Creamy and flavorful, this Zesty Radish Slaw is fresh, crisp and quick making it the perfect side dish any day of the week!

ZESTY RADISH SLAW

I love a good coleslaw recipe. But I like to change it up often. Classic coleslaw is my go-to when we’re headed to a potluck because it’s pretty straightforward flavor wise and it goes pretty quick!

But this this coleslaw recipe is packed with more tang thanks to fresh radishes, and a baja-style dressing that this coleslaw gets tossed in. Plus, there’s a jalapeno and fresh cilantro in the bowl; zesty and bright and fresh and seriously I could eat this slaw all week long.

This slaw is zesty enough as a side for any protein (love it with my habanero grilled pork chops or smoked ribs) – and the flavor with the dressing just gets better and better as the week goes on.

This is also a great cabbage slaw for tacos – esp if you make tacos with salsa shredded chicken or shrimp tacos.

This Zesty Radish Slaw is not only low in carbs, but it’s dairy-free and whole30 compliant.

WHAT GOES INTO THIS radish COLESLAW

Like any solid coleslaw, you need cabbage and carrots. Beyond that, anything else is a bonus in my book.

I like to shred 1/2 of a green cabbage for this slaw, but you can use purple if you like. Or you can buy a bag of already shredded coleslaw mix. I like to use a fresh cabbage because it’s shelf life is pretty long, and I can use the other half for a second recipe, but do what works best for you.

shredded green cabbage. the perfect base to any cabbage coleslaw.
shredded carrots
radishes. the zest in this zesty radish slaw! Perfect for spring and summer.
jalapeno. just a little for some mild kick.
fresh cilantro. this ties in with the dressing and other fresh veggies in the bowl.
Creamy Baja-Style Dressing (recipe below)

HOW TO MAKE THE BAJA-STYLE DRESSING

I’ve seen similar slaw recipes that call for oil or simply fresh lime juice to bind it all together, and while those are tasty, I just love using a creamy coleslaw dressing for this one. It compliments the radishes and jalapeños so well.

If you can’t find fresh lime, fresh lemon or apple cider vinegar will work. You want some sort of acid for not only flavor, but to help thin the mayo + other ingredients out. Plus this will also help to absorb the dressing into the cabbage slaw mix, so that the fresh veggies don’t wilt (become soggy) too soon.

To make this coleslaw dressing:

To a small bowl, whisk to combine: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, 1 diced jalapeno (keep the seeds for heat, omit if you want less spice), juice of 1 lime, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin spice, salt and pepper.

You can easily make the dressing in advance. If you want a little sweetness, you can add in a generous drizzle of honey – about a teaspoon or so.

This Zesty Radish Slaw is the perfect side dish to enjoy in the spring, and keep making until summer is over. The side that keeps on giving really!

other sides to make: