In the culinary world, some recipes stand the test of time not because of their complexity, but their sheer simplicity and unwavering deliciousness. This Shredded Savoy Cabbage and Carrot Slaw, tossed in a vibrant, creamy, and entirely oil-free Russian Dressing, is a prime example. Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional coleslaw; this mayo-free, sour cream-free marvel is poised to become your new go-to side dish, offering a fresh perspective on a classic.
Picture a salad that is not only crisp and bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile and effortlessly easy to prepare. This slaw embodies all these qualities and more. It’s the culinary equivalent of a little black dress – perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant potlucks. Its plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free nature means it caters to almost every dietary preference, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge in this delightful, tangy creation.
Discover the Unmatched Appeal of Our Creamy Cabbage Carrot Slaw
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from mastering a simple yet profoundly flavorful salad. Slaws, in particular, offer a forgiving canvas for creativity, and this recipe takes coleslaw to an entirely new level. My passion for slaw, especially creamy variations without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise, led to the development of this unique dish. It’s a revelation for those seeking a healthier, lighter alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
The secret weapon in this recipe is undoubtedly the homemade, oil-free, vegan Russian Dressing. Since perfecting this incredible dressing, it has found its way onto countless dishes, but its pairing with the crispness of savoy cabbage and sweet carrots remains an unparalleled favorite. While my vegan wedge salad with shiitake bacon is a close second, this particular slaw with Russian dressing wins out for its exceptional ease and speed, often coming together in under 10 minutes – sometimes even as quickly as 5! This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, proving that quick prep doesn’t have to mean sacrificing gourmet taste. This slaw truly stands on its own, capable of rivaling any coleslaw recipe you’ve encountered.
Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Slaw
Crafting an exceptional slaw begins with understanding your ingredients. While this recipe is remarkably forgiving, selecting the right components and preparing them thoughtfully will elevate your final dish from good to truly extraordinary.
- Cabbage: Savoy cabbage is highly recommended for its delicate, crinkled leaves and tender texture, which absorb the dressing beautifully. Both the round and elongated varieties work perfectly. However, don’t hesitate to use any green cabbage, including Napa cabbage, if Savoy isn’t available. Each will yield a delicious slaw, though the texture might vary slightly. Ensure it’s thinly sliced for the best mouthfeel.
- Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are key. They add a touch of natural sweetness and vibrant color, creating a wonderful contrast with the cabbage. When preparing, aim for long, thin strips, which can be achieved with a julienne peeler, a box grater, or careful knife work.
- Pickles: The pickles are a critical component of authentic Russian dressing, lending a distinctive tangy and savory note. I personally adore dill pickles for their crisp texture and robust flavor, making them my first choice. Feel free to use your favorite type of pickles; just ensure they are chopped finely to integrate seamlessly into the dressing.
- Tahini: This rich sesame paste is the hero of our oil-free dressing, providing incredible creaminess and a subtle nutty depth. Look for high-quality tahini brands that list only one ingredient: sesame seeds. For optimal consistency, store unopened jars upside down in your pantry to help redistribute the oils. Always stir tahini very well before its first use, aiming for a smooth, drippy consistency throughout the jar.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of pure maple syrup balances the tanginess of the dressing, adding a natural, wholesome sweetness without refined sugars. Adjust the amount to your personal preference for sweetness.
- Low Sodium Tamari: This gluten-free alternative to soy sauce brings a crucial umami depth to the dressing. Opt for low sodium versions to better control the overall saltiness of your dish. If gluten is not a concern, regular low-sodium soy sauce can be substituted.
- Tomato Paste: Beyond contributing to the classic reddish hue of Russian dressing, tomato paste adds a concentrated, savory sweetness and richness, deepening the flavor profile of the dressing.
- Shallots: Minced shallots offer a milder, more delicate onion flavor compared to regular onions, providing an aromatic base that enhances the complexity of the dressing without overpowering it.
Crafting Your Delightful Slaw: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this healthy and flavorful slaw is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant dish to life in minutes.
