No-Cook Spicy Pecan Cole Slaw with Citrus Dressing
A refreshing no-cook cole slaw combining crunchy pecans and a zesty, spicy citrus dressing for a vibrant side dish. This american-inspired no cook (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, chopped pecans into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups shredded green cabbage, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, 1 cup grated carrot, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans, tossing gently to mix.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Cook Spicy Pecan Cole Slaw with Citrus Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover No-Cook Spicy Pecan Cole Slaw with Citrus Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Cook Spicy Pecan Cole Slaw with Citrus Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Cook Spicy Pecan Cole Slaw with Citrus Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is No-Cook Spicy Pecan Cole Slaw with Citrus Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
