Food Fact and Fitness Fridays: Crunchy Summer Slaw

Use up your summer produce while pleasing your company with this easy and palate- pleasing summer slaw.  Here the everyday, year-round carrot is married to the often overabundant summer zucchini.   Dates, added for their complimentary burst of robust sweetness, are the only exotic ingredient in the list and may easily be substituted for your favorite dried fruit.  Raisins are a recommended substitute. 

              







The most complicated part of this recipe is the shredding the carrots and zucchini in the Cuisine-Art.  Rarely do I relish the idea of deciphering just how to fit together all the right blades, special lids and bottom bowl etc, etc. necessary for the shredding process but this slaw is worth it! You might find that shredding really isn’t as bad as you had thought!  Pre-shredded carrots are available at most grocery stores if doing it yourself is not possible (or unthinkable!). 

 

Crunchy Summer Slaw
Created by Cathryn U

 Ingredients

·         5- 6 Cups carrots, shredded/grated ( approx. 3 large carrots)

·         1 cup Zucchini (any summer squash), shredded, grated

·         3 Tablespoons Olive Oil or Canola Oil ( depends on your flavor preference)

·         2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar

·         6 Dried Dates, (pits removed), chopped

·         ¼ tablespoon table salt

·         ½ teaspoon Black Pepper

·         ¼ teaspoon (or to taste) Turmeric  (optional)

·         ¼ cup Fresh cilantro, finely chopped

·         2 green onions, chopped

Procedure
1.       Combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. (Yup, that’s it!).
2.       Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days (if it lasts that long!).   If you plan on “making it ahead” for a party or those  vacationing relatives  then just note that after 3 days the slaw will begin to lose its delightful “crunch”.   

Serving Options:

• Use as a stuffing for a lettuce or tortilla wrap as well as pita pocket.
• Serve as a side to a BBQ entrée.
• If consumed as a main course, add your favorite source of protein such as canned/chopped chicken or roasted almonds.

Eat well, Eat right, Eat fresh!

Recipe & photos copyright of Cathryn U and The Beauty of the Lord Blog.  Recipe & photos may be distributed if proper citation is given.