Healthy Slaw is a fresh, no-mayo side packed with crunchy veggies, herbs, pepitas, and lemon dressing. Serve it with dinner or pile it on tacos!
Author’s Notes
My Brand-New “Glow-Up” Slaw
Ever since finalizing the recipe for this Ribbon Carrot Salad, I’ve made it countless times. It has become such a staple for me because I genuinely love it, but I also just feel so good after eating it.
One of the things that initially hooked me when carrot salads started going viral all over social media was the whole “eat your skincare” idea. There’s only so much skincare products can do if you aren’t also nourishing your body from within, and that’s something I’ve become much more conscious of as I’ve gotten older, haha.
So I thought I’d change things up and create a similar healthy slaw to help nourish from the inside out. I’m calling it “Glow-Up Slaw” because there really is some truth behind the name. It’s packed with crunchy vegetables, herbs, and pepitas, then tossed in a bright lemon dressing. It’s colorful, energizing, and one of those dishes that just makes you feel good while you’re eating it.
Healthy Slaw Ingredients
| Ingredient | Let’s Chat About It |
|---|---|
| Purple and green cabbage | Slice very thinly with a sharp knife or mandoline for the best texture. The thinner the shreds, the better this healthy slaw is! |
| Carrots | Use freshly shredded carrots for better flavor and crunch than pre-shredded carrots. I use this tool to create those fun, thin shreds. |
| Cilantro or parsley, and jalapeño | Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat, or leave some in for a spicier slaw. |
| Pepitas | Use roasted and salted pepitas, and add them just before serving to keep them crunchy in this healthy slaw. |
| Dressing ingredients | Shake everything together in a jar until emulsified, then adjust the salt and lemon to taste. |
Chelsea’s Notes
Serve This Healthy Slaw With:
- As a fresh side with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or salmon
- Piled onto tacos, especially fish, shrimp, chicken, or pork tacos
- On sandwiches, sliders, wraps, or pulled pork
- As a light lunch topped with chicken, chickpeas, and avocado (so good!)
- At potlucks, picnics, and cookouts (it’s great in the heat since it is mayo-free)
Storage
Store this healthy slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best crunch, keep the dressing and pepitas separate and add them just before serving.
More Favorite Salads & Sides:
Healthy Slaw
Video
Equipment
- Large bowl plus tongs
- Wide-mouth Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 3 cups finely sliced purple cabbage see note 1
- 3 cups finely sliced green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded carrots see note 2
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (pack into the measuring cup to get the right amount, then chop)
- 1 jalapeño seeded & finely diced, optional
- 3/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas
Instructions
- In a wide-mouth mason jar, combine the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Alternatively, whisk everything together in a small bowl.
- Add the purple cabbage, green cabbage, carrots, cilantro or parsley, jalapeño, and pepitas to a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss really well with tongs until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the most crunch, or chill for 15 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly. Toss right before serving.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I liked how easy this was to make as a side dish (as they should all be!) the crunch from the pepitas was a nice textural change. I opted to keep the jalapeños on the side because of my toddler but it was a nice choose your own adventure for us 😅
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And yes, side dishes should always be easy! Love that you kept the jalapeños on the side too, such a perfect choose-your-own-adventure option with little ones!
The best slaw i’ve ever had! I want it on everything!
I’m so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Bryan!