For dressing: Combine rice or white wine vinegar, soy, water, salad oil, sugar, ginger, and 5-spice powder in a screw-top jar. Cover and shake till combined. Divide mixture in half. Cover and refrigerate half the dressing (1/2 cup) for Warm Chicken Noodle Salad (see recipe).
Combine cole slaw mix, cucumber, apple and cilantro in a large bowl. Shake dressing again; drizzle over cole slaw.