Cabbage + Carrot Slaw with Maple Apple Cider Dressing

A crisp, colorful slaw is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making it the perfect side dish or meal topper.

Why I Love This Recipe

This slaw is vibrant, crunchy, and full of flavor! It's a nutrient-packed way to bring life to your meals. The combination of red and green cabbage, shredded carrots, herbs, and seeds delivers powerful antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fats that support hormone health, detoxification, and digestion.

The maple apple cider dressing ties everything together with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. It’s simple to make, keeps beautifully in the fridge, and pairs with everything from grilled protein to lentil soup.

The Recipe

For the Slaw

• ½ medium head purple cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups)

• ½ medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups)

• 2 heaping cups shredded carrots

• 1 cup finely chopped cilantro

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)

• ½ cup sliced green onion (green part only)

• ½ cup pumpkin seeds

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1–2 tbsp pure maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• ½ tsp sea salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Combine the slaw: Add all the slaw ingredients except the almonds and pepitas to a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.

3. Toss and chill: Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavours meld together.

5. Finish + serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted almonds and pepitas, toss again, and serve chilled.

Storage

• Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge

• Best served cold after marinating for full flavour

Why This Slaw Matters

1. Hormone + Liver Support

Cabbage and carrots are rich in fibre and sulfur compounds that support estrogen detoxification and liver health.

2. Anti-Inflammatory + Antioxidant-Rich

Purple cabbage, cilantro, and olive oil deliver antioxidants that help lower inflammation and support cell health.

3. Blood Sugar Balance

Maple syrup provides gentle sweetness, balanced by healthy fats from olive oil, almonds, and pepitas.

4. Digestive Support

Raw cabbage and vinegar naturally stimulate digestion and bile flow, while fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria.

5. Mineral-Rich Crunch

Pepitas and almonds add magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E — key nutrients for stress resilience and hormone balance.

Approximate Nutrition per 1 Cup Serving

• Calories: ~110 kcal

• Protein: ~3 g

• Fat: ~7 g

• Carbohydrates: ~10 g

• Fibre: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~5 g

• Sodium: ~120 mg

  
  

How to Enjoy It

• As a side for grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu

• Topped on tacos, grain bowls, or wraps for crunch and colour

• With lentil soup or chili for a light, fresh contrast

• On its own as a fiber-rich lunch or detox-friendly meal

Final Thoughts

This slaw is one of those bright, versatile dishes that elevate any meal. It’s crunchy, satisfying, and full of ingredients that truly serve your health — proof that simple food can be deeply healing.

We’re playing the long game. Small changes. Big outcomes. Real health.

Your partner in health and longevity,

Stacie Mylonas, RHN