Name: Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 16 ounces shredded cabbage (1/2 of a large green cabbage); 2-3 scallions, sliced; 1-2 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed; 1/2 – 1 cup parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1-2 teaspoons zaatar (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a bright, tangy, and herb-packed salad that elevates any meal without fuss, the Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe is your new go-to! This fresh cabbage dish bursts with zesty lemon juice, fragrant mint, dill, and that unmistakable zing of zaatar, offering a perfect balance of crunch, acidity, and herbal depth. It’s not just a side; it’s a little celebration of Lebanese flavors that’s refreshingly simple to prepare and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or enjoying it on its own, this slaw will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with shredded light green cabbage sits on a wooden surface. In front of the bowl, there is a small pile of light green cabbage shreds next to a wedge of pale green cabbage. To the right, two bright yellow lemons rest near the cabbage shreds. On the left side, there is a bunch of green fresh herbs including dill, mint, and parsley. A silver knife lies on the bottom right corner near the cabbage pieces. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential, but here’s the great news: the Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe calls for simple, fresh components that are easy to find and each plays an important role. From the crisp cabbage providing the satisfying crunch to the bright lemon juice that ties everything together, every item on your list brings something special to the bowl.

16 ounces shredded cabbage: This is the crunchy base of the salad, ideally using half of a large green cabbage for freshness and texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to draw out moisture from the cabbage and enhance all the flavors.
2-3 scallions, sliced: Adds a mild onion bite that complements the herbs wonderfully.
1-2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Garlic infuses the salad with warmth and depth, so don’t skip it!
1/2-1 cup parsley, chopped: Parsley’s bright, grassy notes keep the mix fresh and vibrant.
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped: Mint brings a cooling, slightly sweet contrast that’s totally addictive.
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Dill adds an herby tang that ties beautifully with lemon and olive oil.
3 tablespoons olive oil: The olive oil lends richness and helps marry all the ingredients together.
3 tablespoons lemon juice, and more to taste: Lemon juice is the star that adds zing and brightness.
1/2 teaspoon sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity and round out the flavors.
1-2 teaspoons zaatar (optional): This Middle Eastern spice blend gives an earthy, aromatic note that’s magical if you choose to include it.

How to Make Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage and Herbs

Start by thinly slicing or shredding your cabbage into fine ribbons—this helps it soak up the seasoning while keeping a delightful crunch. Toss the cabbage with salt immediately; this step draws out excess moisture to soften the cabbage just a bit and intensifies the flavor. Next, add your sliced scallions, minced garlic, and generous amounts of chopped parsley, mint, and dill for that unmistakable herbal freshness.

Step 2: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the cabbage mixture, sprinkle in the sugar, and toss everything thoroughly to coat every shred. The olive oil creates a lovely, silky texture while the lemon juice wakes up all those fresh flavors. At this point, giving the salad 10 to 15 minutes to rest is a beautiful idea because it allows the ingredients to marry and the cabbage to soften slightly while still maintaining its crunch.

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Finally, sprinkle in the zaatar if you’re using it, then toss again lightly. This spice blend can be adjusted based on how bold or subtle you want that Middle Eastern flair. Taste and adjust lemon juice or salt as needed—this is your moment to make it perfect!

How to Serve Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds a mix of thinly sliced white cabbage and green herbs, with little bits of dark green dill and cilantro spread throughout. The salad looks fresh and light with a texture of shredded leaves and herbs mixed well together. Two wooden salad spoons stick into the bowl, resting on the edges, ready to serve the salad. The setting is on a white marbled surface with some fresh green dill on the top left and a hint of a lemon slice on the left side. The whole image has a bright and clean feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with a few whole mint leaves or a sprinkle of extra zaatar right before serving. For a bit of texture contrast, toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty aroma.

Side Dishes

This slaw shines alongside grilled meats such as lamb kebabs, chicken shawarma, or even crispy falafel. It also pairs beautifully with warm pita bread or served as part of a mezze spread with hummus, baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves. Its crispness and freshness balance rich or fried foods, making it an essential accompaniment to many Lebanese meals.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy or simply make it fun, try serving the slaw inside lettuce cups or as a topping on a toasted flatbread with a drizzle of tahini sauce. You can also add some pomegranate seeds for bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a gorgeous pop of color that makes this slaw look as delightful as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe keeps beautifully for a day or two in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The cabbage will stay crisp but also soften just enough for a wonderful texture. Before serving leftovers, give it a good toss and adjust the lemon and olive oil if it looks a little dry.

Freezing

Because this salad depends on fresh herbs and crunchy cabbage, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor can change drastically, and the herbs will lose their vibrancy once thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. It’s a refreshing element designed to be eaten fresh and crisp, so skip reheating altogether. Simply bring it out of the fridge a bit before serving to take the chill off for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Absolutely! Red cabbage works well and adds a beautiful color contrast to the Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe, though it has a slightly earthier flavor. Feel free to mix the two for even more visual appeal.

Is zaatar necessary for this recipe?

While zaatar is optional, it’s highly recommended if you want to capture an authentic Middle Eastern flavor. If you don’t have it, the slaw is still delicious without it and can be seasoned with a pinch of sumac or ground cumin instead.

How long can the slaw sit before serving?

Letting the slaw rest for about 10 to 15 minutes after tossing the dressing helps the flavors blend beautifully, but it’s best served within a few hours to keep the cabbage crisp and fresh tasting.

Can I add other vegetables to this slaw?

Definitely! Thinly sliced carrots or radishes add lovely color and crunch, while cucumbers can bring extra freshness. Just be mindful to keep the balance so the cabbage remains the star.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! The Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for many dietary preferences without any substitutions needed.

Final Thoughts

This Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe is one of those delightfully easy dishes that feels like a breath of fresh air with every bite. Its vibrant combination of herbs, lemon, and olive oil turns humble cabbage into something extraordinary. I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or whenever you want to bring a little sunshine to your plate. Once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need