Let’s talk about this healthy slaw recipe. It’s proof that sometimes, the most humble of ingredients can make for the best recipes.
Take cheap cabbage, with all of its potent antioxidants, and toss it with carrots, the humble root vegetable that is packed with beta carotene. Drizzle in a simple, garlicky lemon dressing (no mayonnaise or vinegar here). For extra texture and savory flavor, add some freshly toasted seeds to the mix. Toasting them makes all the difference.
Ta da! You have a colorful coleslaw that’s bursting with fresh flavor and amazing health benefits.
This slaw is one of my favorite simple side dishes, so I’m sharing it today with updated photos in the hopes that it recaptures your attention. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, so it’s a very easy way to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to your meals.
Of course, this slaw goes great with veggie burgers and grilled mains in the summertime. It would also be fantastic with my vegetarian chili, sandwiches of any kind, and rich meals that need something light for balance (even mac and cheese).
Healthy Coleslaw Preparation Tips
It is easier to slice cabbage on a mandoline (affiliate link) than with a sharp knife, but it certainly can be done. Be careful either way. If you’re in a hurry, buy a 12-ounce bag of pre-shredded slaw mix at the store.
For the prettiest shredded carrots, use a julienne peeler or spiralizer. If you don’t have one of those, a plain old box grater or the grating attachment on your food processor should work pretty well. Or, grab a bag of shredded carrots at the store!
Last but not least, I used three-fourths of a cup of mixed seeds here, but you could definitely get by with less. Whichever seeds you use, and however much you use, don’t skip the toasting step! Just keep an eye on those little seeds because they can turn too toasty in a blink.
Please let me know how this slaw recipe turns out for you in the comments! I’m always so eager to hear how you like my recipes.
Craving more fresh cabbage recipes? Check out these recipes:
- Peanut Slaw with Soba Noodles
- Extra Vegetable Fried Rice
- Versatile Buddha Bowl
- Mega Crunchy Romaine Salad
Simple Seedy Slaw
- Author:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 side servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: By hand
- Cuisine: American
This healthy coleslaw recipe tastes amazing! It’s made with a simple lemon dressing and features toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds. It’s gluten free and vegan, which means it’s a perfect potluck dish (you might want to double the ingredients if you’re serving a crowd). Recipe yields 4 to 6 side servings.
Ingredients
Coleslaw
- 2 cups finely sliced purple cabbage (one small cabbage will be more than plenty)
- 2 cups finely sliced green cabbage (one small cabbage will be more than plenty)
- 2 cups shredded carrots (I used store-bought shredded organic carrots, but you could also grate them on a box grater, in a food processor, or julienne the carrots with a sharp knife)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Up to ¾ cup mixed seeds (I used mostly pepitas—AKA green pumpkin seeds—and sunflower seeds, with some sesame seeds and poppy seeds)
Lemon dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 to 3 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium serving bowl, combine the prepared purple and green cabbage, carrots and parsley. Set aside.
- Measure out your seeds into a small skillet. Toast over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the seeds are fragrant and the pepitas are starting to make little popping noises. Pour the toasted seeds into the mixing bowl and toss to combine.
- To make the dressing, in a small bowl, combine the olive oil with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add the garlic, cumin and salt and whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Drizzle the dressing over the slaw and toss until all of the ingredients are lightly coated in dressing. Taste and add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice if the slaw needs a little more zip. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate to marinate for up to several hours.
Notes
Recipe adapted from The Adventurous Vegetarian Cookbook by Jane Hughes.
Storage suggestions: I like this slaw best the day it’s made, but it keeps well for several days, covered, in the refrigerator.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
onlinecakebhavna
Nice recipe for healthy life…Thank you!
★★★★★
onlinecakebhavna
Fantastic recipe for health…Thank you!
★★★★★
onlinecakebhavna
Fantastic recipe..
★★★★★
Cheryl
What a great slaw. The cumin in the dressing added great flavour. I had it with your Crispy Baked Potato wedges, a big green salad and a veggie burger.
Yum!
