Apple Jicama Slaw is a delicious, crunchy dish that supports your gut health with its blend of apples, jicama, and probiotic-rich Greek yogurt dressing. Refreshing and flavorful, this versatile slaw can be served as a side or topping for a variety of dishes, or underneath your favorite protein.
What is Jicama? Where do I find it?
Jicama, also known as Mexican turnip or yam bean, is a root vegetable native to Mexico. It has a crisp, crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, similar to a cross between a potato and an apple.
Jicama is typically found in the produce section of supermarkets or at specialty grocery stores, often alongside other root vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Look for firm, unblemished jicama with smooth skin when selecting it at the store.
I made it easy on myself and bought a 10 oz package of pre-cut jicama sticks at Trader Joes, then cut them into matchstick pieces for the slaw.
What Makes Apple Jicama Slaw Good for Gut Health?
Apple Jicama Slaw is a gut-friendly dish thanks to its key ingredients: apples, cabbage, jicama, and Greek yogurt.
Apples and jicama are both excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Additionally, apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
Red cabbage is rich in fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants, which contribute to gut health by reducing inflammation and protecting against digestive issues.
Greek yogurt, which makes a creamy dressing for apple jicama slaw, is a probiotic-rich food that adds beneficial bacteria to the gut. Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms in the digestive tract for optimal digestion and immune function.
Ingredients
A blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy ingredients makes this recipe great. Refer to the recipe card for exact quantities):
- jicama, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
- small apples (crispy variety), cut into matchsticks
- shredded red cabbage
- chopped fresh cilantro
- plain Greek yogurt
- small jalapeno, seeded and diced
- lime juice from 1 lime
- shallot, minced
- avocado or olive oil
- honey
How to Make Apple Jicama Slaw
Combine the jicama and apple matchsticks, shredded cabbage, and chopped cilantro in a medium mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, jalapeno, shallot, oil, honey, dijon, and salt.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well.
Serve immediately topped with additional chopped cilantro. You can also chill the slaw in the fridge until ready to eat.
How to Serve Apple Jicama Slaw
This delicious slaw can go on the side or on top of a number of main courses. Here are some ideas:
Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with herbs or spices complement the crispness of the slaw.
Baked Salmon: Tender baked salmon fillets with a lemon-dill marinade create a perfect balance with the refreshing slaw.
Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Add this crunchy slaw on top of tangy pulled pork piled high on soft buns.
Fish Tacos: Crispy fish tacos topped with apple jicama slaw, avocado, and a drizzle of creamy cilantro lime sauce.
BBQ Ribs: Serve this slaw on the side of smoky barbecue ribs for a delicious contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Tender grilled shrimp skewers paired with apple jicama slaw make for a light and refreshing summer meal.
Veggie Burgers: Homemade or store-bought veggie burgers topped with this slaw provide a satisfying vegetarian option.
Turkey Burgers: Lean turkey burgers topped with apple jicama slaw offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite.
Apple Jicama Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 jicama, peeled and cut into matchsticks Or buy 10-oz package of jicama sticks to make it easy.
- 2 small apples (crispy variety), cut into matchsticks e.g., granny smith, fuji, honeycrisp
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 small jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 Tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine the jicama and apple matchsticks, cabbage, jalapeno, and cilantro in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime, shallot, oil, honey, dijon, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well.
- Serve immediately, or chill in your refrigerator until ready to eat.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Is Apple Jicama Slaw gluten-free?
Yes, Apple Jicama Slaw is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients of any dressings or additional toppings you use to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, Apple Jicama Slaw can be made vegan by replacing the Greek yogurt with your favorite oil and removing or replacing the honey with maple syrup or your favorite vegan sweetener.
What type of apples should I use?
Crisp and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal for Apple Jicama Slaw as they add a refreshing flavor and texture contrast.
How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the slaw dressing?
To adjust the sweetness, you can add more or less honey to the dressing. For additional tanginess, increase the amount of lime juice or add a touch of apple cider vinegar.
How do I store leftovers?
Transfer the leftover slaw to an airtight container. Store the container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before serving leftover slaw, toss it gently to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
One Response
Crunchy and delicious. Served on side and on top of chicken tacos.