Crystal bowl of cabbage carrot slaw garnished with golden raising and sunflower seeds
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Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor—this simple Queen of Quick cabbage carrot slaw is one of my favorite go-to side dishes. It’s quick to throw together, makes a big batch (perfect for gatherings or meal prep), and tastes even better after it sits for a little while in the fridge. The tangy vinaigrette balances the natural sweetness of carrots and raisins, while the sunflower seeds add a bit of crunch.

Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled foods in the summer or as a bright side dish in cooler months, this slaw always disappears fast!

What I Love About This Cabbage Carrot Slaw

  • It’s quick—15 minutes from start to finish.
  • No mayo, just a light and tangy vinaigrette.
  • It’s versatile: swap in apples, grapes, cranberries, or nuts depending on what you have on hand.
  • Makes a large batch—perfect for potlucks, family meals, or packed lunches.
  • The ingredients are affordable, easy to find, and nutrient-rich.

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Cabbage Carrot Slaw Nutrition Spotlight

Cabbage and carrots bring so much more to the table than crunch. They’re both rich in fiber, which supports digestion, and full of antioxidants that help fight inflammation. Add in the healthy fats from olive oil, the natural sweetness of maple syrup, and the zing of lime juice, and you’ve got a salad that’s as nourishing as it is refreshing.

You can learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutrition here.

Three column image with ingredients for cabbage carrot slaw: heads of cabbage, carrots, and golden raisins.

Eastern Nutrition

  • Cabbage: Cooling and refreshing, helps the body digest and feel lighter.
  • Carrots: Strengthen digestion and support healthy eyes.
  • Raisins: Gently boost energy and help with dryness.
  • Sunflower seeds: Nourishing and grounding, with a calming effect.
  • Lime: Helps the body “unstick” what feels stagnant and supports digestion.

Western Nutrition

  • Cabbage: High in fiber, vitamin C, and phytonutrients that support immunity and gut health.
  • Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene for eye health, plus antioxidants that protect against cell damage.
  • Raisins: Natural source of iron and potassium, with prebiotic fiber for gut health.
  • Sunflower seeds: Provide vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats for heart and skin health.
  • Olive oil: Full of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
Crystal bowl of cabbage carrot slaw garnished with golden raising and sunflower seeds
Karen Propis

Simple Cabbage Carrot Slaw with Vinaigrette

Fresh, crunchy, and tangy—this simple cabbage carrot slaw comes together in just 15 minutes. Tossed with a light vinaigrette and topped with seeds or nuts, it’s a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with summer meals or meal prep for the week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Slaw
  • 1 medium cabbage shredded
  • 3 large carrots peeled and shredded
  • ½ cup raisins purple or golden
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
Dressing
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup champagne vinegar can use white balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 1 large lime freshly juiced

Equipment

  • 1 food processor No food processor? A box grater, mandoline, or even pre-shredded veggies from the store will work just fine.

Method
 

  1. In food processor, shred the cabbage and transfer to a large mixing bowl
  2. With the same shredding disc of the food processor, shred the carrots and add to the mixing bowl
  3. Add raisins and salt
  4. With a large spoon, mix all the ingredients.
  5. For the dressing mix all the ingredients together and whisk until well blended.
  6. Then pour the salad dressing all over the cabbage mixture.
  7. Put in a serving dish and sprinkle with the sunflower seeds

Notes

*Additional coleslaw additions or substitutions: finely chopped or shredded apple, cut up grapes, cranberries or nuts of choice
 
Queen of QuickTMQueen of Quick CookingTM

This simple cabbage carrot slaw is the kind of recipe I love most—fast, flexible, and nourishing. It pairs beautifully with almost any meal, packs well for lunches, and is light yet satisfying. Whether you keep it classic or play with extra add-ins like apples or nuts, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.

Sources: Healthline.com, Phil Williams, Eastern Acupuncture & Wellness, Acupuncture Continuing Education, Eileen Zegar

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