with my elimination diet). Looks really yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Then I'd wait since...you can't sub peanuts here, haha!
Harriet Emily
Smokey and sweet flavours are my favourite!!!! I love the sound of this peanut slaw recipe, everything about it is making me so hungry right now! The pear addition is such a great idea too and perfect for that sweet crunchiness! Delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
The pear was a must! Totally the highlight with the peanut!
Ali @ Home & Plate
What a wonderful recipe. It looks healthy and delicious and perfect for a summer bbq. Pinning!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sarah
Love it! Great minds think alike, and have great taste! π I totally have to try this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Omg! Hahahahahahaha π xoxo
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Ha I've got my favorite slaw coming out next week with apples. yum this good.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Asian pear beats apple π
Debbie
I don't have a mandolin and I've always been kind of afraid of them, now I know why! The salad looks delicious though.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
But it's worth it...if you do it right!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday
I've always made vinegar-based slaws, since I'm not a huge fan of the traditional mayo-based ones, so this sounds pretty great to me. So sorry about your hands! What a sacrifice for a recipe π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A good sacrifice π Kinda...
The peanut sauce you will love!
Marye
Wow! That's a gruesome story.... but the slaw looks amazing! I love the Asian spin you put on it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It was worth it π
Sam @ PancakeWarriors
Mandolins are not allowed at my house for this very reason. I cut a huge chunk from my thumb and I was done. I am pretty proficient with a knife and would rather take the longer route than cut my hand again like this. This slaw though - omg yum! And your photos are on point girl π Love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hahahaha, I needed such thin strips and the grater would not get the right cut so...I took one for the team π Hahaha!
Thanks Sam!
Jennifer F
ack, the evil mandolinn . . . I don't use one for that reason. The slaw looks delish though!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha! It's one scary device, but it works so well!
Rachel @ Athletic Avocado
All of that crunch sounds unbelievable! The peanut sauce sounds darn good too! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Rachel!
Laura
Yes please!! I love using peanut flour in things. The perfect peanut flavour. This looks so delicious with all the cabbage. Can't wait to give it a try.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Laura! Peanut flour does come in handy!
Denise Wright
This looks so cool and delicious! I can't wait to try it.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Then go for it!