1. Prepare the Cabbage: Begin by cutting your chosen cabbage in half, ensuring you slice right through the core. Reserve one half for another recipe or future use. Take the remaining half and cut it into quarters, again through the core. Lay each quarter cut-side down on a sturdy cutting board and thinly slice it into fine strips. Aim for consistent, delicate shreds for the best texture in your slaw. Stop slicing once you reach the tough, woody core.
2. Prepare the Carrots: Thoroughly scrub your carrot and trim off both ends. For beautiful, long, and super-thin strips, use a julienne peeler. Alternatively, the larger holes on the side of a box grater can be used, or you can carefully slice them thinly with a sharp knife. Once prepared, combine the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots in a large mixing bowl.
3. Combine Base Vegetables: Place the finely shredded cabbage and julienned carrots into a large, sturdy mixing bowl, ready for the dressing.
Mastering the Oil-Free Russian Dressing
The star of this slaw is undoubtedly its rich, tangy, and surprisingly creamy Russian dressing. Follow these steps to create this flavor-packed condiment.
4. Whisk the Base: In a small bowl, combine the tahini, maple syrup, and tamari. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well incorporated. This forms the creamy, umami-rich base of your dressing.
5. Add Tomato Paste: Slowly incorporate the tomato paste into the tahini mixture. Continue whisking until it’s fully blended, creating a thick, pasty, and uniformly colored base. This step ensures an even distribution of flavor and color.
6. Adjust Consistency: Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time, into the dressing. Continue whisking until you achieve a smooth, uniform, and pourable consistency. The amount of water may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your tahini.
7. Incorporate Flavorful Additions: Stir the diced pickles, pickle juice, and minced shallots into the dressing mixture using a spatula. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a pinch of salt or a touch more maple syrup depending on your preference. If the dressing is still too thick for your liking, add one additional tablespoon of water and mix again.
8. Dress the Slaw: Pour about half of the prepared Russian dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots in the large mixing bowl. Start with half, as you can always add more to achieve your desired level of creaminess and flavor.
9. Mix Thoroughly: Using tongs or a large spoon, mix the slaw ingredients thoroughly until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated with the rich Russian dressing. Ensure every strand is kissed with flavor.
10. Garnish and Serve: If desired, add more dressing to taste and mix again. For a beautiful presentation and a hint of fresh flavor, garnish your creamy slaw with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving immediately. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Your Best Slaw
Even the simplest recipes benefit from a few expert insights. These tips will ensure your Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Russian Dressing is perfect every time, whether you’re prepping ahead or serving fresh.
- Meal Prep Mastery: To make meal prep a breeze, you can shred the cabbage and julienne the carrots up to 5 days in advance. Store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the vegetables fresh and crisp, ready to be combined at a moment’s notice.
- Dressing Longevity: The homemade oil-free Russian dressing is robust and keeps exceptionally well. Prepare it up to a week in advance and store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. A quick whisk or shake before use will bring it back to perfect consistency.
- Serve Fresh and Crisp: The golden rule for any great slaw is to wait to dress the cabbage and carrots until just before you’re ready to serve. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and ensures maximum crunch and freshness with every bite.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing before mixing it with the vegetables. Adjust the seasoning as needed – a little more maple syrup for sweetness, an extra splash of pickle juice for tang, or a pinch of salt can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your palate!
- Uniform Shredding for Texture: The texture of your slaw heavily relies on the consistency of your shredded cabbage and carrots. Aim for uniformly thin strips. This not only makes the slaw more pleasant to eat but also allows the dressing to coat every piece evenly, ensuring a burst of flavor in each mouthful.
Elevate Your Meals with This Versatile Slaw
This creamy Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Oil-Free Russian Dressing is more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary chameleon that adapts to almost any meal. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch make it an excellent accompaniment to a wide array of main courses. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled proteins, be it plant-based burgers, BBQ chicken, or even flaky fish. It’s fantastic piled high on sandwiches or wraps, adding a fresh, tangy kick. Consider it a vibrant component in your next taco night, or a refreshing topping for grain bowls. Its naturally healthy profile makes it a guilt-free indulgence that complements everything from hearty stews to light summer salads, proving that a truly great side can often steal the show.
