Healthy Slaw Recipe: A Delicious and Nutritious Side Dish
This healthy slaw recipe is a perfect side dish for any occasion. It's packed with fresh vegetables, a light and tangy dressing, and is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or even a light lunch. It's also highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the dressing to your taste!
Ingredients for the Best Healthy Slaw
- 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 large carrot, shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley, if you prefer)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh bell pepper (any color you like!)
For the Healthy Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness and body)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the Vegetables: Wash and thoroughly dry all your vegetables. Thinly slice the cabbage, shred the carrot, and finely slice the red onion. Chop the cilantro and bell pepper. The finer you chop, the better the slaw will combine.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Combine and Toss: Add the prepared vegetables to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly. Make sure all the vegetables are nicely coated for optimal flavor.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. But honestly, it's delicious immediately, too!
Tips for a Super Healthy Slaw
- Add Protein: For a more substantial side dish, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Boost the Nutrients: Incorporate other healthy vegetables like shredded broccoli, shredded Brussels sprouts, or chopped cucumber.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Make it Creamy: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or avocado can add creaminess to the dressing without added fat.
- Get Creative with Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, mint, or even a little bit of Thai basil for unique flavor profiles.
Why this Healthy Slaw Recipe is the Best
This slaw recipe is not just delicious; it's also a powerhouse of nutrients. Cabbage is packed with vitamins C and K, while carrots are a great source of beta-carotene. The vinaigrette provides healthy fats and antioxidants. This recipe is a winner for a healthy and refreshing side dish!
This recipe is easily adaptable to dietary needs. For example, by removing honey, you can create a vegan slaw; similarly, by substituting the apple cider vinegar, you can adjust the recipe to suit different preferences.
