Sure, the main meal is the centerpiece of the plate, but the side dishes can also be the primary attraction. Case in point: Seattle Teriyaki Restaurant Coleslaw. This coleslaw is a terrific recipe to keep on hand and a great twist on a typical summer side dish. It doesn’t need you to cut up a million different vegetables, and the dressing is a no-fuss pleasure bursting with nuanced savory tastes.

When you order chicken teriyaki in Seattle, it comes with the standard rice, but it also includes this side salad. Packed into a clamshell box, the salad is normally somewhat cooked and warmed by the other items, but it is an essential accompaniment to chicken teriyaki. Fortunately, this handmade version is crispy with a satisfying bite. This Seattle Teriyaki Restaurant Coleslaw dish serves as a creamy crunchy accompaniment to sticky sweet sauce chicken and steaming rice.

Its chilled creamy dressing combines sweet, sour, and umami elements to create a unique coleslaw. The dressing ingredients are shockingly basic, requiring no elaborate preparation. The sweetness from the sugar is balanced by the creaminess of the mayonnaise and the earthiness of the soy sauce and rice vinegar. After whisking together all of the dressing ingredients, pour it over the thinly sliced cabbage.

This is an excellent make-ahead side dish during the summer. You can prepare it ahead of time, set it aside, and then proceed with the rest of the meal. When served with chicken teriyaki and a massive pile of white rice, you get a taste of a regional classic. The cabbage is strong, so you can create this side dish ahead of time, wrap it, and refrigerate it without losing its texture.

In fact, this Seattle Teriyaki Restaurant Coleslaw tastes better the next day since the dressing has more time to soak into the cabbage. This refreshing, creamy veggie nibble will keep you coming back for more. It’s almost like a palate cleanser when contrasted with rich meats and carb-heavy sides. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to traditional coleslaw again!