★★★★★
Renees Of Sharyland
Healthy food can be delicious! Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe, I’m definitely gonna try today. Can’t wait to eat this. Thank you once again!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! What did you think, Renees?
Jan Scanlan Coles
Loved this! So tasty! Thank you
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Jan!
Peter Mullin
Made this today to go along with bowtie pasta with a lemon/caper/herring sauce. I used mostly pepitas, but also added white and black sesame seeds. The toasted sesame sets off the cumin very nicely.
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Peter!
Jacquelyn
Great recipe (as usual)!!! I love the “seeds” in the slaw. The 3 colors of red & white cabbage and carrot are beautiful on the plate and livened up the beauty of my meal! I added a combo of pepitas, sunflowers, chia, and hemp seed to mine! Healthy and delicious! :)
★★★★★
Zina
So simple and so delicious. I only had green cabbage and added a chopped jalapeño and some garlic powder for an extra kick. I recently moved into a house with a great kitchen for cooking and you seem to always have the perfect recipe for what’s in my fridge!
★★★★★
Kate
Love it, Zina! Having a place you enjoy to be in and cook in is key.
Carol Thompson
I made the Simple Seed Coleslaw last night to have with fresh trout my neighbor brought over. We give it 5 stars all the way. Light, fresh, colorful, crunchy! Amazing texture and taste. It was so easy to toss together and it made a beautiful presentation. Thank you for the best recipe ever.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for the 5 stars, Carol!
Katelin Reeser
So tasty. I added a splash of apple cider vinegar for an additional bite/flavor profile. Delicious and satisfying (just like everything else on Cookie + Kate). Can’t wait to try another recipe tonight!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for your review, Katelin!
Edith
We were invited to bring a dish to friends to share for dinner. I suggested coleslaw. The hostess said fine, but no mayo. This salad was a very nice addition. Plus I just happened to have all the vegetables from my CSA farm in my frig!
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great, Edith!
Sara
I just made this for dinner with your Vegetarian Chili and it was so good! I used 1/2 cup of Pepitas and 1/4 cup Chia seeds. The combination with the Chili (which I’ve made before and we all love) is perfect. The zippy coleslaw with the hearty Chili-Yum!
Your recipes are always so delicious. I also made your granola and the apple yogurt parfait this morning from your cookbook! Loved them! It’s been a Cookie and Kate day. Perfect!
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Sara! Sounds like a great combination.
Stephany Ricci
I am so excited to make this coleslaw! The only issue I have is that I am not using any oils/fats in my eating plan. Is there some thing that I substitute in for the olive oil?
Thanks!
Kate
This dressing really needs oil to spread and taste delicious, sorry! I don’t have a good recommendation for you without knowing testing it myself.
Ruth
Do you eat avocadoes? You can always smash an avocado for your dressing. I have a kale recipe that uses it and is delightful as well.
Ruth
Smash an avocado for your dressing! It works well in a kale recipe that I use.
Maggie
Avocados are mostly fat.
Kristen
It took me about 12 minutes of prep time to put this together (didn’t toast the seeds admittedly, just threw them in) and it was delicious! I did add a splash of vinegar as another reviewer mentioned because our family loves it and it complemented the salad nicely. Would make again.
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing, Kristen! I’m glad you loved it.
Connie
Thank you for this excellent slaw! So easy to make in the food processor!! The only thing I changed was to ad a bit of honey to the dressing to make it sweet like a traditional slaw. Yum! You’re the best!!!
Kate
Thanks, Connie!
Myrtle
This was really amazing! I was looking for a vegetarian recipe to bring to a work event and it was a hit!
I eliminated the carrots and garlic and it was still very flavorful.
Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for the review, Myrtle!
Kate
You’re welcome Kattie!
Jonny
No lie: This is the best cole slaw EVER! Love the textures and flavors. Even my fairly-veggie-averse husband likes it. And I think it’s addictive. I just want to keep eating and eating it.
Jonny
Meant to leave a five-star rating!
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m so happy you think so, Jonny. If you would like to leave a star review since you loved it so much, I would appreciate it!
