Bright & Zesty Mediterranean Coleslaw Recipe for Summer Meals

Summer’s vibrant colors dance on your plate with this zesty Mediterranean coleslaw that bursts with fresh, tangy flavors.

Crisp cabbage mingles with bright herbs and a light, punchy dressing that sings of Mediterranean sunshine.

Chopped olives and vibrant vegetables add delightful texture to each refreshing bite.

Red onions provide a sharp contrast to the creamy elements, creating a salad that’s both light and satisfying.

Packed with nutrients and bold Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this coleslaw breaks free from traditional predictable versions.

Drizzle the aromatic dressing over the vegetables and watch as simple ingredients turn into an extraordinary side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

Mediterranean Coleslaw Ingredient Essentials

• Coleslaw Mix: Crunchy and fresh foundation that provides a delightful texture and vibrant base for the Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweet, crisp color and boosts nutritional value with bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a clean, bright green note and aromatic freshness to the salad.

• Black Olives: Briny Mediterranean staple that introduces rich, deep flavor and authentic regional character.
• Banana Pepper Rings: Introduces mild, tangy heat and pickled zestiness that elevates the overall taste experience.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that crumbles beautifully and provides a distinctive Mediterranean touch.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that binds ingredients and carries classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component that adds freshness and helps balance the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, aromatic essence without raw garlic intensity.
• Oregano: Traditional Mediterranean herb that imparts earthy, slightly peppery undertones.
• Salt: Enhances and harmonizes all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the vinaigrette's overall complexity.

Tools to Shred, Slice & Toss It Right

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all salad ingredients.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable cutting.
• Whisk or jar with lid: Perfect for mixing vinaigrette ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasoning quantities.
• Colander: Useful for draining olives and rinsing ingredients.

How to Make Crisp, Fresh Mediterranean Slaw

• Flavor Base

Create a zesty dressing by blending tangy lemon, fragrant garlic, and rich olive oil with aromatic herbs that will transform your simple slaw into a Mediterranean delight.

• Veggie Medley

Chop and mix crisp cabbage with vibrant bell peppers, briny olives, and sharp banana peppers to build a colorful foundation bursting with texture and Mediterranean spirit.

• Creamy Accent

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad, adding a salty, creamy element that connects all the bright ingredients and provides a luxurious Mediterranean touch.

• Marination Magic

Let the slaw rest for a short period, allowing the dressing to mingle with the vegetables, softening their edges and intensifying the overall flavor profile of this refreshing side dish.

• Final Flourish

Give the slaw a quick toss just before serving to ensure every bite is equally dressed and ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny coastlines of the Mediterranean.

Tangy Tips & Veggie Twist Ideas

• Swap traditional cabbage mix with rainbow slaw or add shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition.
• Toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or canned tuna to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.
• Prepare the vinaigrette and chop vegetables separately, storing them in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before combining for maximum freshness.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of za'atar seasoning for a bolder Mediterranean flavor profile that will tantalize taste buds.
• Replace feta with nutritional yeast or toasted pine nuts to maintain the recipe's creamy and nutty essence while keeping it vegan-friendly.

How to Plate Mediterranean Slaw for Guests

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish to complement the Mediterranean flavors and add a protein-packed punch to your meal.
• Wrap It Up: Use as a fresh filling for pita bread or wrap sandwiches, creating a light and zesty lunch option that brings Mediterranean street food vibes to your table.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics where its tangy and crisp nature will shine as a crowd-pleasing side dish.
• Mezze Platter Star: Include as a vibrant component of a Mediterranean mezze spread, nestled next to hummus, olives, and grilled vegetables for a colorful and delicious appetizer selection.

Fridge-Friendly Tips to Store Your Slaw

• Maximize Freshness: Store the Mediterranean coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop and blend beautifully during storage.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and mix the vinaigrette separately up to 24 hours before serving. Combine ingredients just before eating to maintain crisp textures and prevent sogginess.
• Quick Revive Technique: If the coleslaw seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of olive oil and re-toss to refresh the salad's moisture and vibrant flavors.
• Smart Serving Tip: Keep the feta and dressing on the side when meal prepping for large groups, allowing guests to customize their portions and maintain optimal texture.

Vibrant Mediterranean Coleslaw Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean coleslaw brings together crisp cabbage, zesty herbs, and tangy olives in a refreshing salad. Colorful ingredients and bright dressing create a perfect side dish you’ll crave at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (454 g) coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
• 2 oz (57 g) feta, crumbled
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 1 2.25-oz (64 g) can sliced black olives
• ½ 12-oz (340 g) jar banana pepper rings
• ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 mL) lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vinaigrette Preparation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, granulated garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until smoothly emulsified, creating a zesty Mediterranean-style dressing.
2. Vegetable Assembly: In a large salad bowl, combine shredded cabbage mix, crimson bell pepper, flat-leaf parsley, Kalamata olives, banana pepper rings, and crumbled feta cheese, forming a vibrant and colorful base.
3. Dressing Integration: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture, tossing gently with salad tongs to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the bright, herbaceous dressing.
4. Flavor Melding: Let the coleslaw rest at room temperature for 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to absorb the dressing’s essence and develop a harmonious Mediterranean flavor profile.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the coleslaw sit for 15 minutes to allow ingredients to absorb the zesty vinaigrette, enhancing overall taste depth.
• Olive Oil Quality Matters: Use extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor and rich, smooth dressing texture.
• Cheese Crumbling Tip: Crumble feta cheese just before mixing to maintain its fresh, tangy character and prevent clumping.
• Serve with Freshness: Stir the coleslaw right before serving to revive the crisp vegetables and redistribute the vibrant dressing, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg