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    Everyday Family Eats » Side Dishes

    Cumin Citrus Winter Slaw

    Published: Feb 10, 2024 by Kelli Avila · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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    A serving bowl of winter slaw, with a sheet pan of ingredients.

    Earthy, tangy, and simple to make, this Cumin Citrus Winter Slaw is the perfect bright side dish, packed with orange, lemon, lime, whole cumin seeds and all the crunchy veggies you could ask for.

    A serving bowl of citrus winter slaw.

    I am a huge fan of cole slaw (my everyday version: Simple Coleslaw with Dill). It's like the Swiss Army knife of side dishes—crisp, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. I make it throughout the year, but this recipe is my go-to during the winter when the days are shorter, the temperature is colder, and I crave something to boost my vitamin C intake. This Cumin Citrus Winter Cole Slaw is tangy, earthy, with just a hint of sweetness—it's like sunshine in a bowl, guaranteed to put a smile on your face even on the gloomiest of days.

    This winter slaw skips the mayo, giving it a lighter, fresher vibe. Plus, it's incredibly adaptable—use what winter veggies you've got in your kitchen, though I, of course, give you some of my favorites to use. I always make a generous batch of cole slaw because it isn't just a one-night wonder; I use the leftovers to make lunches (and sandwich add-ons) throughout the week.

    So let's get to making it! You can read through some notes on the recipe in the article below, or you can head right to the bottom for the complete recipe.

    Ingredient Chit Chat

    Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed for this recipe, along with some alternate veggie options. The full recipe with quantities is listed below this text in the recipe card.

    The ingredients for a citrus slaw made with winter veggies.
    • citrus: fresh orange, lemon and lime
    • red cabbage (or green is fine too!)
    • jicama (aren’t familiar with this? This root veggie has a crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor–it’s best enjoyed (imo) raw and adds a lot to this dish so try not to skip it)
    • honey
    • Dijon mustard
    • garlic (the recipe calls for fresh, but garlic powder can be subbed in if necessary)
    • extra-virgin olive oil
    • red onion
    • Brussels sprouts
    • cumin seeds (fresh toasted whole cumin seeds add such a lovely flavor to this dish, but ground cumin can be swapped in in a pinch)
    • black pepper + coarse kosher salt (this recipe was tested using Diamond Crystal coarse kosher salt. If you use Morton's kosher salt or fine salt, decrease by about half for volume, or use the same amount by weight.)

    Some alternative veggies to use in this slaw:

    • celeriac
    • kale
    • turnips
    • radishes
    A skillet of toasted cumin seeds for winter slaw.

    Some Thoughts on the Prep Work

    There is no denying there are a lot of veggies to prep for this dish. It's also another reason my cole slaw recipes tend to be a large batch. I don't want to get just one night of a side dish out of this. But there is a lot of knife action here. To save yourself on it, it is possible to utilize a food processor with a shredder attachment, though it does alter the taste and texture.

    Shredding all the veggies (as opposed to just the carrots and jicama) gives a finer, more uniform texture and also more evenly distributes the flavor, which isn't necessarily a good thing. I prefer the distinct taste and texture that sliced coleslaw and onions bring in.

    A hand whisking together the dressing for winter slaw in a bowl.

    To save on dishes, make the salad dressing in the bottom of the bowl.

    Prepped vegetables for winter slaw in a bowl.

    Then add all the prepped veggies and toss them to coat with the dressing.

    Finished winter slaw.

    Storage

    As stated above, cole slaw is one of those dishes that improves the next day (or sometimes even on the 3rd day!) so feel free to make this dish a day ahead of time.

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. And it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day!

    A dinner plate with winter slaw along with roasted veggies and chicken.

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    Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!

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    Full Recipe

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    A serving bowl of winter slaw.

    Cumin Citrus Winter Slaw

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
    • Author: Kelli Avila
    • Prep Time: 00:25
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 6-10 1x
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Cuisine: American
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    Description

    Earthy, tangy, and simple to make, this Cumin Citrus Winter Slaw is the perfect bright side dish, packed with orange, lemon, lime, whole cumin seeds and all the crunchy veggies you could ask for.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest
    • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1-½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt, plus more to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • ½ red or green cabbage, cored and shredded
    • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
    • ¼ pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
    • ¼ pound jicama, peeled and grated
    • 2 carrots, peeled and grated
    • 2 tablespoons cumin seeds, toasted

    Instructions

    1. In a large bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Slow drizzle and whisk in the olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
    2. Add in the shredded cabbage, onion, Brussels sprouts, jicama, carrots, and cumin seeds and toss together. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice as needed. Slaw can be served immediately, but for best taste and texture make it 4 hours ahead of serving time.

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    I'm Kelli, the creator of Everyday Family Eats, this space where I share easy and quick recipes the whole family will love! I'm a former professional cook and baker, and full-time working mom, who is passionate about creating approachable dinner ideas that allow the whole family to gather at the table and enjoy a meal together.

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