Kim M
This was even better than I anticipated. Definitely a keeper. Thanks for such a simple + healthy recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Kim!
Kiran D Smith
Such a simple yet tasty slaw. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Kiran!
Miriam Binder
Made this for my children and grandchildren … thumbs up from everyone
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Miriam!
NdJ
Delicious!! I wasn’t sure about the dressing when I first tasted it, but decided to trust your recipes as you have never failed me. Of course, turned out delicious and to rave reviews of my guests. Thanks for all your amazing recipes.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome!
Sandy
Thanks for the recipe! Trader Joe’s sells pre-packaged shredded green & red cabbage and shredded carrots to help cut down prep time! I also bought an extra package of shredded carrots since the package was a little sparse on carrots. Packed this for lunch and had it with a california veggie burger! <3
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Sandy! Thanks for your review.
karen
Made this last night and served it with chipotle walnut-mushroom sloppy joes. Every bite was a flavor bomb! Thanks so much for the recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Karen!
Susan Marie Snider
So fresh, light and delicious! Could eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Was a huge hit at a luncheon recently. Rave reviews! Thank you for such an easy recipe that is so yummy!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Susan!
Janet
I love how light, bright, and fresh-tasting this slaw is! Thank you for sharing.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Janet!
Merschon
Hi Kate, I’m planning to make this for a BBQ this weekend. I’m not a fan of parsley. Have you ever made it with coriander or any other herb?
Merschon
I ended up not using parsley, coriander or any herb and I added a little honey to the dressing. Love it and will make it again. Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
Cilantro would be a good sub!
Merschon
Sorry, after living in Ireland for 9 years I’m so used to saying coriander instead of cilantro. I did try a bite with cilantro, but liked it better without. And I LOVE cilantro. The slaw was a huge hit at the BBQ, I got asked for the recipe so I showed them your blog. :)
★★★★★
Dia M Mathews
What are the macros on this?
Kate
Hi Dia! The nutritional information is below the notes section of the recipe. You just need to click to expand and ensure you allow cookies in your browser!
Deepika Ojha
Healthy, delicious and yummy recipe! Thank you for sharing this
★★★★★
Priya hws
wow ! what a nice recipe
★★★★★
Heather
I just added some cilantro and then served the slaw inside some fish tacos. Excellent flavors,easy and fresh!!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks for sharing! That sounds like a great way to serve this slaw.
Ussha
I love this recipe. Both my husband and I have made it several times. It’s become our standard when we are asked to bring a salad to BBQs and parties.
★★★★★
Roni
Just fanastastic!! Used poblanos instead of bell peppers as suggested by another reviewer. My husband and I loved it, and will definitely be making this on a regular basis. Thank you so much for sharing!!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome Roni!
MissMel
Delicious & so easy. I doubled the recipe to take to a barbecue, but I didn’t need to, i ended up with plenty to spare
★★★★★
Sarah
I should have rated this forever ago. I have made this recipe so many times! It is so delicious. I recommend your blog to so many people! I have been struggling with morning sickness (all day) for months and not been able to eat anything. This week I am finally starting to feel better and have been craving this slaw. I can’t wait to make it! Thank you for all the hard work you put in to your recipes. I almost feel guilty that I can use these for free! I guess I need to go buy your cookbook to ease my conscience ;-)
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you are starting to feel better, Sarah! Thanks for your comment and review.
Fran Kearns
This has become one of our kitchen standards. There is almost always some in the fridge. In addition to using it as a salad (we tuck some arugula underneath), we often use it as a side dish or condiment. I top my lunch salad with it and one of my sons uses it on his rice bowl. It is sooooo good. We appreciate that so many of your recipes use healthy whole plant ingredients and taste yummy. Thank you, Kate and Cookie!
★★★★★
Freya
Hi Kate,
I just wanted to comment and let you know that I loved your coleslaw recipe. I’ve featured it on my ‘antioxidant challenge recipe roundup’ list.
Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Alice
This was easy, vibrant, fresh, and tasty. I loved it. A feast for the eyes first. My DH loves pickled cabbage but didn’t care for this recipe, which surprised me. Can you suggest another spice or herb to try instead of cumin that plays well with the cabbage? I halved the recipe’s cumin, but he still found it too cumin-y.
