Crunchy Radicchio & Carrot Slaw
A vibrant and refreshing slaw featuring crisp radicchio and sweet carrots, tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette, perfect as a light side for any meal.
For 4 servings
Wash and thoroughly dry the radicchio. Remove any tough outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly shred the radicchio. Peel the carrots and grate them coarsely or julienne them into thin strips. Finely chop the fresh parsley.
Place the shredded radicchio, grated carrots, and chopped parsley into a large mixing bowl.
In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional maple syrup or honey.
Secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy. Alternatively, whisk thoroughly in a small bowl until combined.
Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
Using tongs or clean hands, gently toss the slaw until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Let the slaw sit at room temperature for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the radicchio to slightly soften, enhancing its texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly thin and uniform radicchio shreds, use a mandoline slicer. Always use a safety guard when operating a mandoline.
- 2If radicchio's bitterness is too strong for your preference, you can soak the shredded radicchio in ice water for 15-20 minutes before draining and drying thoroughly.
- 3The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For best results, dress the slaw no more than 30 minutes before serving to maintain optimal crunch.
- 4Incorporate toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for an extra textural element and nutty flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruity Twist
Add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced green apple or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and extra crunch.
Creamy SlawCreamy Slaw
For a creamier version, whisk 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise into the apple cider vinaigrette before tossing with the vegetables.
Herbaceous BoostHerbaceous Boost
Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, mint, or chives for different flavor profiles that complement the radicchio and carrot.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Radicchio is packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Digestive Health
Both radicchio and carrots are good sources of dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion, gut regularity, and a feeling of fullness.
Vitamin A Powerhouse
Carrots are exceptionally rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, essential for good vision, immune function, and healthy skin.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute radicchio with red cabbage for a similar color and crunch, though the flavor will be less bitter. Green cabbage or napa cabbage would also work well for texture.
