Let me tell you about a slaw that’s become a regular at our family dinners. While most people reach for cabbage when making coleslaw, I’ve found that turnips bring something different to the table. It’s a simple switch that surprised even my picky eaters at home.
I started making this turnip slaw last summer when my garden produced way too many turnips, and now it’s our go-to side dish. The crunch is just right, and it’s so much lighter than traditional coleslaw. Plus, it takes just minutes to throw together – perfect for those nights when you’re juggling dinner prep with helping kids with homework.
If you’re looking to switch up your usual sides or just want to try something new with turnips, this recipe might be exactly what you need. It’s fresh, crisp, and honestly, it gets better after sitting in the fridge for a day.
Why You’ll Love This Turnip Slaw
- Low-carb alternative – This creative twist on traditional coleslaw uses turnips instead of cabbage, making it perfect for anyone watching their carbs or looking to try something new.
- Quick preparation – With just 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can whip up this fresh side dish using simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare this slaw up to 4 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to blend while saving you time before serving.
- Fresh and crunchy – The combination of crisp turnips, sweet bell peppers, and green onions creates a refreshing crunch that pairs well with any main dish.
What Kind of Turnips Should I Use?
For a crisp and flavorful slaw, you’ll want to look for fresh, young turnips that feel firm and heavy for their size. The smaller turnips (about 2-3 inches in diameter) are usually your best bet since they’re more tender and have a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to their larger counterparts. If you can find them, white Japanese turnips are especially good for raw preparations like slaw because they’re extra crisp and less peppery than regular turnips. Just make sure to peel your turnips before grating them, as the skin can be a bit tough and bitter, and try to grate them right before mixing to keep them from oxidizing and maintain that perfect crunch.
Options for Substitutions
This fresh slaw recipe is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can try:
- Turnips: While turnips give this slaw its unique flavor, you can substitute with jicama, kohlrabi, or even broccoli stems for a similar crunchy texture. Just make sure to grate them finely.
- Mayo: Not a mayo fan? Try using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead. For a vegan version, mashed avocado works great too – just add an extra splash of vinegar since avocado is less tangy than mayo.
- Red bell pepper: Any color bell pepper works fine here, or try using shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.
- Green onions: You can swap these with finely diced red onion or shallots – just use about half the amount since they’re stronger in flavor.
- Vinegar: Any light vinegar works well – try apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or white wine vinegar. Lemon juice is also a good substitute if you’re out of vinegar.
- Sugar: Feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Start with 1 tablespoon since they’re a bit sweeter, and adjust to taste.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making turnip slaw is dealing with excess moisture – turnips naturally release water after grating, which can make your slaw watery and dilute the dressing. To prevent this, place your grated turnips in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let them drain for about 15 minutes before squeezing out excess moisture with clean kitchen towels.
Another common mistake is cutting the turnips too thick – for the best texture, use the medium holes on your grater or a food processor with the grating attachment, as larger pieces won’t properly absorb the dressing and can be too crunchy.
The final key to perfect turnip slaw is letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving – this allows the flavors to blend and the turnips to slightly soften while maintaining their crunch, but don’t let it sit longer than 24 hours or it might become too soft.
What to Serve With Turnip Slaw?
This crunchy turnip slaw makes a perfect side dish for classic BBQ favorites like pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or grilled chicken. The cool, creamy slaw provides a nice contrast to hot-off-the-grill meats and helps cut through richer dishes. I love serving it alongside other picnic-style sides like baked beans, cornbread, or potato salad for a complete summer spread. You could also pile this slaw right onto sandwiches or tacos for extra crunch and flavor – it works especially well on fish tacos or pulled chicken sliders.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This crunchy turnip slaw stays best when kept in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll maintain its texture and flavor for about 3-4 days, though it’s most crisp on the first two days. The flavors actually get better after sitting for a few hours, so it’s perfect for making ahead!
Prep Ahead: Want to get a head start? You can grate the turnips and dice the peppers up to a day in advance – just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix with the dressing ingredients for the freshest results. This is super handy for busy weeknight dinners or upcoming gatherings.
Drain: If you notice any liquid collecting at the bottom of your stored slaw, just give it a quick drain and toss before serving. You might want to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, as some of the flavors might have settled at the bottom.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0-0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-240 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 5-10 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups grated peeled turnips
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by gathering all your ingredients, except for the turnips, and place them in a bowl.
This might include items such as olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, honey, mustard, and any herbs or spices you wish to use.
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined to create a flavorful dressing.
Step 2: Coat the Turnips
After the dressing is well mixed, pour it over the prepared turnips in a larger bowl.
Toss the turnips carefully to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
This tossing helps to infuse the turnip pieces with the flavors of the dressing.
Step 3: Marinate and Chill
Transfer the coated turnips to the refrigerator.
Allow them to marinate for several hours, letting the flavors meld together and soak into the turnips.
This chilling time is crucial for enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Step 4: Serve
Once the turnips have sufficiently marinated, remove them from the refrigerator.
Give them a gentle toss again for good measure and serve your deliciously flavored turnip dish as a side or a light meal.