Food is our energy, and when we find ourselves running on empty during the busiest times of year, it is good to have a little something up our sleeves for a pick-me-up.
Save time, make a lot
A nutrition-packed vegetable slaw tucked in the refrigerator is a great time saver. This one holds there for several days and can be a side dish, or even a full light lunch, one of my favorites in fact. A bonus is that it is packed with all things good for you, with the lovely flavor of ginger and a bit of heat for a pick-me-up, It can easily be sourced from our farm stands and CSAs even in the north at this time of year, with your pantry rounding it out. Rainbow carrots, vibrant winter radishes, and local onions are all waiting for you.
Lots of goodness
This raw salad is vibrant, a little spicy, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, and filled with fiber and a most satisfying chew. A bit of sweet, some tang, some heat, crunch, and lots of flavor. Who could ask for more in a humble little side?
Make it yours
The broccoli family is well represented here, but you could also use the same family’s cabbage, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts. This is a great use for those broccoli stalks you saved from the compost. A parsnip could stand in for the carrot, and while I’ve used the colorful watermelon radishes here, you can use any spicy radish you like. No purple onion? Use any you have on hand, or substitute scallions or shallots. You can also swap out a different vinegar, dried fruit, or favorite nut. How about malt vinegar, dried apricots and cashews? You can even make this salad with a single veggie, just broccoli, or carrots, or radish, it’s all delicious.
Travels well
Bring this along to a potluck or family gathering, make it ahead and you’ll pat yourself on the back for being so organized.
This looks like a lot of ingredients, but the food processor does most of the work, and it comes together in just a few minutes.
Pick-Me-Up Broccoli, Radish, and Carrot Slaw
Makes 10 ½-cup servings
- 1 ½ cups chopped raw broccoli, stalks or tops
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 large watermelon or other spicy radish, chopped
- ½ purple onion, or substitute, minced, about a half cup
- ¼ cup red-wine vinegar, or other favorite
- ¼ cup plus 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 1-inch knob of fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. turmeric
- 1 tbsp. crushed capers
- 1 tbsp. dark maple syrup
- ¼ cup non-fat Greek yoghurt or coconut yoghurt
- ¼ cup, packed, fresh chopped parsley
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, or other favorite dried fruit
- ¼ cup nuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chop the broccoli, radishes, and carrots and place in food processor. Pulse until you are at your desired consistency.
In a large bowl, combine the onion, vinegar, oil, lemon, ginger, cayenne, turmeric, capers, maple, and yogurt. Let sit for 15 minutes so everyone can get acquainted, then add the vegetables and mix well, parsley, dried fruits, and nuts. Season to your liking, and plate.
© Copyright 2024– or current year, The New Vintage Kitchen. Dorothy Grover-Read. Unattributed use of this material is strictly prohibited. Reposting and links may be used, provided that credit is given to The New Vintage Kitchen, with active link and direction to this original post.
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Love it! And the fact that you can do more and simply store it in the fridge is super handy especially during the busy weekdays 😋
It’s a great go-to lunch, just waiting for you!
What an absolutely fabulous mix! All familiar ingredients put together in a somewhat different fashion. Actually I would like to keep the ‘h’ word out of it – of course it applies but I shall prepare and enjoy this simply for combination of flavours – methinks one recipe above should provide three delightful lunches. Might change the ‘looks’ of it a tad . . . perchance leave a few vegetable pieces for the top slightly bigger to give the dish a somewhat ‘decorated’ and inviting look . . . thank you, shall repost . . .
So glad you like this Eha! The fun of this is making it your own, and it only gets better as it sits!
I love that you have the food decorating gene!
Looks fabulous
Thank you my friend!
is watermelon radish a thing? I nearly choked when i saw the recipe for 2 large watermelon!! this salad sounds great btw. Happy NY to you.
Watermelon radishes are indeed a thing! They are a winter radish grown widely, but usually found at farm stands and places like Whole Foods. They are pictured at the end of this post. Usually a pale green outside, with vibrant fuchsia interior. Quite spicy. You can substitute any favorite radish here! 😌
What a great slaw. Interesting mix of veg and flavours and sounds delicious.
