October 20, 2014
(last updated December 27, 2023) 
This colorful, crunchy turmeric slaw is a celebration of plant-powered nutrition! Cabbage, carrots, collard greens, sprouts, and cilantro are brought together by a golden-hued turmeric tahini dressing. The slaw is a perfect accompaniment to sandwiches, wraps, soups, whole grains, and noodle dishes.
Turmeric is without a doubt one of my favorite seasonings.
This spice, which comes from the curcuma longa plant, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric has been used medicinally for centuries. Contemporary nutrition literature is chock full of papers on turmeric, its primary compound, curcumin, and its therapeutic potential.
Most recently, I read an article about an in vitro study suggesting that turmeric can help to mitigate inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease. And it’s not the only study of its kind; numerous studies have linked turmeric to a potential reduction of IBD activity.
One tends to see turmeric used primarily in tofu scramble, soups, stews, and curries. I like to use it in other, more offbeat applications, too. A favorite? My turmeric and pumpkin seed pate.
Also delightful (and perfect for this time of year) is my turmeric milk, warmed up on the stove:
And finally, my anti-inflammatory turmeric tahini dressing, which is a reader favorite.
And you’ll see a slight variation of this dressing put to happy use in tonight’s recipe, a gorgeously colorful and nutrient dense turmeric slaw.
This slaw is a perfect way to use up your seasonal bags of carrots and cabbage from the market, and to squeeze in whatever sprouts you’re growing or finding locally. The moment I tasted it, I loved it, and I hope you will, too.
Colorful, Crunchy Turmeric Slaw
Author –Yields: 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups lightly packed, shredded carrot (300g)
- 3 cups lightly packed, thinly sliced or shredded red cabbage (150g)
- 2 cups packed, stemmed and very thinly sliced collard greens or lacinato kale (30g)
- 1 cup sunflower sprouts (optional)
- 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves and stems (optional; omit if you don't like cilantro)
- 1 batch turmeric tahini dressing
- 1/4 cup shelled hemp hearts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine all of the slaw ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Toss them with about 2/3 cup dressing, or enough to coat the slaw well without turning it soggy. (Use your judgment!)
- Serve, garnished with nuts or seeds if you like.
Just look at all of the color. To amp up the green, try adding more sprouts, more fresh herbs, or even a cup or two of shredded greens. Kale and collards would work really well here.
This is an ideal side dish, but it also makes a great salad component. Tonight, I had a heaping cup of my leftovers over a bed of arugula, and I topped all of that off with a heaping cup of quinoa, some sweet potato, and a few tablespoons of hemp seeds.
The slaw would also be great with a hot bowl of soup, stuffed into a tasty veggie wrap, or as a side dish for vegan burgers or sloppy joes. Next time I make it (soon, I hope!), I may serve it with jasmine rice. I imagine they’ll pair beautifully.
Enjoy the slaw, and I’ll see you all soon.
xo
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Categories: Recipes,
Salads,
Side Dishes
Ingredients: Cabbage
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, No Oil, Raw, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Recipe Features: 30 Minute or Less, Quick & Easy
Ingredients: Cabbage
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, No Oil, Raw, Soy Free, Tree Nut Free, Vegan
Recipe Features: 30 Minute or Less, Quick & Easy
Leave a Comment
Very well explained. Turmeric is widely used in Ayurveda (Ancient Indian Medication). This looks so good. I am a big turmeric fan, try and incorporate it into everything! I learned about turmeric from iahas.com and since then I am a big fan of this spice. I will add your blog to my list.
I just made this slaw tonight and it was delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
I bought too much fresh turmeric last week – I needed it for the immune boosting bomb by green kitchen stories. I’ll try your recipe to use this superfood!! (and I’ll have yellow fingers for 3 days more ๐ )
I adore turmeric and love that you incorporated it in so many ways in this slaw recipe!
mmmm carrot-turmeric-ginger sounds wonderful! I’ve also been meaning to try Sharon Gannon’s turmeric-tahini dressing now her book is out seeing as I adore your replication ๐ do you use raw or roasted tahini for this? (and do you know which she uses?)
SORRY FOR ALL THE QUESTIONS ;p
xxxxx
Any thoughts about fresh vs dried turmeric? I sometimes find the dried stuff a bit bitter. I’ve never tried fresh, not sure it’s available in my small town.
A really beautiful dish.
I make a version of this every week to eat at lunch through week. I use brocolli slaw and use apple cider vinegar in dressing in addition to all the other yummy stuff. My indulgence is to stir in dried currants. MMMMMM!
I buy fresh turmeric roots from an asiatic market, I slice them and freeze to use in teas, soup, dressing etc. I think fresh roots are more potent the dried and powdered spice. I does stain bright yellow! The fresh taste is mild, not hot or pungent.
This looks so good. I am a big turmeric fan, try and incorporate it into everything!
I am a huge turmeric fan! This sounds delish.
Do you have specific brands of turmeric that you like to use??
I am crazy about slaw! Fresh and crisp versions though rather than the mayo-heavy traditional kind.
I’m also a fan of your turmeric-tahini dressing so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this recipe.
Turmeric is in my top 3 favorite and most used spices! ๐
I have always wanted to make this delightful Turmeric, but they seem like such an ordeal. This looks more like my style. I love this!
I just bought a new jar of tahini and am always looking for new ways to use turmeric, so this is right up my alley! Another interesting way to use turmeric is to sprinkle some, along with nutritional yeast and salt, on popcorn. I also like to add turmeric to cauliflower couscous so that the dish looks even more authentic.
This looks amazing – Going on my list of recipes to try. Never thought of using turmeric in this way- thanks for the recipe!