Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (2024)

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By: DianaPosted: 1/19/22Updated: 6/30/22

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My favorite coleslaw recipe uses bright red cabbage and features a sweet and spicy dressing. Perfect as a taco topping, simple side dish, or healthy meal prep lunch option.

Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (1)

Red cabbage is an underrated member of the vegetable world. Crunchy and beautiful red cabbage is one of my favorite things to eat, and I almost always have some in the fridge. I shred red cabbage to add to salads, to top sandwiches and tacos, and I often use it to make this spicy red cabbage slaw too.

This recipe for red/purple cabbage coleslaw contains no mayo, making it healthy, and vegan. You’ll also love that this is a no-cook recipe, requiring only a cutting board and a good knife to create.

Try this healthy slaw recipe, but if you’re looking for a traditional coleslaw recipe, I have one for you! You should also try my Daikon Radish Slaw for something new and exciting. Daikons are massive radishes, and they’re very delicious!

Key Ingredients

Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (2)

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

  • Red Cabbage: You can use a whole medium head of cabbage for this recipe. Overall the recipe is pretty forgiving, so it doesn’t really matter what size cabbage you have. Throw it all in!
  • Green Chili or Jalapeno: You can choose how much heat you want in your slaw. Be sure to remove the seeds and ribs from your pepper and dice it finely.
  • Carrot, Green Onion, Fresh Parsley: These are the supporting characters in our coleslaw lineup. Shred the carrots, slice the onion, and roughly chop the parsley.
  • Red Cabbage Slaw Dressing: A simple mixture of extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and spices gives this slaw a tangy and balanced flavor.

How to Make Coleslaw with Red Cabbage

Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (3)
  1. Prepare the Veggies: Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots. I use a mandoline to make quick work of this task. Use a chef’s knife to dice the chili or jalapeno and chop the spring onions.
  2. Make the Dressing: Mince the garlic and place all of the sauce ingredients into a small jar, and shake until well combined. You can also make the dressing in the bowl, and mix it with a whisk. I think it’s more fun (and less mess) to use a jar.
  3. Mix Together: In a large bowl, add the vegetables and toss them with the dressing until combined. Taste the slaw and adjust seasonings if needed. Chill the slaw in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (4)

Substitutions and Variations

Like most salads, this one can be changed to suit your preferences.

  • Other crunchy vegetables, such as red onion, cucumber, bell peppers, radishes, or sugar snap peas can be added. Feel free to throw in any veggies that you have in the fridge. Just make sure to slice everything thinly.
  • Try including fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.I think mint would also taste good here.
  • Don’t want your slaw to be too spicy? Leave out the peppers and/or the cayenne in the dressing.
  • Use maple syrup, honey, or your favorite liquid sweetener. Using a low-carb sweetener could make this salad keto-friendly.

What to Serve with Red Cabbage Slaw

Any of these entrées will be delicious with your fresh red cabbage slaw.

  • Grilled Mexican Chicken
  • Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
  • Bacon Wrapped Chicken
  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (5)

FAQs

Can I make red cabbage slaw ahead of time?

Cabbage slaw will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Keep in mind that each day that passes will soften the vegetables a bit, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or two of making it.

Is red cabbage slaw good for you?

This is a filling, veggie-packed recipe that is overall healthy. Of course, we all have different dietary needs, but enjoying red cabbage slaw can be a healthy and delicious option for most.

What else can I do with red cabbage?

Try Pickling it! Pickled red cabbage is delicious on salads and burgers, easy to make, and it will keep in your fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Enjoy this healthy side dish, or use red cabbage slaw as a topping for tacos or BBQ sandwiches. Be sure to pin this recipe to visit later!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Recipe

Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (6)

4.96 from 22 votes(Click stars to rate!)

Red Cabbage Slaw

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 0 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Author: Diana

Print Rate Recipe

Red cabbage, jalapeno, and carrots are dressed with a bright sweet and spicy dressing in this easy red cabbage slaw recipe. Perfect for BBQs or healthy meal prep.

4 servings

Red cabbage, jalapeno, and carrots are dressed with a bright sweet and spicy dressing in this easy red cabbage slaw recipe. Perfect for BBQs or healthy meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1 head red cabbage shredded
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and shredded, about 3 cups
  • 1 green chili or jalapeno deseeded and diced
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or sub with red wine vinegar or lemon
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots. I use a mandoline and a box grater to make quick work of this task. Use a chef’s knife to dice the chili or jalapeno and chop the spring onions.

  • Mince the garlic and place all of the sauce ingredients into a small jar, and shake until well combined. You can also make the dressing in the bowl, and mix it with a whisk. I think it’s more fun (and less mess) to use a jar.

  • In a large bowl, add the vegetables and toss them with the dressing until combined. Taste the slaw and adjust seasonings if needed. Chill the slaw in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving

Notes:

  • Add more crunchy vegetables if you wish. Cucumbers, bell peppers, or snap peas would be delicious.
  • Try including fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.I think mint would also taste good here.
  • