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Creamy Summer Slaw

This creamy summer slaw is a vibrant, modern take on the classic cabbage salad. By combining crunchy napa cabbage with thinly sliced broccoli and sweet sugar snap peas, this vegetarian side dish offers a wonderful variety of textures and fresh flavours. The zesty buttermilk and lemon dressing provides a lighter, more sophisticated alternative to traditional heavy mayonnaises, making it an ideal accompaniment for grilled halloumi or roasted meats.

Perfect for outdoor entertaining or as a nutritious meal prep option, this salad stays wonderfully crisp even after sitting for a few hours. The addition of fresh chives and spring onions adds a subtle savoury depth that complements the sweetness of the green vegetables. It is a versatile, heart-healthy dish that brings a bright, seasonal touch to any lunch or dinner spread.

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Ingredients for Creamy Summer Slaw

  • 160ml buttermilk

  • 80ml mayonnaise

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 1 small bunch broccoli (about 350g )

  • 1/2 medium Napa cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1200g )

  • 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

  • 230g sugar snap peas, thinly sliced

  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

Combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Set buttermilk dressing aside.

Using a vegetable peeler, peel broccoli stalk if skin is thick. Halve broccoli lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise, starting at crown. Toss broccoli, cabbage, spring onions, sugar snap peas, 2 tablespoons chives, and reserved buttermilk dressing in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Serve slaw topped with remaining 2 tablespoons chives.

DO AHEAD: Slaw can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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