A vibrant, crunchy Mediterranean salad packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a silky dairy-free dressing that gets better as it rests.

🥗 Why This Recipe Works

  • Light yet creamy (no heavy mayo)
  • Rich in Mediterranean staples: olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs
  • Perfect as a meal prep salad, side dish, or wrap filling
  • Stays crunchy for days

🧾 Ingredients

Vegetable Base

  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1½ cups broccoli slaw (julienned stems)
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • ½ cup red onion, very thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional but highly recommended)
  • 2 tbsp green onion, sliced

Mediterranean Creamy Dressing

  • ⅓ cup tahini
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1½ tsp honey or maple syrup
  • ¾ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp ground cumin
  • Water (2–4 tbsp, to thin)

Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins

  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ⅓ cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel for a full meal

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Shred the cabbage finely for the best texture. Add cabbage, broccoli slaw, carrots, red onion, parsley, dill, and green onion to a large bowl. Toss gently.

2. Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl or blender:

  • Whisk tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, Dijon, honey, salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin.
  • Slowly add water until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and pourable.

💡 The dressing should coat the vegetables, not drown them.

3. Combine

Pour dressing over the vegetables.
Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

4. Rest & Marinate

Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.

5. Final Touch

Before serving, taste and adjust:

  • More lemon for brightness
  • More salt for depth
  • A drizzle of olive oil for richness

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • As a side with grilled fish or lamb
  • Inside pita wraps with falafel
  • Alongside Mediterranean rice or quinoa
  • Great for meal prep (lasts up to 4 days refrigerated)

🌿 Mediterranean Nutrition Highlights

  • Anti-inflammatory olive oil
  • Fiber-rich vegetables
  • Plant-based protein from tahini & chickpeas
  • No refined sugars or heavy creams

If you’d like, I can:

  • Convert this to a vegan, keto, or high-protein version
  • Create a Greek or Lebanese variation
  • Turn it into a restaurant-style menu description