Jicama Slaw with Fresh Herbs & Arugula: A Refreshing, Simple Side for Beginner Cooks

There’s something special about the crisp, refreshing crunch of a slaw on a warm day. It’s the kind of dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Our Jicama Slaw with Fresh Herbs & Arugula started as an easy side to pair with tacos and corn chips but quickly became a staple in our kitchen. With its combination of lightly sweet jicama, crisp apple, and tangy citrus dressing, it’s a dish that manages to be both simple and flavorful.

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The best part? It’s perfect for beginner cooks. The ingredients are easy to find, the preparation is quick and straightforward, and the result is a vibrant and fresh dish that anyone can prepare. If you’ve been wanting to expand your cooking repertoire without feeling overwhelmed, this slaw is the perfect starting point.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

For beginner cooks, simplicity is key. The recipe has minimal ingredients, and the prep work requires no complicated techniques. In about 15 minutes, you can make this slaw from scratch, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of jicama, apple, and carrot provides a refreshing crunch without the need for cooking or advanced kitchen skills.

Additionally, this slaw is full of healthy, vibrant ingredients. Jicama is low in calories, packed with fiber, and provides a good source of vitamin C. Paired with fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious. And because it’s made with fresh, whole ingredients, it’s a healthier alternative to many store-bought slaws that are loaded with preservatives and excess sugar.

In this recipe, the light lime and lemon dressing adds the perfect balance of tanginess, while the maple syrup gives just a touch of sweetness to round it all out. Whether you serve it as a side dish, pile it onto tacos, or even top a hearty salad with it, you’ll love how this refreshing slaw brings flavor and crunch to any meal.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before we jump into the steps, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. This slaw is made with fresh, simple ingredients that require very little prep work. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Slaw:

• 1-2 cups of Jicama, peeled and shredded (1 average-sized jicama yields about 2 cups of shreds)
• 1 medium-sized apple, washed thoroughly and shredded (We used a Pink Lady variety, but any type of apple will work)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
• A handful of fresh parsley, washed and chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• A handful of fresh cilantro, washed and chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

For the Dressing:

• 8 tsp of freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 8 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp of pure maple syrup
• A pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt, or another salt of your choice (to taste)

Optional:

• 4-6 cups of arugula or another fresh leafy green (We used about 6 cups of arugula, but feel free to adjust)
• Sliced limes for serving (optional)
• Baked organic corn tortilla chips (optional, for serving)

If you’re not familiar with some of these ingredients, no worries. Let’s talk briefly about them:

• Jicama is a crunchy, slightly sweet root vegetable often found in Latin American cuisine. It’s sometimes referred to as Mexican turnip or yam bean. It has a mild flavor and a firm texture, making it ideal for slaws and salads.
• Arugula is a peppery, leafy green that adds a vibrant and slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the slaw. If you don’t have arugula, feel free to substitute it with another leafy green like spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce.
• Cilantro and parsley are both fresh herbs that bring brightness and a touch of earthiness to the dish. While cilantro has a slightly stronger flavor, parsley is more mild, and together they complement the other ingredients beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s break down the steps to make this slaw.

1. Prep the Veggies and Fruits: Start by washing and peeling your jicama, apple, and carrot. Once they’re cleaned, it’s time to shred them. If you have a box grater, that works perfectly for all three ingredients. If you don’t, you can also use a food processor or even a sharp knife to slice the jicama and apple into thin matchsticks.
2. Chop the Fresh Herbs: Next, wash and chop your fresh parsley and cilantro. You’ll need about two tablespoons of each, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preference. If you love cilantro (like we do), you can add a bit more! Chop them finely to make sure they distribute evenly throughout the slaw.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Stir until well combined. The dressing should be light and tangy with just a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup.
4. Toss the Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded jicama, apple, carrot, and the chopped parsley and cilantro. Once everything is combined, pour the dressing over the slaw. Gently toss again to ensure that all the ingredients are coated with the tangy dressing. The goal is to evenly distribute the citrusy dressing without mashing or bruising the vegetables.
5. Serve on a Bed of Greens (Optional): If you’d like to serve this slaw as a more substantial dish, layer it on top of a bed of fresh arugula or another leafy green of your choice. The peppery arugula pairs wonderfully with the sweetness and tang of the slaw, but this step is completely optional.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is tossed and ready, you can serve your slaw as is, or with a side of baked tortilla chips for a little extra crunch. For an extra burst of citrus, serve with slices of lime on the side, so everyone can add a little more if they like.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Prep Ahead: This slaw can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the arugula (if using) right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
• How to Avoid Soggy Slaw: If you’re preparing this slaw in advance, keep the dressing separate from the veggies until you’re ready to serve. This will prevent the vegetables from getting soggy and losing their crispness.
• Choosing the Right Apple: We used a Pink Lady apple for its balance of sweetness and tartness, but feel free to choose your favorite variety. Granny Smith apples would add a more tart flavor, while Fuji or Gala apples would be sweeter.
• Adjusting the Salt: The amount of salt in the dressing is a personal preference. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. If the slaw feels a bit flat, add a tiny bit more salt or even a little extra maple syrup to balance the flavors.
• Customize Your Slaw: Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients! You can add other shredded veggies like bell peppers, cabbage, or even radishes for an extra crunch. You can also increase the amount of herbs if you’re a fan of a strong cilantro or parsley flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While this Jicama Slaw is a fantastic side dish on its own, it’s even better when paired with other foods. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Tacos: This slaw pairs perfectly with veggie or chicken tacos. Add it as a topping for a burst of flavor and texture that complements the savory fillings.
• Grilled Chicken or Beef: Serve it alongside grilled chicken or beef for a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty meat.
• Grain Bowls: Top a grain bowl (like quinoa, rice, or couscous) with the slaw for a healthy, balanced meal.
• Roasted Chickpeas: If you’re looking for an additional protein source, try adding roasted chickpeas (as mentioned in the recipe) on top of the slaw for crunch and protein.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The slaw will keep for up to 2 days, but be aware that the longer it sits, the more the vegetables may soften. If you’ve already mixed the slaw with the dressing, it’s best to eat it sooner rather than later. If you want to keep it fresh for a longer period, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Conclusion

This Jicama Slaw with Fresh Herbs & Arugula is the perfect dish for beginner cooks looking to whip up something fresh, vibrant, and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a delicious side or main dish that’s healthy, customizable, and full of flavor.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients or toppings, and enjoy the process of making this refreshing dish your own. We’d love to hear how you customize the recipe or how it fits into your meals. Share your experiences in the comments below—we’re excited to hear how you make it!