Crunchy Winter Slaw with Asian Pear and Manchego
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
This crunchy winter slaw with Asian pear and Manchego is a sophisticated vegetarian salad that brings a bright, crisp texture to the table. Combining the peppery notes of daikon and celeriac with the delicate sweetness of pear, it offers a refreshing alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based slaws. The addition of toasted pumpkin seeds provides an earthy depth, while the salty Manchego cheese creates a beautiful balance against the zesty lemon and mustard dressing.
Ideal as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish for roasted meats and savoury tarts, this salad is packed with seasonal vegetables and heart-healthy fats. The contrast of textures makes it a satisfying stand-alone dish, but it also works brilliantly as part of a winter buffet. For the best flavour, prepare the vegetables just before serving to ensure every bite remains perfectly crisp.
In this article:
Video picks
Continue reading below
Ingredients for Crunchy Winter Slaw with Asian Pear and Manchego
45g raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1 teaspoon plus 60ml olive oil
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
45ml fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
4 cups very thinly sliced green cabbage and/or fennel
350ml matchsticks Asian pear (from about 1/2 large)
150g matchsticks peeled celery root (from about 1/4 small) or celery
150g matchsticks peeled daikon (from about 1/2 medium)
90g Manchego cheese, shaved, divided
How to make Crunchy Winter Slaw with Asian Pear and Manchego
Back to contentsPreheat oven to 177°C. Toss pumpkin seeds and 1 teaspoon oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and puffed, about 5 minutes; let cool. Finely chop 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds.
Whisk chopped pumpkin seeds, lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, and remaining 60ml oil in a medium bowl; season dressing with salt and pepper.
Combine cabbage and/or fennel, Asian pear, celery root, daikon, most of the Manchego, and remaining pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over top and toss to combine; season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining Manchego.
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

Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.