🥗 Creamy Mediterranean Crunch Salad (Dairy-Free)
A vibrant, crunchy Mediterranean salad packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a silky tahini-based dressing. This salad improves as it rests, making it ideal for meal prep, gatherings, or light meals.
🌿 Why This Recipe Works
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Light yet creamy without mayo or dairy
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Rich in Mediterranean staples: olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs
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Excellent for meal prep—stays crunchy for days
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Versatile: side dish, wrap filling, or main with protein
🧾 Ingredients
🥬 Vegetable Base
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4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
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1½ cups broccoli slaw (julienned broccoli stems)
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1 cup carrots, julienned
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½ cup red onion, very thinly sliced
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¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional but recommended)
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2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
🫒 Mediterranean Creamy Dressing
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⅓ cup tahini
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¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
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¼ cup fresh lemon juice
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1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
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2 garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1½ teaspoons honey or maple syrup
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¾ teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ teaspoon ground cumin
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2–4 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)
➕ Optional Mediterranean Add-Ins
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½ cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for dairy-free)
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⅓ cup sliced Kalamata olives
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¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds or pine nuts
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1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
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Grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel for a complete meal
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables
Finely shred the cabbage for the best texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, broccoli slaw, carrots, red onion, parsley, dill, and green onions. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a bowl or blender, whisk together:
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Tahini
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Red wine vinegar
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Garlic
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Dijon mustard
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Honey or maple syrup
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Salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin
Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing becomes smooth, creamy, and pourable.
💡 The dressing should lightly coat the vegetables, not overwhelm them.
3️⃣ Combine
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
4️⃣ Rest & Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.
This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the Mediterranean flavors.
5️⃣ Final Taste Adjustment
Before serving, adjust if needed:
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Extra lemon juice for brightness
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Additional salt for depth
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A light drizzle of olive oil for richness
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve alongside grilled fish, chicken, or lamb
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Stuff into warm pita or flatbread with falafel
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Pair with Mediterranean rice or quinoa
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Ideal for meal prep—keeps well up to 4 days refrigerated
🌿 Mediterranean Nutrition Highlights
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Heart-healthy fats from olive oil and tahini
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Fiber-rich vegetables for digestion
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Plant-based protein from tahini and chickpeas
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No refined sugars, heavy creams, or processed dressings