Tree Nut Free Cilantro-Lime Zucchini Herb Slaw
This vibrant slaw is a riot of color and freshness — shredded zucchini, jewel-toned red cabbage, and a generous handful of both cilantro and mint come together in a way that feels light but genuinely satisfying. The dressing is where things get interesting: bright lime juice and zest, a whisper of honey, and warm spices like cumin and turmeric give it a complexity that goes way beyond your average coleslaw. Salting and squeezing the zucchini before tossing everything together is the move that keeps the slaw crisp rather than watery, so don't skip that step. Optional jalapeño adds a gentle kick if you're into heat, and a scatter of pumpkin seeds at the end brings just enough crunch and nuttiness without any tree nuts in sight. It's naturally free of almonds, cashews, and the rest of that family — no swaps or substitutions needed, just clean, whole ingredients from start to finish. Serve it immediately for maximum crunch, or let it chill briefly in the fridge to let the flavors meld even further. This one works beautifully alongside grilled proteins, tucked into tacos, or honestly just eaten straight from the bowl.
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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)
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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