Nightshade Free Cilantro-Lime Zucchini Herb Slaw
This bright, herby slaw is the kind of side dish that makes everything on the plate feel more alive. Shredded zucchini stands in for the usual base, giving you tender, delicate strands that soak up the citrusy dressing beautifully alongside crisp ribbons of red cabbage. The dressing itself is a simple whisk-together situation — olive oil, fresh lime juice, a touch of honey, cumin, and turmeric — and it comes together in under a minute with serious flavor payoff. Avoiding nightshades can make slaws and fresh sides tricky since tomatoes and peppers are such common go-tos, but this recipe leans hard into herbs, citrus, and warm spice instead, and you genuinely don't miss a thing. The technique of salting and squeezing the zucchini first is a small but crucial step that keeps the slaw from turning watery, so every bite stays crisp and well-dressed. A handful of pumpkin seeds scattered on top at the end adds a satisfying crunch and makes it feel finished enough to serve at a dinner party or a casual weeknight spread. Fresh, vibrant, and completely produce-driven, this one earns a permanent spot in the rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb total), trimmed
- 2 cups red cabbage, very thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
Can be omittedjalapeño
For the dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Using the large holes of a box grater or a julienne peeler, shred the zucchini into long strands into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, toss briefly, and let stand for 10 minutes, then squeeze the zucchini firmly in your hands or in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. Return the squeezed zucchini to the bowl.
- 2
Add the red cabbage, cilantro, mint, scallion greens, and jalapeño, if using, to the bowl with the zucchini and toss to combine.
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