It's slaw season! Having a perfectly sweet and crunchy slaw recipe makes all the difference at BBQs, potlucks, and backyard dinners. This Southwestern Jicama Slaw is my favorite summertime side, and it's made totally vegan, raw, and free of refined sugars.
It's time for summer grilling, backyard barbecues, and neighborhood potlucks, which means a good slaw recipe will come in handy over and over again. Lately I've found myself craving a crunchier, sweeter side, so this Jicama Slaw is my jam! It's filled with jicama, black beans, bell pepper, red onion, and green onion, so it's colorful and beautiful in addition to being so, so tasty. I used a simple homemade southwestern-inspired dressing to let the veggie flavors shine!
What is Jicama?
If you're not familiar with jicama, it's the perfect root veggie to try this summer. Jicama (pronounced hick-a-ma) has a starchy, crunchy white interior covered by a golden-brown skin. It's like a cross between a potato and an apple or pear in terms of texture, and looks similar to a turnip with tan skin. Jicama is available year round and is very low in calories and high in vitamin C.
Vegan Slaw Dressing
We're skipping the mayo in this recipe and instead opting for a homemade vegan dressing! Making your own dressings is as simple as whisking everything together in a small bowl or measuring it all into a Mason jar and giving it a good shake. Easy as can be! I made this simple, flavorful jicama slaw dressing out of:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Runny tahini
- Fresh lime
- Pure maple syrup
- Fresh minced garlic
- Cumin
- Salt
How to Make Slaw Without Cabbage
If cabbage isn't your favorite, jicama is a nutritious alternative that has a slightly different texture and (I think) more satisfying crunch. Jicama is juicy, crunchy, and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. In other words, it's perfect for a slaw! I highly encourage you to give it a try!
It also holds up so well in the refrigerator for days. One jicama yields a lot when julienned, so you might be able to double this recipe. I sometimes make it for a meal prep lunch for myself during summertime and it stays super crispy and fresh for 4-5 days (if it lasts that long!). I also really love how the black beans make it filling and add some awesome plant-based protein for a well-rounded meal (see my complete guide on Black Bean Benefits for Vegans (+ Recipes) for more information on black beans).
This jicama slaw is vegan (no dairy, egg, or meat), gluten-free, sugar-free, and totally raw. If you give this recipe a try, I would love to see how yours turns out. Please tag me in your pics on social media: @eatingbyelaine – I love to see your recipe creations! I also really appreciate a review if you make this recipe.
More BBQ Sides
- Cucumber Beet Salad
- Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
- Creamy Spiralized Red Cabbage & Green Apple Slaw
- One-Pot Sweet & Spiced Quinoa Lentil Salad
- Vegan Mediterranean Pasta Salad
- Simple Summer Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Creamy Vegan Cucumber Salad with Dill & Red Onion
- The Best Vegan Mac & Cheese
- California Avocado Kale Salad with Cashew Ranch
- Red, White, & Blue Fruit Salad
- Creamy Vegan Picnic Pasta Salad
Southwestern Jicama Slaw
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This raw, vegan and gluten-free side salad is full of veggies. It is fresh and crispy and dressed with a sweet and tangy dressing that is creamy but mayo-free. Black beans provide plant-based protein making this side dish an entree as well.
Ingredients
For the slaw
- 1 jicama, peeled, julienned, chopped into 1-1.5 inch pieces
- 1 can black beans, drained, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 3 green onions, diced
- 1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large juicy limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons runny tahini
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed through a garlic press (or minced)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons fine salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine jicama, black beans, red bell pepper, red onion, green onion and cilantro. Stir and set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small glass bowl add all dressing ingredients and whisk well. Alternatively, add all ingredients to a glass mason jar and shake well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the jicama salad and toss well. Chill the jicama salad in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, toss again and then serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The jicama will remain crispy once dressed.
Equipment
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nesting lidded glass mixing bowls
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knife set (code ELAINE for 10% off)
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For best results, slice the jicama as thin as possible.
For best results, chill your jicama and bell pepper in advance.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Side
Dyanne says
This was seriously delicious! My husband and I loved it. Definitely going to be a dish on regular rotation!
Elaine Gordon says
Aw yay! Thank you so much, Dyanne! I'm so happy you all loved it! Best, Elaine
Jen says
Such a yummy dish for hot summer nights! Served it "taco style" in lettuce leaves with a little avocado as an entree.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Jen! I'm so happy you enjoyed this one! I agree it is perfect for hot summer nights for sure! We can't stop over here! Love your idea of serving it taco style with avocado! Brilliant! I'll have to try that next time I make it! Best, Elaine 🙂
Abby says
Oh jicama where have you been all my life! This salad is amazing! I will definitely be bringing it to family barbecues this summer!
Elaine Gordon says
Haha, I felt the same way when I first discovered it! I'm so happy you enjoyed this one so much and plan to make again for cookouts this summer! It is wonderful for making in advance since it stays so crunchy and crisp 🙂
Dawn Orndorff says
Just made this for dinner and it's amazing! I didn't have black beans on hand so I substituted chick peas. So good! Definitely a keeper! Thank you!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Dawn! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one so much! Best Regards, Elaine