Today’s recipe is a crunchy, citrusy, herb-forward slaw with just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show—fresh, bright, and comes together in 10 minutes flat.
If you’re craving something crisp, citrusy, and just the right amount of spicy, this Spicy Thai Basil Slaw is about to be your new side dish obsession. It’s light yet flavorful, bursting with fresh herbs, bright citrus, and a subtle kick from serrano pepper.
I love making this as a quick side to go alongside my Thai Basil Beef recipe.
Spciy Thai Basil Slaw
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 1 14 oz bag coleslaw mix
- 1` cup cucumber diced in ¼-inch pieces
- ½ red onion finely diced
- 1 serrano pepper seeds removed and finely sliced (sub 1–2 jalapeños depending on your heat preference)
- ¼ cup Thai basil roughly chopped (or sub regular basil if you can't find Thai basil)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
For the Dressing
- 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- juice of 2 oranges
- juice of ½ lemon
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 Tbsp coconut aminos (or soy sauce if you prefer)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
For Topping
- ~1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds or Everything But the Bagel seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the coleslaw mix, cucumber, red onion, serrano pepper, Thai basil, and cilantro
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sesame oil, citrus juices, zest, coconut aminos, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt until fully combined
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is evenly coated
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or EBTB seasoning over the top and serve immediately, or chill for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld
That’s it — a fresh, zesty slaw that proves simple really can taste special.
If you make it, I’d love to see how you serve it — tag me on Instagram (@the__modern__eclectic) or drop a comment below so I can cheer you on from my kitchen.
