Sesame Free Ginger-Lime Fennel & Apple Slaw
Crisp, bright, and just a little unexpected, this slaw brings together paper-thin fennel, tart Granny Smith apple, and shredded cabbage in a way that feels both refreshing and genuinely crave-worthy. The dressing is where the magic happens — fresh lime juice, raw honey, grated ginger, and a pinch of turmeric come together into something zippy and golden that coats every strand beautifully. There's no tahini, no sesame oil, and no hidden sesame-based ingredients anywhere in the mix, so you can toss and serve with total confidence. A short 10-minute rest after dressing lets the vegetables soften just slightly and allows the flavors to meld, which makes a noticeable difference in the final bite. The fennel fronds scattered on top add a delicate, anise-scented finish that makes the whole bowl look as good as it tastes. This is the kind of side dish that works alongside grilled fish, tucked into tacos, or honestly just eaten straight from the bowl with a fork.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the slaw
- 1 small fennel bulb (about 12 oz), fronds reserved
- 1 medium granny smith apple, cored and julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cups green cabbage, very thinly shredded
- 3 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh fennel fronds, roughly chopped (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Halve the fennel bulb lengthwise, remove the tough outer layer and core, then use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice it paper-thin crosswise. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 2
Add the julienned apple, shredded cabbage, and scallion greens to the bowl with the fennel and toss to combine.
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