salads

Lebanese Slaw (Malfouf Salad)

A bright, crunchy Middle Eastern slaw inspired by our 2019 travels, this Lebanese Malfouf Salad is packed with fresh cabbage, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and a vibrant lemon–garlic dressing. Unlike pre-cut coleslaw mixes, hand-sliced cabbage gives this salad its signature crisp bite. Zaatar, sumac, and dried mint bring classic Lebanese flavors, while lemon and olive oil tie everything together. Refreshing, aromatic, and incredibly versatile, it's a perfect side for grilled meats, Mediterranean dishes, or a fresh lunch on its own.

Servings: 6–8 servings
Total Time: 20 min

Ingredients

Slaw
  • 1 head white cabbage, sliced thinly
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and sliced
  • 1 small head purple cabbage, thinly sliced (or 1 small bag pre-sliced)
  • 4–5 colorful radishes, sliced thin
  • 1 small red onion, sliced in thin half-moons
  • Handful flat-leaf parsley leaves, minced
  • Handful fresh mint leaves, minced
Dressing
  • 2 small garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons zaatar
  • 2 teaspoons sumac
  • 2 teaspoons crushed dried mint (or Mint Salt)
  • Pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced white cabbage, 2 pints halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced purple cabbage, sliced radishes, and thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Make the dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and the juice of 2 lemons. Slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil while whisking. Add 2 teaspoons zaatar, 2 teaspoons sumac, 2 teaspoons crushed dried mint, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Combine the salad Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  4. Chill Refrigerate the slaw for at least 20–30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
  5. Finish and serve Just before serving, add the minced parsley and mint. Toss again and adjust salt or lemon if needed.

Notes

  • Freshly sliced cabbage provides the crunch; pre-cut mixes tend to soften too quickly.
  • Adjust garlic, lemon, or spices to your preferred flavor balance.
  • For a deeper Lebanese flavor, add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses.

Tags

Lebanese Mediterranean salad slaw summer fresh vegetarian vegan