As the summer months heat up, we seek the cool. Following traditional Chinese medicine, we can cool with yin foods. Green cooling vegetables such as cucumber and herbs such as dill can help reduce the heat. Stave off the stove and keep the food you serve simple and raw with this cool down coleslaw.

The Recipe

1/2 head of savoy cabbage, shredded or chopped finely

1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped coarsely

1 cucumber, sliced

zest of one lemon

Vinaigrette

1/3 cup olive oil

2-3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

salt and pepper to taste

Add chopped cabbage into one large bowl and mix well with cucumber slices, lemon zest, and dill. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together into a smaller separate bowl. Drizzle vinaigrette over cabbage. Mix and serve immediately. (Cook's note: this coleslaw has a mild cooling flavor but can be enriched with a tablespoon or two of plain Greek yogurt.)