Shirazi-Inspired Winter Slaw

Featured in: Daily Cravings

This Shirazi-inspired winter slaw combines finely shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced fennel, diced cucumber, and pomegranate arils with fresh parsley, mint, and dill to create a bright, textured vegetable mix. The dressing, made from olive oil, lemon and orange juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, salt, and pepper, adds a tangy and aromatic finish. Toss all ingredients together and let rest to meld flavors. Perfectly crisp and fresh, it offers a refreshing balance of earthiness, citrus, and sweetness, ideal as a cool side or light meal.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:58:00 GMT
Vibrant Shirazi-Inspired Winter Slaw with crunchy red cabbage and colorful pomegranate seeds, ready to eat! Save
Vibrant Shirazi-Inspired Winter Slaw with crunchy red cabbage and colorful pomegranate seeds, ready to eat! | cravebop.com

A bright, crunchy slaw inspired by Persian Shirazi salad, featuring winter vegetables and a tangy citrus-herb dressing.

This slaw brings fresh winter flavors and is a delightful vegan gluten-free side I enjoy serving all year round.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 small red cabbage finely shredded, 2 medium carrots julienned, 1 small fennel bulb thinly sliced, 1 small red onion finely diced, 1 medium cucumber diced, ½ cup pomegranate arils
  • Herbs: ½ cup fresh parsley chopped, ¼ cup fresh mint leaves chopped, 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sumac, ½ teaspoon salt or to taste, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage carrots fennel onion cucumber and pomegranate arils
Step 2:
Add the chopped parsley mint and dill to the bowl tossing gently to distribute the herbs evenly
Step 3:
In a small bowl or jar whisk together the olive oil lemon juice orange juice red wine vinegar sumac salt and black pepper until well emulsified
Step 4:
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss thoroughly to coat all vegetables and herbs
Step 5:
Let the slaw sit for 1015 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld Serve chilled or at room temperature
Bright, refreshing Shirazi Winter Slaw, a vegan salad with citrus dressing and fresh herbs, perfect side dish. Save
Bright, refreshing Shirazi Winter Slaw, a vegan salad with citrus dressing and fresh herbs, perfect side dish. | cravebop.com

This recipe is a family favorite especially during holiday gatherings where everyone enjoys the fresh flavors.

Notes

Garnish with additional pomegranate arils for color Serve as a side with grilled meats fish or falafel Pairs well with dry white wines or light reds

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl Chefs knife Cutting board Whisk Small bowl or jar

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens If adding nuts note potential tree nut allergens Always verify ingredient labels if concerned about cross-contamination

Close-up of a flavorful Shirazi-Inspired Winter Slaw, showcasing the fresh, chopped parsley, mint, and dill. Save
Close-up of a flavorful Shirazi-Inspired Winter Slaw, showcasing the fresh, chopped parsley, mint, and dill. | cravebop.com

This slaw is a fresh and vibrant complement to any meal easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Recipe Guide

What gives this slaw its distinctive tang?

The dressing combines lemon and orange juices with red wine vinegar and sumac, lending a bright, citrusy tartness balanced by aromatic spices.

Can fennel be substituted?

Yes, you can swap fennel for apple slices for a sweeter crunched note while maintaining texture contrast.

How can I add extra crunch to the dish?

Toasted walnuts or slivered almonds make excellent crunchy additions enhancing both texture and flavor.

Is the slaw best served chilled or room temperature?

It can be served either chilled or at room temperature, allowing flexibility depending on preference and setting.

What dishes pair well with this slaw?

This slaw complements grilled meats, fish, or falafel, as well as light, dry white or red wines.

Shirazi-Inspired Winter Slaw

Crunchy winter vegetables blend with pomegranate and citrus-herbs for a refreshing, flavorful dish.

Prep duration
20 min
0
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Lindsey Carter


Skill level Easy

Heritage Persian-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition labels Plant-based, No dairy, No gluten

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 1 small red cabbage, finely shredded
02 2 medium carrots, julienned
03 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
04 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 1 medium cucumber, diced
06 ½ cup pomegranate arils

Herbs

01 ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
02 ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
03 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Dressing

01 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
02 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
03 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
04 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
05 1 teaspoon sumac
06 ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
07 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Method

Phase 01

Combine vegetables: Add shredded red cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced fennel, diced red onion, diced cucumber, and pomegranate arils into a large mixing bowl.

Phase 02

Add herbs: Incorporate chopped parsley, mint, and dill into the bowl, tossing gently to distribute evenly.

Phase 03

Prepare dressing: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, red wine vinegar, sumac, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl until fully emulsified.

Phase 04

Dress the slaw: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and herb mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat all components evenly.

Phase 05

Allow flavors to meld: Let the slaw rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to develop. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl or jar

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains no major allergens; note possible tree nut allergen if nuts are added. Verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 145
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 3 g