Green Cabbage, Red Beet & Purple Daikon Slaw with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Looking for a colorful side dish packed with fresh vegetables, vibrant flavor, and satisfying crunch? This Green Cabbage, Red Beet & Purple Daikon Slaw with Lemon Tahini Dressing delivers all that and more.

Fresh green cabbage, earthy red beet, peppery purple daikon radish, sweet carrot, tangy fermented white onion, and fresh cilantro come together in a creamy lemon tahini dressing for a slaw that is both refreshing and satisfying.

The combination of textures and flavors creates a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats and seafood to grain bowls and wraps.

---

---

For a complete meal, serve this slaw alongside our Oven-Baked Pecan Crusted Salmon, where the crunchy pecan coating and tender salmon complement the fresh vegetables and creamy lemon tahini dressing perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vibrant slaw is more than just a colorful side dish.

• Loaded with fresh vegetables and bold color
• Creamy lemon tahini dressing without mayonnaise
• Naturally vegetarian and dairy-free
• Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead lunches
• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and herbs
• Pairs well with a variety of proteins and main dishes

---

---

If colorful vegetable-forward salads are a favorite in your kitchen, you’ll also enjoy our Crisp Romaine & Purple Daikon Salad with Maple-Lime Aleppo Vinaigrette, which showcases fresh produce with a bright homemade vinaigrette.

What Makes This Slaw Special?

Unlike traditional creamy slaws that rely on mayonnaise, this version uses a simple lemon tahini dressing that adds richness while allowing the vegetables to remain the star of the dish.

---

---

The earthy sweetness of red beet balances the peppery bite of purple daikon, while carrot adds natural sweetness and green cabbage provides the signature crunch.

Fermented white onion contributes a pleasant tang that complements the fresh lemon and nutty sesame flavor of the tahini dressing.

The result is a refreshing slaw that feels light while still delivering plenty of flavor and texture.

---

---

If you enjoy slaws made with flavorful alternatives to mayonnaise, take a look at our Warm Red Cabbage & Broccoli Slaw with Bacon, which features a savory dressing made with bacon fat, olive oil, shallots, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.

Ingredients

For the Slaw

4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded

1 medium red beet, peeled and grated

1 medium purple daikon radish, grated or julienned

1 medium orange carrot, grated

2–3 tablespoons finely chopped fermented white onion

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing

¼ cup tahini

1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

1 small garlic clove, grated

2–4 tablespoons cold water

Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

1 tablespoon toasted black and white sesame seeds

Additional chopped cilantro, if desired

---

---

Need a substitution? View our kitchen swaps reference guide for smart, flavor-forward ingredient swaps — covering aromatics, pantry staples, dairy, proteins, and more.

---

How to Make Green Cabbage, Red Beet & Purple Daikon Slaw

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup or honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.

The mixture will become thick at first. Slowly whisk in cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Prepare the Slaw

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cabbage, beet, purple daikon, carrot, fermented white onion, and cilantro.

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

Let the Flavors Develop

Allow the slaw to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps soften the vegetables slightly while allowing the flavors to meld together.

---

---

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with toasted black and white sesame seeds and additional cilantro.

Serve immediately.

Cook’s Notes

• Use a box grater or food processor to speed up preparation.
• Purple daikon can vary in color intensity depending on the variety and season.
• Fermented white onion adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the creamy dressing.
• For a thinner dressing, add an additional tablespoon of cold water.
• Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor and is recommended whenever possible.

Serving Suggestions

This colorful slaw works well as a side dish or topping for:

• Grilled chicken
• Roasted pork
• Baked or grilled salmon
• Grain bowls
• Falafel wraps
• Sandwiches and burgers
• Roasted chickpeas
• Tacos, including our Asian-Inspired Smashed Pork Gyoza Tacos, where the fresh slaw complements the pickled cucumbers, shallot, and carrot for a flavorful contrast of textures and flavors.

---

---

Its balance of sweet, earthy, tangy, and nutty flavors makes it a versatile addition to weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, and summer gatherings.

Storage

Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

As the vegetables sit, they will release moisture and soften slightly. Give the slaw a quick toss before serving and refresh with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes. The vegetables and dressing can be prepared separately up to one day in advance. Combine them shortly before serving for the best texture.

What does tahini taste like?

Tahini is made from ground sesame seeds and has a rich, nutty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture that works beautifully in dressings, sauces, and dips.

Can I substitute regular onion for fermented onion?

Absolutely. Finely diced sweet onion, green onion, or shallot can be used instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I add additional toppings?

Yes. Toasted sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, extra herbs, or even crumbled feta cheese can be added for additional texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Green Cabbage, Red Beet & Purple Daikon Slaw with Lemon Tahini Dressing is proof that simple ingredients can create a vibrant and flavorful dish.

Packed with colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, and a creamy sesame dressing, it’s an easy recipe that fits just as comfortably on a holiday table as it does alongside a weeknight meal.

---

---

Looking for more ways to use tahini beyond salad dressings? Explore Tahini in Culinary Applications: 5 Delicious Ways to Use This Nutty Super Ingredient to discover creative ideas for incorporating this versatile pantry staple into dips, sauces, marinades, baked goods, and more.

---

Still hungry? These recent recipes are ready when you are.

---

More Deliciously Yummy Recipes

• Green Cabbage, Red Beet & Purple Daikon Slaw with Lemon Tahini Dressing
• Pesto Chicken Bowl with Quinoa, Kale, and Feta
• 5 Best Easy Dinner Recipes That Are Trending Right Now (Quick, Flavorful & Family-Friendly)
• Strawberries: How To Buy, Store, and Cook With Them
• When and How to Pick and Dry Thyme