Creamy Cucumber Slaw with Dairy-Free Yogurt

This cool, crunchy Cucumber Slaw is the ultimate refresher for hot summer days! With crisp cucumber, crunchy cabbage, and lots of summery veggies, it's tossed in a creamy, dreamy, oil-free dressing that comes together in moments. It's a 15-minute wonder perfect for picnics, cookouts, and more. Basically, it's summer in a bowl!

Ingredients for Cucumber Cabbage Slaw

The ingredients for this summery gluten free slaw are best during the warmer months when fresh produce is abundant. Spring and Summer are the best seasons for crunchy radishes, hydrating cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers. I am obsessed with garden fresh cherry tomatoes and this recipe is a great place to enjoy them.

• English cucumber: You really need crisp, fresh cucumbers for this recipe. English cucumbers are perfect since they are naturally seedless with a clean bite. 
• Red onion & purple cabbage: Sliced red onion and red cabbage add a sharp and peppery bite, as well as a beautiful color contrast. 
• Yellow bell pepper & radishes: They contribute to the slaw's crunch and visual appeal, with the bell pepper adding sweetness and the radishes offering a spicy kick. 
• Cherry tomatoes: These tiny bursts of sweetness add a juicy texture and a vibrant color. If you don't have cherry tomatoes use whatever you have on hand.
• Lemon & plain vegan yogurt: Combine the lemon juice and zest with vegan yogurt for a tangy and creamy dressing. 
• Salt, black pepper, & fresh herbs (fresh dill and cilantro): These seasonings and herbs are crucial for enhancing the overall taste and adding freshness.
• Maple syrup: A dash of maple syrup balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness, rounding out the flavors. Agave syrup is a great alternative for a similar sweetness with a low glycemic index.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Slaw

This slaw salad is really easy to make. It is a no-cook recipe that can be ready in about 10-15 minutes depending on your chopping skills. I love a good chop, and recipes like this are best in summer when the thought of turning on the oven to cook seems like torture.

• Grab a large bowl and toss in your vibrant mix of veggies such as the cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, radishes, and tomatoes, along with a burst of freshness from cilantro and dill. These ingredients form the crunchy, colorful base of your slaw, promising a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
• Next, its time to take things to another level with the addition of the creamy tang of yogurt, the zesty kick of lemon, and the perfect seasoning blend of salt and pepper, all sweetened slightly with pure maple syrup. Give it a thorough toss to ensure every shred of vegetable is coated in the vegan oil free creamy dressing. Adjust the seasoning as you see fit.

• Now you're ready to serve as a side dish, pile it high on sandwiches or add to tacos for an extra crunch. This simple yet hearty salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for picnics, barbecues, or a quick, healthy snack.

How to Serve

 This summery side salad is perfect for picnics, cookouts, or even as a side for a spicy curry. I also like this one on a sandwich or burger. It has bright pops of flavor plus the great texture of a cabbage style slaw.

Health Benefits of Cucumbers

Cucumbers, a staple in gardens and salads worldwide, are not only refreshing and hydrating but packed with nutritional benefits that can significantly impact your health.

These crisp, cool veggies are made up of about 95% water, making them an excellent choice for hydration and skin health. The water content in cucumbers helps flush out toxins from the body; and are a good source of vitamins K and C.

Tips for Making the Best Cucumber Salad

• Get creative! Most recipes are easily tweaked to accommodate which ingredients are available or which are your preferences. You can omit things you don't like or add something that is abundant in your garden without changing the flavors or essence of a dish. 
• To be a salad master, you need the right tools. I cannot stress enough how much a sharp knife matters or that using a quality peeler or cutting board makes all the difference in the world to your cooking.

Substitutions & Variations

• Make a zucchini slaw: For a twist, zucchini can replace the cukes, maintaining the crunch with a slightly different flavor.
• Change the veg: Feel free to replace the red cabbage with Napa cabbage or regular green cabbage. Substitute the yellow peppers and radishes with orange bell peppers or jicama. They are good alternatives to adjust the sweetness or crunchiness.
• Use different "dairy:" You can substitute dairy free plain yogurt with vegan mayo or sour cream.
• Try different herbs: Instead of dill and cilantro, try parsley, tarragon, green onion, or chives. 

Other Delicious Vegan Slaw Recipes

• Crunchy + Zesty Rainbow Slaw Recipe
• Power Slaw with Peanuts
• Street Corn Slaw
• Creamy Tahini Lime Slaw