Customizations and Variations for Endless Enjoyment
While the classic Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Russian Dressing is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent base for various customizations. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to make the recipe truly your own:
- Nutty Add-ins: For an extra layer of crunch and richness, consider adding a handful of toasted pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. These complement the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Fruity Twists: A scattering of dried cranberries or raisins can introduce a lovely sweet-tart note, while finely diced apple or pear can add freshness and a different texture.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes whisked into the dressing will add a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Explore Other Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to just cabbage and carrots. Incorporate other thinly sliced or shredded vegetables like red cabbage for added color, bell peppers for a sweet crunch, or even broccoli slaw mix for a denser texture. Kohlrabi, finely julienned, also makes a fantastic addition.
- Herbaceous Freshness: Beyond the suggested parsley, experiment with other fresh herbs like finely chopped cilantro or chives for different aromatic undertones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Our Creamy Slaw
- Can I use regular green cabbage instead of Savoy?
- Yes, absolutely! While Savoy cabbage offers a slightly softer texture and frilly leaves, any green cabbage (including Napa) will work wonderfully. The key is to shred it thinly for the best bite and ensure a consistent texture.
- How long does this slaw last in the refrigerator?
- Undressed shredded cabbage and carrots can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days, maintaining their crispness. The oil-free Russian dressing can be prepared up to a week in advance and kept in a sealed jar. Once the slaw has been dressed, it is best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain its optimal crisp texture. Beyond that, the vegetables will start to soften.
- Is this recipe truly oil-free?
- Yes, this recipe is crafted to be completely oil-free. The incredible creaminess of the dressing comes from tahini, a sesame seed paste, which provides healthy fats naturally without any added oils. This makes it a great option for those looking to reduce their oil intake.
- Can I make this nut-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free. Tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, provides the creaminess without the use of nuts. If you have severe nut allergies, always double-check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they were not processed in facilities that also handle nuts, to prevent cross-contamination.
- My dressing is too thick, what should I do?
- The consistency of tahini can vary between brands. If your dressing turns out too thick after combining all ingredients, simply add an additional tablespoon of water at a time, whisking well after each addition, until you achieve your desired pourable and creamy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat, but thin enough to mix easily.
- Can I prepare the vegetables using a food processor?
- Yes, a food processor with a shredding disc can significantly speed up the preparation of the cabbage and carrots. Be careful not to over-process, as you want shredded pieces, not mush. Process in batches if necessary to ensure even shredding.
The Recipe: Creamy Cabbage & Carrot Slaw with Oil-Free Russian Dressing
Cabbage & Carrot Slaw with Russian Dressing
Simple savoy cabbage and carrot slaw is elevated with a creamy, vegan, oil-free Russian dressing. You can make this entire salad in under 10 minutes for a tangy, tasty, delicious and plant-based side dish.
Author: Debra Klein
Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 10 mins
Course: Salad | Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 | Calories: 97 kcal
Equipment
- julienne peeler
Ingredients
- ½ head savoy cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
Russian Dressing
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon low sodium tamari
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 shallot minced
- 3 tablespoon pickles diced small
- 2 tablespoon pickle juice
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Cut cabbage through the core into halves. Put one half away for another time and then cut the other half, through the core into quarters. Lay cut side down on a cutting board and thinly slice.
- Use a julienne peeler or the side of a box grater to shred the carrot. Place shredded cabbage and carrot in a bowl.
Make the Russian Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, maple syrup and tamari. Then add the tomato paste and continue to whisk. Pour in 1 tablespoon water, whisk to incorporate. Then add the remaining tablespoon water and mix well.
- Cut the pickles into small pieces, and mince the shallot. Use a spatula to incorporate pickles, pickle juice and shallots into the tahini mixture.
- You may need another tablespoon water to thin the dressing to a pourable consistency, or it may be just right as is.
- Pour ½ the dressing over slaw and mix well. Use more dressing if desired, or pass it around for those who like more.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 811IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.