24 Summer Slaws That Are Anything But Boring

Coleslaw is the official salad champion for picnics, barbecues, and summer parties. Crisp and crunchy cabbage with multiple fun add-ins is definitely what we’re craving right now. It truly is the perfect, light accompaniment to any main whether it’s a juicy burger or a delicious pan-seared salmon. Plus, they’re super forgiving. Don’t have nuts? Throw in some chow mein noodles. Get creative and throw in any fruits or veggies you have on hand. Or just check out our favorite coleslaw picks that are anything but boring.

Crunchy Slaw with Almond Dressing by Estee Kafra
I’m always happy to make a salad, but I’m especially excited when there’s minimal chopping involved. This fresh, crunchy combination is refreshing to both the eyes and the palate.
Snap Pea and Broccoli Stem Slaw with Basil Cilantro Aioli by Jodi Moreno
Years ago, I was inspired to throw some snap peas into a slaw, and now I never make slaw without them. I am also a big fan of incorportating broccoli stems into salads because they are fresh and crunchy, just like the snap peas. Both the broccoli stems and the snap peas are exactly what a good crunchy slaw is begging for. This slaw is great to make when you have leftover broccoli stems in the fridge (so be sure you don’t throw them away!) – however, if you don’t happen to have them around, just add some extra cabbage. Same goes if snap peas are not in season – feel free to leave them out and add more cabbage and/or broccoli stems.
Bright and Fresh Slaw by Michal Frischman
This quick and easy slaw can be prepped and ready in a few minutes.
Crunchy Red Cabbage Salad by Rivki Rabinowitz
Herbs, crunchy vegetables, and sweet pomegranate seeds work together to create a beautifully balanced salad!
Fennel Slaw by Rivki Rabinowitz
A simple slaw that is the perfect accompaniment to fish or chicken.
Tri-Colored Slaw by Elky Friedman
I have never been a lover of coleslaw even though I love cabbage…probably because I don’t like the sweet mayonnaise- based dressing. But how about a non-mayo slaw with more crunchy veggies, like Persian cucumbers and radishes, added in? This salad calls attention to itself immediately just because of its lovely colors. Then take one crunchy bite…and you’ll want to make it a regular addition to your Shabbos or Yom Tov table.
Full ‘n Free Coleslaw by Rorie Weisberg
You’ll see that the sweetener in this coleslaw is optional. If you like your coleslaw more traditional, use the sweetener. If you have (or want to develop) a more healthful palate, you’ll love the savory version.
Asian Ginger Slaw by Estee Kafra
Light and refreshing, the ginger in this coleslaw adds a new twist to a classic summer favorite.
Sweet and Tangy Slaw by Chavi Feldman
This snappy cabbage slaw has a sweet, tangy dressing flavored with pickle relish, giving it a unique punch. Bring this to your next party and watch it disappear!
Rice Cracker Slaw by Susie Fishbein
I love crunchy things in my salads. From croutons to nuts, I usually grab for something to top a plate of greens. In looking for something lower in calories and fat, I discovered rice cracker mix. Notice the wasabi peas in the picture. For a great kick, try to find the kind of snack mix that includes them. Cabbage and its relatives, the cruciferous vegetables, are not only cancer fighters, but they’re also filled with fiber and they may reduce blood pressure. You can make the salad in advance and store it in a large Ziploc bag, but toss the rice snacks in right before serving or they will get mushy.
Feta-Topped Purple Cabbage Salad by Brynie Greisman
I like combining fresh and cooked in a salad for optimum flavor and more interesting texture. Here purple cabbage is dressed with a light creamy dressing and topped with sautéed peppers, shredded feta cheese, and crispy fried onions. This recipe makes enough for a crowd. Feel free to adapt quantities to your needs.
Crunchy Ramen Noodle Coleslaw by Bracha Rotberg
I love cooking, but even more, I love to put my own spin on classic recipes. That’s how this winner came about!
Purple Cabbage and Yellow Pepper Slaw by Esther Deutsch
I like combining fresh and cooked in a salad for optimum flavor and more interesting texture. Here purple cabbage is dressed with a light creamy dressing and topped with sautéed peppers, shredded feta cheese, and crispy fried onions. This recipe makes enough for a crowd. Feel free to adapt quantities to your needs.
Pineapple Slaw by Brynie Greisman
The special dressing, combined with the pineapple and cabbages, makes this coleslaw unique. Make the dressing in advance and refrigerate it separately. Then you can assemble the salad 1-2-3 without wasting time.
Cabbage Noodle Slaw by Faigy Grossman
Red Cabbage Avocado Salad by Chanie Nayman
I created this recipe once when I was left with half a bag of red cabbage after Shabbos. I sent around samples to some friends and it immediately became a keeper!
Delicious Red and Purple Cabbage Salad by Brynie Greisman
This light and refreshing salad is crunchy, full of flavor, and full of good-for-you ingredients. Pairs well with fish, chicken, or meat. I love to nosh on it as is!
Cabbage Salad with Dill Dressing by Draizy Wercberger
You might be turned off at first because of the peas in the salad, but believe me, once you try it, you will never be tempted to leave them out. This salad is so full of flavor; it is the first one to go at any salad bar.
Cabbage Cucumber Apple Slaw by Levana Kirschenbaum
Look what happened to coleslaw! Well, why not? A slaw being nothing more than shredded cabbage as the first building block – have fun adding all the good stuff, with minimal effort on your part, thanks to the food processor. I can’t tell you enough how good and good-for-you green apples are in salads and side dishes! You want this salad to be pale green and white, so nothing brightly colored such as carrots or red peppers or radishes!
Cabbage and Persimmon Salad by Brynie Greisman
I was in a taxi on the way home from a wedding with my friend Rachel K. When we were almost at our destination, she told me about an incredible salad recipe she had. Neither of us had a pen nor a paper, so we asked the elderly driver if he did. He tore off a tiny piece of paper. I very quickly wrote the recipe down (my mother says my handwriting is so clear, she even understands my shorthand although she never learned it!). I tried it that Shabbos, and it was an immediate hit. So even though my editor told me not to include a salad (we have so many of them!) I did anyway, because you too will agree that this is a sure keeper.
Red Cabbage Nectarine Salad by Chanie Nayman
I will never say no to a sweet red cabbage salad with fruit in it. But hey, it’s guilt free — almost!
Kicked-Up Coleslaw by Estee Kafra
It’s always fun to dress up a classic. Here’s a salad combination that will complement every meal.
Jicama Slaw by Pamela Reiss
A fresh salad of crunchy fresh julienned jicama, carrot, bell pepper, and onions tossed in a light, tangy dressing.
Cabbage Mushroom Salad with Piquant Dressing by Temi Philip
This salad is something different and classy — and easy enough for weekdays but nice enough for Shabbos. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled chicken or fish.