Description
This Coleslaw with Papaya is a vibrant, refreshing twist on classic coleslaw. It combines crunchy white and purple cabbage with sweet green papaya, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of exotic flavor. Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or as a light side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium white cabbage – Cored and shredded, adds mild flavor and crunch
- 1 small purple cabbage – Cored and shredded, adds color and nutrients
- 1 small green papaya – Cored and julienned, provides subtle sweetness and crispness
- 80 grams mayonnaise – For creamy richness
- 50 grams strained yoghurt – Adds tang and lightens the texture
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar – Brings brightness and acidity
- 2 tablespoons lime juice – Fresh and zesty
- 1 tablespoon honey – Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Optional, adds umami depth
- 1 teaspoon Asian fish sauce – Optional, for savory flavor punch
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds subtle heat and complexity
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds – Coarsely crushed, offers a hint of anise
- 1 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances all flavors
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds balance and heat
Optional Add-Ons
- Shredded carrots – For extra sweetness and crunch
- Toasted nuts – Walnuts or almonds for a nutty crunch
- Fresh herbs – Cilantro or mint for a bright, fresh finish
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- Savoy cabbage – A softer alternative to standard cabbage
- Dairy-free yoghurt – Use coconut yoghurt for a vegan option
- Rice vinegar – Works in place of cider vinegar
- Shredded carrots or apples – Use if green papaya is unavailable
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash, core, and shred the white and purple cabbages. Peel and julienne the green papaya.
- Mix dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, strained yoghurt, cider vinegar, lime juice, honey, Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, Dijon mustard, fennel seeds, sea salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine: Add the prepared vegetables into the bowl with the dressing and toss until well coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and soften the cabbage slightly.
- Serve: Stir gently, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this a day in advance—just add herbs and nuts before serving for best texture.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but best enjoyed within 24 hours.
- Pairing: Delicious alongside grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: coleslaw with papaya, tropical slaw, green papaya slaw, creamy cabbage salad, summer papaya coleslaw, mayo yoghurt slaw, cabbage and fruit salad