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Alice! You can just omit, if you like.
Joy Randall
Thanks Kate!! I’ve never posted a comment on a cooking blog before and never been a fan of slaw and here I am! This recipe is going to be new go – to for preparing something yummy with raw cabbage. So delicious and healthy. Nice work!
★★★★★
Anju Mehta
A really tasty and healthy coleslaw! So easy to put together too! My family loved it!
★★★★★
Pratheesh
Awesome indeed. Such a beautiful looking, yummy, filling salad. Thank you so much.
★★★★★
sharon
it’s delicious thanks! now that I discovered this one, I’m excited to check out your other recipes :)
★★★★★
Peyton
I’m not a huge fan of cumin. Any suggestions for a different spice in the dressing?
Kate
Hi Peyton, you could omit or use a spice that you do prefer in place of the cumin. I wouldn’t know without trying it, sorry! I prefer cumin in these situations.
Kari Chandler
We had an over abundance of cabbage and was looking for a slaw with no mayo. This was perfect! Fresh, delicious, easy and everyone loved it. Thank you for providing such delicious recipes that I can count on tasting as good as they look and sound!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful to hear, Kari! Thank you for your review.
Gayle
My husband and I love this simple seedy slaw. I’ve made it 2 times in the last 3weeks. This time I made the whole recipe and we still have some left over from last week. Given that it’s made with oil & lemon as the base of the dressing, I’m assuming that the slaw is still safe to eat. I appreciate your opinion about how long the slaw stays fresh in the fridge. Thanks
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Gayle!
Andrea
I found out I needed to bring a salad to the family backyard Memorial Day barbeque yesterday, but I didn’t have traditional greens on hand and obviously didn’t want to make a trip to the store outside our regular one. I searched your site and wasn’t disappointed. I put this together quickly and the grill master said it was perfect with the barbeque.
★★★★★
Sara O.
Yum! I did add a bit more lemon juice and a pinch more salt and it was perfect. Gorgeous too!
★★★★★
Gail
I tried the recipe as written and used 1/2 cup of seeds. It was delicious. I am thinking of adding some caraway seeds. Wondering what you think about that and if they should be toasted first. The fine slicing blade on my food processor perfectly shredded the cabbage.
★★★★★
Kate
Sure you could add them! I can’t say I have had them toasted before. Let me know if you try it, Gail.
Liz Hapworth
This is awesome! I didn’t know how delicious cumin is. Oh, I added pine nuts and hubby has a new favorite. Thanks so much.
★★★★★
Meagan Sambell
This coleslaw is so bright and fresh due to the oil based dressing. I have made this numerous times and have recommended it to other family members who have made it and loved it also.
★★★★★
Nancy
Wow! What a great slaw. Easy and fantastic taste, the cumin was the perfect addition to make it special. My husband said he could just eat this and not the rest of the BBQ Dinner that I made. Just love your recipes and your book is my #1 choice to cook from since June.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m delighted to hear my cookbook is a number one choice for you! Thank you for your support and review, Nancy.
Donna
This is excellent! So easy and refreshing. My favorite coleslaw recipe.
★★★★★
Dardi
So far one of my all-time favorites! Super easy to make and loved the flavor. It was a great support to help me stay up with my health and eating goals, it’s a “make ahead and grab-and-go” type salad, exactly what I needed.
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great to hear this one is a favorite, Dardi! I appreciate your review.
Nicole
This was lovely, it’s a very unique and atypical slaw recipe. I used all green cabbage as I don’t have purple at the moment, and added a small handful each of sliced green onion and dried currants (I think golden raisins would go well too, maybe next time).
★★★★
Amelia
I usually abhor cumin, but I trusted your combo and YUM. Adjusted to ingredients on hand and still turned out awesome THANK YOU!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m glad you loved it.
Alex
This is my #1 dish to bring to a barbeque. I like to thinly slice red bell peppers and granny smith apples to add to the mix. A heavy sprinkle of sesame seeds is also a great plus. So so so good.
