Cabbage, Fennel, and Grapefruit Slaw

This bright, flavorful Cabbage, Fennel, and Grapefruit Slaw is what your summer BBQ has been missing! This simple, light, and cleansing recipe is full of flavor and easy to throw together. It makes a satisfying side and is also a great dish to bring for a summer potluck. Bonus that it’s mayonaise-free, so you don’t have to worry about it sitting out on a hot, summer day for too long. Although, it’s never lasted very long in our house before it’s completely eaten!

Make it a couple of hours ahead, if you can, to give the flavors time to marry together.

I love being able to throw a recipe together with simple, inexpensive ingredients that are both flavorful and full of nutrients. Enter this Cabbage, Fennel, and Grapefruit Slaw.

Health Benefits of Cabbage, Fennel, and Grapefruit Slaw:

This slaw is the perfect dish to bring for a potluck, but also wonderful to accompany many BBQ, poultry, and fish dishes for a simple dinner at home.

There are a few nutritional heroes in this recipe. Let’s take a look below:

Fennel:

Fennel is a fave! It’s great for digestion and for helping to move things along through the digestive tract. Some oils found in fennel can stimulate digestive juices that are needed for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Fennel is a great source of fiber, with 7 grams of fiber in one serving. Fiber acts like a small brush as it moves through the digestive system and helps clear up anything that needs to be moved out. 

Let’s also not forget that fennel is a great source of vitamin C, a nutrient essential to collagen formation.[1] It can also improve your circulation, especially if your circulation is impaired.[2] Between improved digestion, increased circulation, and a boost of vitamin C, fennel is sure to help you glow from the inside out!

Cabbage:

Cabbage, a cruciferous vegetable, is great for detox support. Like all cruciferous vegetables, cabbage contains nutrients that support all phases of detox. It is a great source of DIM (diindolylmethane), a compound that has potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.[3] Not only that, but researchers have now identified 20 different flavonoids and 15 different phenols in cabbage! That’s a lot of antioxidant action!

 Lime:

You put the lime in the coconut, the lime in the coconut…I may or may not sing that song every time I make something with limes. Which is a lot! My husband is so lucky. (haha) Anyway, lime is another great source of vitamin C and it also contains a compound, limonene, which may have gut-protective potential.[4]

Cabbage, Fennel, and Grapefruit Slaw Overview:

A little slicing and dicing is all you need to throw this slaw together. You can make it ahead of time and let the flavors meld together (I like to do this). Or, make it when you’re getting things ready for dinner by prepping this slaw first and letting it sit while you get other foods prepared.

Here’s what you need:

• 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fennel fronds, finely chopped
• 1/2 large grapefruit, peeled and inner membranes removed
• 2 T fresh lime juice, plus lime zest (about 1-2 t)
• 2 t honey (omit if you’re on a Whole30)
• 2 T avocado oil
• 1 t sea salt
• 1-2 T cilantro, chopped

Here’s what you do:

1. In a small bowl, mix the lime juice, honey, avocado oil, sea salt, and lime zest. Whisk until well-combined.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the cabbage, fennel bulb and fronds, and cilantro.
3. Toss the cabbage mixture with the honey-lime dressing.
4. Top with sliced grapefruit, extra cilantro, and more lime zest (if desired).

What to serve with Cabbage, Fennel, and Grapefruit Slaw:

Cajun-Roasted Cod with Lemon-Cilantro Sauce

Southwest Salmon and Peppers

Paleo Citrus-Glazed Chicken Wings

More salad recipes to try:

Arugula Salad with Muhamarra Dressing

Spring Herb Salad with Snap Peas, Carrot, and Mint

Crispy Cauliflower Salad