As the golden leaves swirl outside, I find myself craving the vibrant flavors and colors of autumn on my plate. That’s when this Simple Fall Slaw comes to life—a delightful medley of crunchy veggies and sweet fruits, all harmoniously tossed in a creamy tahini dressing. With just 30 minutes of prep, it’s the perfect solution for those holiday gatherings where you want something refreshing to offset heavier dishes.
I stumbled upon this slaw during a frantic search for a recipe that could elevate my usual spread while also being vegan and gluten-free. Each bite offers a remarkable crunch and a burst of flavor, making it an unexpected crowd-pleaser. So if you’re looking to revitalize your meals and elevate your autumn menus, let’s dive into making this gorgeous slaw that captures the essence of this beautiful season!
Why is this Simple Fall Slaw a Must-Try?
Vibrant Colors: This slaw is a feast for the eyes, featuring a stunning mix of crunchy vegetables and sweet fruits that embody the spirit of fall.
Tangy Tahini: The creamy tahini dressing adds a deliciously unique flavor, transforming ordinary veggies into a culinary delight.
Quick Prep: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings without sacrificing taste.
Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with nutrients and naturally gluten-free and vegan, this dish is guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its refreshing crunch will pleasantly surprise your guests, making it a delightful addition to any holiday spread!
3. Simple Fall Slaw Ingredients
• Get ready to create a colorful and crunchy dish!
For the Slaw
- Broccoli – Adds crunch and beneficial nutrients; can substitute with kohlrabi for a twist.
- Beet – Provides sweetness and vibrant color; raw beets work beautifully, especially when sliced with a mandolin.
- Carrots – Brings sweetness and a classic slaw texture, making each bite delightful.
- Radish – Adds a peppery bite and extra crunch; feel free to omit if not a fan.
- Sweet Apple – Supplies natural sweetness and freshness, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
- Red Onion – Enhances flavor with its sharpness, balancing the sweetness in the slaw.
- Roasted Unsalted Sunflower Seeds – Offers healthy fats, protein, and satisfying crunch; raw or salted seeds can also be used.
For the Dressing
- Tahini – Acts as the creamy base for the dressing, enriching the entire slaw.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Introduces acidity and delicious tang; vital for a well-rounded flavor.
- Lemon – Freshly juiced, it elevates the flavor profile and adds brightness.
- Maple Syrup – Provides just the right touch of sweetness; swap for your favorite sweetener if needed.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dressing.
- Extra Virgin Olive or Avocado Oil – Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing for a silky texture.
- Water – As needed to adjust the dressing’s consistency for perfect pourability.
From the sturdy broccoli to the intriguing tahini dressing, this Simple Fall Slaw showcases flavors that celebrate the autumn harvest!
How to Make Simple Fall Slaw
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Prep Veggies: Start by finely chopping the broccoli and cutting the beet, carrots, radish, apple, and red onion into delightful matchsticks. If you have a mandolin, it will make this process much quicker!
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Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; it should be tangy with a hint of sweetness.
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Combine: In a large bowl, toss together all the prepared vegetables and sweet apple. Drizzle the creamy tahini dressing over the top and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
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Chill: Cover the slaw with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally 2-3 hours or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve: When ready to enjoy, serve the slaw chilled. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 2 days.
Optional: Garnish with extra sunflower seeds before serving for an added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Simple Fall Slaw
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Prep Ahead: To enhance flavor, make the slaw a day in advance. This allows all the ingredients to blend beautifully, creating a more delicious Simple Fall Slaw.
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Uniform Cuts: Cut all ingredients into evenly sized matchsticks for the best texture. This ensures every bite is balanced and enjoyable.
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Apple Freshness: If preparing ahead, consider keeping the sweet apple separate until serving to prevent browning. This keeps the slaw looking vibrant and fresh.
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Taste Test: Adjust the tahini dressing to your preference. Taste before serving, and feel free to add a little more lemon or maple syrup to suit your taste buds.
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Seasonal Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Try adding seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or even a handful of nuts for an added crunch in your Simple Fall Slaw.
What to Serve with Simple Fall Slaw?
Add some delightful dishes to round out this vibrant meal!
