Raw Cruciferous Detox Salad Recipe

Ali Segersten Jun 09, 2025 1 comment
EASY CRUCIFEROUS DETOX SLAW-1

This raw cruciferous detox slaw is one of those recipes I make over and over again. It’s crisp, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable—something I prepare several times a week, each time with a little variation depending on what’s fresh, seasonal, or intuitively calling to me.

At its core, this slaw features raw cabbage and kale—two cruciferous vegetables rich in glucosinolates, compounds that support the body’s detoxification pathways through the formation of sulforaphane and other bioactive metabolites. Preparing them raw preserves their delicate enzymes and enhances their cleansing properties. 

The beauty of this slaw is its flexibility. Swap the kale for baby arugula. Use fresh mint, dill, or parsley instead of cilantro. Lemon juice and zest work just as well as lime, depending on your taste and what’s on hand. You might also add in chopped radishes, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced sweet onions for more texture, color, and phytonutrients.

Each bowl is topped with toasted pumpkin seeds, adding a delicious crunch along with zinc, magnesium, and plant-based protein—nutrients that support immune function, energy, and hormone balance.

Want to dive deeper into the healing potential of cruciferous vegetables? Download my free cruciferous veggie guide here—it’s a simple, printable resource to help you understand the unique compounds in these foods and how to weave them into your meals with ease.

How to Serve:
This slaw pairs beautifully with many meals. Serve it alongside a hearty lentil or vegetable curry, simple roasted chicken, or poached fish for a balanced, detox-supportive plate. It also works well in wraps or as a fresh topping for grain bowls. 

And one of the best parts? This slaw keeps well for days in the refrigerator—making it a perfect staple for your weekly meal prep.

This slaw is a reminder that true nourishment comes from the simple, consistent ways we care for ourselves. One thoughtfully prepared meal can shift how you feel—and when meals like this are repeated, day by day, that’s when real transformation begins. This is the path to wholeness.

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About the Author

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN

Alissa Segersten, MS, CN, is the founder of Nourishing Meals®, an online meal-planning membership with over 1,800 nourishing recipes and tools to support dietary change and better health. As a functional nutritionist, professional recipe developer, and author of The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook, Nourishing Meals, and co-author of The Elimination Diet, she helps people overcome health challenges through food. A mother of five, Alissa understands the importance of creating nutrient-dense meals for the whole family. Rooted in science and deep nourishment, her work makes healthy eating accessible, empowering thousands to transform their well-being through food.

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Comments

Made a huge batch of this tonight! Easily my new favorite salad/slaw. Excellent main dish or side dish depending on what your body is needing. Definitely making this again!

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