Thank you! It’s really vibrant, and very much a pick me up!
Hi, Dorothy! Another great idea, for also saving time, but having a delicious dish. I hope you had a nice beginning of the year! Best wishes for the rest of it, also to yours! xx Michael
Thank you Michael! The start of the year is certainly promising! Happy New Year to you and yours as well!
So colorful too! Looks delicious.
Don’t you just love the color! That’s the first part of the pick-me-up!
Color my world…..with vegetables. 🥦🥕😋
Especially the ones in disguise!
The colors make it appealing to the eye; tasting it with the veggies you choose is delicious!
Thank you Jan! It’s a pick-me-up from the first glance!
This looks and sounds fabulous! I love the addition of dried cranberries, too. Lovely, D!
Thank you N.! The dried fruit is so good in this, little surprise nuggets of sweet.
The capers scream for a sweet companion. I love that combo of salty/sweet …. like a really good sea salt and chocolate Lindt bar. Yum!!
Very refreshing. Love the combination of ingredients.
Thank you Jovina! It is just what the body needs right about now!
What a wonderful and different salad, such a change from coleslaw, love all the colors, yum!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna! I love the colors too, and of course the flavors!
This easy slaw sounds delicious! It’s a great way to use up and eat lots of different veggies, so I will definitely be trying it out 😄
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Oh, I like the idea of the maple syrup in this recipe!!!!
Hi Dorothy, this might be an omen or something, but when we were in Canada “last year” I bought real maple syrup. All sorts of maple syrups. Carmel infused with sea salt, light, dark, I have it all. And I can make this one! Looks fabulous. How’s 2024 going so far? Hugs, C
Very wise purchases!
2024 has already brought me 20/20 distance vision in both eyes, so I’d say that was a real good start!
Fabulous! Great flavors and textures. And a great way to brighten a January day!
Great mix of veggies and seasoning. Health in a bowl! 🙂
I know! I feel so virtuous eating this one! Thank you.!
Oh yum! I love a good slaw for any reason whatsoever. Toss it with Asian noodles and you have a perfect lunch. But man I can never find watermelon radish and they look so pretty. Great recipe.
They are usually found at the farm stands and markets like Whole Foods in fall and winter. They are becoming more common as they are easy to grow and great winter keepers. Good luck!
I’m tossing in some noodles next time!
Talk about a healthy and colorful salad. I would like to see someone try and top that. 😊
Thanks! It’s a keeper that’s for sure!
Wow, Dorothy, this looks so colorful and healthy!
Yum a wonderful combination of flavours and textures just like a good slaw should have 🙂 x
Thanks Carol! The body really needs these dishes just about now!
It most certainly does 🙂 x
I’m all about slaws. Any vegetable dish that can be made ahead, just waiting for me later, is fine eating.
That is what I love about this the most!
Yum! Looks tasty and refreshing!
Thank you!
How beautiful, all that color and what a versatile recipe Dorothy!
Thank you Diane! Love a colorful, and tasty, plate!
So perfect for a dinner party. I truly love the variations in textures. All look yummy. Here we go another year. Time really travels. Wishing you a most splendid, inspiring and blessed new year. ❤️☀️☀️❤️☕️☕️
And all the very best to you too my friend! A new year, and new beginnings!
I love crunch… this would make me happy!
The Maple syrup addition!! Yes please!!
It’s certainly chew-worthy!
Mmm, I can tell how crunchy and satisfying this must be! Your dressing ingredients sound right up my alley, Dot!
I just made another batch for lunches this week. Added toasted slivered almonds!
Yum! This slaw sounds so delicious! 🙂
It was a nice refresher after the holiday foods.
this looks and sounds soo good!!
Thanks! I’m making it as a side for Easter dinner this year!
I made this recipe with half a daikon radish, then to add another asian touch, finished it with some sushi pickled ginger. It gave the salad a hit of spicy sweetness. Great recipe 👍
Oh, I love the idea of the sushi! Next time, I’m including that, Vivian! So glad you enjoyed and added your own twist!