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and crispy edges complement the slaw’s crunch beautifully, creating a cozy harmony of flavors.
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Herb-Infused Quinoa: This nutty side provides a hearty base and a textural contrast that pairs exquisitely with the fresh slaw.
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Grilled Vegetable Platter: The smokiness of grilled veggies adds depth and warmth, making it a perfect match for the slaw’s bright tanginess.
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Crispy Baked Tofu: Rich in protein and flavor, tofu adds a satisfying bite and works wonders with the creamy tahini dressing.
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Vegan Stuffed Peppers: These colorful, hearty bites filled with grains and spices can serve as a stunning centerpiece alongside the refreshing slaw.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine enhances the flavors of the slaw; its bright acidity complements the tangy dressing perfectly.
Bring together these delightful elements for a feast that celebrates the spirit of fall!
Simple Fall Slaw Variations
Get ready to make this vibrant slaw uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
- Kale Swap: Replace broccoli with kale for an earthy flavor, making it a nutrient powerhouse.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the slaw for extra crunch and a protein boost.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in thinly sliced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for a fiery surprise!
- Fruit Fusion: Experiment with different sweet fruits like pears or dried cranberries for an unexpected sweetness.
- Seasonal Veggies: Toss in diced Brussels sprouts or shredded cabbage for an exciting seasonal twist.
- Creamy Avocado: Top the slaw with diced avocado for an added creamy texture that complements the dressing.
- Herbed Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to brighten the flavors even more.
- Citrus Zing: Add orange segments or grated zest to the dressing for a fresh and zesty lift.
Each variation invites you to play and enjoy the changing flavors of the season!
Make Ahead Options
This Simple Fall Slaw is a fantastic dish for meal prep! You can prepare all the vegetables—broccoli, beet, carrots, radish, apple, and red onion—up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated to maintain their crispness. For optimal flavor, consider whisking the tahini dressing ahead of time and storing it separately in the fridge. Mix everything together just before serving for the freshest taste, to prevent the apple from browning and ensure a vibrant presentation. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toss the slaw with the dressing, and you’ll have a deliciously refreshing side ready in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze Simple Fall Slaw
Fridge: Store leftover slaw in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping it crisp and fresh. This chilled delight is best enjoyed soon after preparation for optimal flavor.
Freezer: While freezing is not recommended due to its crunchy texture, if necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Since this Simple Fall Slaw is served cold, simply toss again after thawing for an equally refreshing flavor without reheating. Enjoy it chilled for that crunchy crunch!
Simple Fall Slaw Recipe FAQs
What ingredients should I look for when choosing broccoli?
Absolutely! When selecting broccoli, look for firm, dark green florets without any yellowing or dark spots. The stalks should also be crisp and not too fibrous. If you’re feeling adventurous, kohlrabi is a flavorful substitute that adds a unique twist!
How can I store leftover Simple Fall Slaw?
For optimal freshness, keep your leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to maintain its crunch. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but this slaw still tastes great for a couple of days.
Can I freeze Simple Fall Slaw?
While freezing is not typically recommended due to the slaw’s crunchy texture, you can freeze it if you must! Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, toss it back together, and serve cold for a refreshing crunch!
What if my tahini dressing is too thick?
If you find your tahini dressing is on the thicker side, don’t fret! Simply add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring between additions until you reach your desired consistency. This step will ensure your dressing smoothly coats the slaw without becoming clumpy.
Is Simple Fall Slaw suitable for dietary restrictions?
Very! This slaw is both vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for a variety of dietary needs. However, always check labels if using pre-packaged ingredients, like tahini or maple syrup, to ensure they meet your specific dietary requirements. Enjoy the vibrant flavors without worry!
Can I add other vegetables to this slaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with seasonal veggies! Adding sliced Brussels sprouts or shredded kale can elevate the flavor. You can even throw in some nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutrition boost. The more the merrier!
Vibrant Simple Fall Slaw with Tangy Tahini Dressing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep Veggies: Start by finely chopping the broccoli and cutting the beet, carrots, radish, apple, and red onion into delightful matchsticks.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, toss together all the prepared vegetables and sweet apple.
- Chill: Cover the slaw with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: When ready to enjoy, serve the slaw chilled.