This week I was introduced to a fresh and crisp summertime salad that is packed with veggies and plenty of flavor. It makes the perfect side dish for any dinner from the grill.

This salad is a new twist on coleslaw, but it is nearly as quick and easy to prepare as the original.

The avocado in the dressing adds a rich flavor to the entire salad. The other ingredients in the dressing blend perfectly to compliment the veggie combination. The entire dish is full of gut-healthy ingredients that will make you feel good after enjoying it.

This recipe came to me from my friend Linda, who enjoyed this at her daughter-in-law Becky’s house recently. She noted to me how delicious it was, and that she thought it was a “nice, different take on coleslaw.” I found the same to be true when I put it together this week.

If you have grilling on your agenda this week, or a barbecue to attend, I encourage you to give this fresh and healthy salad a try. From Becky’s and Linda’s kitchen to yours – enjoy!

Summertime Slaw

Serves 8

Dressing ingredients:

1 medium avocado
1/4 c. oil
1/4 c. cool water
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
1/4 c. roughly chopped cilantro
2 T. pure maple syrup
1 1/2 t. sea salt
1 t. onion powder
1 t. ground cumin
2 cloves garlic

Salad ingredients:

6 c. coleslaw mix
1 sliced red bell pepper
1 sliced red onion
1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro

To make dressing, add avocado, oil, water, lime juice, cilantro, maple syrup, salt, onion powder, cumin and garlic to a bowl. Whisk or blend until smooth.

To make salad, add coleslaw mix, dressing, bell pepper, onion and cilantro to a large bowl; toss to combine. Serve.