We often don’t give coleslaw enough credit. It shows up around bbq season as a potluck companion, weaving in and out of our spring and summer evenings without much fuss: neither a fan favourite, nor a neglected dish.
When asked about coleslaw, most just shrug with a bit of a “meh” approach.
Poor coleslaw.

Let me attempt to change your thoughts on coleslaw, my friend.

There’s a few ways to “do” coleslaw.

#1: Dump out a plastic bag of pre chopped cabbage and squeeze on top some kind of goopy dressing containing weird ingredients coming from a weird package .
#2: Buy a head of cabbage, shred it, add mayo + celery salt + lemon and call it coleslaw.
#3: Put a little thought and time into your coleslaw making: finely shred cabbage by hand, add a few other tasty vegetables, some fresh herbs, and create a delicious & health supportive dressing that serves both your body AND your taste buds 😋

In general, the more you put in to your food, the more you will get out of it.
And a little effort can really go a long long way!

What I love about this recipe is that it’s versatile, but also a bit more interesting than your average bag + dressing coleslaw 😉. I’ve tossed in some shredded kale and fresh herbs for green, added flavour, but also to increase the nutrient quotient of the dish. The dressing is practically a nutrient powerhouse all on its own, with fermented coconut milk, cashews, fresh lemon, apple cider vinegar, and garlic!

What’s in it for you?

Cabbage: anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, supports digestion, cardiovascular function & boosts immunity. High in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, folate, and Vitamin C.
Kale: supports healthy skin & hair, improves digestion, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, improves vision and is anticancer. High in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, Vitamin C, A, & K, and folate.
Coconut Kefir: detoxifying, promotes healthy gut bacteria & improved digestion, reduces inflammation, supports liver & brain health, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-candida, and supports a strong immune system.
Lemon: improves heart health, prevents kidney stones, reduces indigestion, detoxifying, promotes healthy teeth, hair, & skin. High in Vitamin C, calcium, & potassium.

Creamy Vegan Coleslaw with Tangy Cashew Dressing

Ingredients:
Serves 8 - 12
1 large head of green cabbage, shredded thin
1/2 large head of purple cabbage, shredded thin
1 bunch of lacinato kale, stemmed & chopped thin
3-4 large carrots, peeled and grated
1/2 bunch of parsley, chopped
1/2 bunch of dill or cilantro, chopped
1 bunch of green onions, diced
1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
Dressing:
1/2 cup cashews, soaked overnight (see note)
1 cup coconut kefir or yogourt (preferably homemade - will post a recipe for this soon!)
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp Dijon
1 tsp salt
1 tsp onion powder
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh pepper
2 tsp maple syrup for a sweeter dressing (optional)

Prep the salad by preparing all ingredients, except sunflower seeds, and tossing them in a very large bowl.
For the dressing, combine all ingredients in your high speed blender and combine until smooth.
Toss the salad with the dressing until evenly distributed and well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Before serving, add in your toasted sunflower seeds and garnish with more fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!