★★★★★
Cristiane C buntin
I have been making this salad weekly now and it is a win win for my family! Thanks for always sharing the best and easiest recipes. I am enjoying a freshly made one as I write this message!
★★★★★
Kate
I love that you have been making it weekly! Thank you for sharing, Cristiane.
Deb
Hello Kate,I’m new to your web site and boy I’m liking what I see, even though I’m Gluten Free. I do have a quick question regarding your cole slaw; on the nutritional facts it states 6 servings @ 214 calories, etc. Is that referring to 214 calories for the whole batch or for 1/6 of the batch? 214 sounds high for 1/6 but 36 calories seems low. Thanks so much. I’m excited to try more of your recipes. PS. LOVED this coleslaw!!!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi! Here is more on my nutritional information. I try to provide as accurate as I can, but they are estimates. The information is per serving.
Dana
This. Was. AMAZING! I read the dressing recipe and didn’t expect a whole lot. It was good as just the slaw and dressing but once those toasted seeds were added in (I used pumpkin and sunflower because we always have them on hand) it just brought it to a whole new level. I’m not even ashamed that I ate 3 helpings and then told everyone they weren’t allowed the leftovers tomorrow LOL!
I’m so excited that I have tons of cabbage leftover to make this all week!
★★★★★
Dana
This. Was. AMAZING! I read the dressing recipe and didn’t expect a whole lot. It was good as just the slaw and dressing but once those toasted seeds were added in (I used pumpkin and sunflower because we always have them on hand) it just brought it to a whole new level. I’m not even ashamed that I ate 3 helpings and then told everyone they weren’t allowed the leftovers tomorrow LOL! Paired it with a smoked brisket and some steamed corn. It was an off-the-charts meal for sure!
I’m so excited that I have tons of cabbage leftover to make this all week!
★★★★★
Amanda B
Perfect recipe. Healthy, natural and tasty. Have been making a big batch every week to use on jacket potatoes, to have as a side salad, on ryvita etc. Very versatile and keeps well is the fridge. Thanks so much for sharing!
★★★★★
Melanie
Really enjoyed this slaw! Added chickpeas and feta to make it a little more substantial for a light lunch. Yum! Thank you for another delicious and healthy recipe!
Claudia Stahl
I tried this as is and it’s crisp and delicious. The lemon juice in the dressing makes it really refreshing. The seeds make it perfect. I’ve made double batches and shared with neighbors. Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Claudia.
Kin walden
add broccoli rappini thin sliced and add apple organic honeycrisp sliced toothpick style. add red kale then it will be supreme. Top with poppy dressing organic and it will be even better.
Lynn Rogers
Love this cole slaw recipe! I’ve made it twice this week, leaving out the fresh parsley since I did not have any. It was delicious even without it! I like it with the 3 T of fresh lemon juice. I much prefer this cole slaw over a traditional coleslaw with mayonnaise.
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great to hear, Lynn! Thank you for your review.
sarah
How long does the slaw stay good for?
Kate
I like this slaw best the day it’s made, but it keeps well for several days, covered, in the refrigerator.
Kari
Delicious!! Love the seeds. My whole family liked it!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing, Kari.
Eva Butler
Kate, your act is first class and I greatly appreciate the craft and care you extend in your offered recipes. I’ve been shifting to a plant-based diet for health and eco reasons over the past two years. You make that shift easier and more rewarding with your recipes. I don’t “follow” or subscribe to any other cooks but you have earned my attention and my loyalty. I’m sure my life is not the only one you’ve touched. Thank you so much.
Kate
I’m delighted to hear you think so, Eva! Thank you for your kind words.
Annah
Amazing recipe
★★★★★
Jenny
I make this salad again and again! Sometimes I don’t have the seeds on hand and found that I love it even without the seeds. Thank you Kate!
★★★★★
Kate
I love it! Thank you for sharing, Jenny.
Colleen Spencer
Nice twist to coleslaw. Like the added touch with the seeds. No mayo dressing is delicious as well.
Thanks for the new recipe
★★★★★