This healthy Carrot Slaw recipe uses cabbage and quinoa for an easy summer side. This quick vegan salad is tossed in a delicious, easy Asian sesame dressing.
I love the idea of a good coleslaw. Especially in the summer. But funny enough, I don't really like mayo. Especially not mayo-based dressing on top of cold salads.
Traditional coleslaw? No thanks. Pasta salad? Don't get near me with a ten-foot pole.
But again, coleslaw is one of the most iconic summer dishes and can be used a million different ways. So I wanted to give you a quick and easy coleslaw recipe that is healthy and delicious. This healthy carrot slaw is completely mayo-free, is packed with flavor, has a great crunchy texture and even has some quinoa tossed in for a little extra protein.
The Easiest Sesame Dressing
While traditional coleslaw recipes are made with a creamy mayo dressing, this carrot slaw is a bit different. We're going down the Asian-inspired route with the easiest sesame dressing ever!
We start with rice wine vinegar which has an amazing tang, but also a little natural sweetness. The next addition is orange juice which pairs really well with the carrots but also brightens everything up. For the sesame, we're using toasted sesame oil which is just one of the best ingredients ever. It's used typically as a garnishing at the end, but it works really well in dressings. It adds a toasty flavor, but also an amazing nuttiness. And don't worry, it's not too overpowering!
Pairing this healthy carrot slow with a sesame dressing might taste a little different, but I know you're going to love it!
Healthy Carrot Slaw For Summer
This carrot slaw recipe is my ultimate summer side dish. I love it as a simple side, but it's also delicious on top of things. Like a veggie burger, veggie dogs, or even on my lentil sloppy joes. Such a crowd pleaser!
The other thing you'll love is that it can totally be made ahead. It's one of those recipes that gets better with a night in the fridge. The veggies soften a little, the dressing gets infused into every bite and it's even more flavorful!
For all my mayo coleslaw haters, this is your new jam. It's so easy to put together, is mayo-free and will make the most perfect summer dish!
More Healthy Summer Side Recipes:
- Herbed Spring Quinoa Salad
- Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Tots
- Mayo-Free Coleslaw with Spicy Tahini Sauce
- Healthy Zucchini Fritters
- Buffalo Quinoa Bites with Vegan Ranch
- Spicy Mango Guacamole
- Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip
Healthy Carrot Slaw with Quinoa
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded carrot
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 bunch scallions
for the dressing:
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons wheat-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or 2 tsp ground)
Instructions
- Add the slaw ingredients to a large bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge for 2 - 3 days.
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