Crisp cabbage and pumpkin seed slaw with maple Dijon vinaigrette on a white plate, garnished with fresh herbs and green vegetables

Cabbage & Pumpkin Seed Slaw with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A Farmers Market Classic Revisited

Name: Cabbage & Pumpkin Seed Slaw with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A Farmers Market Classic Revisited
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: North American
Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 4–5 cups); 2 carrots, julienned; 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or replace with more pumpkin seeds or other nuts); 1/2 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro); Optional additions: fresh basil or other fresh herbs, shredded apple, dried cranberries; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

There's something quietly nostalgic about this kind of salad — a whisper back to the early 2000s when the farm-to-table movement was still new, still earnest, still full of discovery. Crunchy cabbage, bright vinaigrettes, and the warm toasty edge of pumpkin seeds make this timeless farmers market classic as satisfying today as it was then.

Prep

15 min

Cook

—

Total

15 min

Serves

Style

🍽 Elevated

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There's something quietly nostalgic about this kind of salad — a whisper back to the early 2000s when the farm-to-table movement was still new, still earnest, still full of discovery. Back then, every farmers market table offered some version of this: crunchy cabbage, bright vinaigrettes, the warm toasty edge of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, maybe a handful of local apples or cranberries tossed in for sweetness. It wasn't trying to be complicated. It was simply real food — honest, bright, and deeply satisfying.

What's beautiful is how timeless this kind of slaw remains. We still find variations of it at every good farmers market, and for good reason.

Ingredients

Servings:

1 head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 4–5 cups)
2 carrots, julienned
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or replace with more pumpkin seeds or other nuts)
1/2 cup fresh parsley (or cilantro)
Optional additions: fresh basil or other fresh herbs, shredded apple, dried cranberries
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2
Whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar (or lemon), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Alternatively, shake in a well-sealed jar until emulsified.
3
Toss the dressing with the slaw ingredients until evenly coated.
4
Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld. If you're looking to elevate it even more: Toast the pumpkin and sunflower seeds for better crunch and nutty depth. Consider a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of garlic powder in the vinaigrette for a subtle kick. If using lemon juice instead of vinegar, a small pinch of zest (¼ tsp / 1.25 ml) would add brightness.

FAQ

Can you make cabbage and pumpkin seed slaw ahead of time?+

Yes, you can prepare this slaw up to 2 days in advance—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cabbage will soften slightly and the flavors will meld together, which many people actually prefer. If you're adding fresh apples or dried cranberries, stir those in just before serving so they don't get soggy.

What can you substitute for pumpkin seeds in this slaw?+

You can use sunflower seeds, pepitas, walnuts, pecans, or almonds in equal amounts—just choose raw or lightly roasted for the best texture. If you want to keep it seed-heavy, simply use more sunflower seeds or go all pumpkin seeds for extra flavor.

Why is my slaw watery and how do you prevent it?+

This happens when the cabbage releases moisture after being dressed, especially if made too far ahead. To prevent it, make sure you're not over-shredding the cabbage (coarse shreds are better), and if making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss it in just 30 minutes before serving.

What should you serve cabbage pumpkin seed slaw with?+

This slaw pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, pulled pork sandwiches, or as a side to autumn grain bowls. It's also great alongside Thanksgiving dinner or stuffed into tacos and wraps for a fresh, crunchy element.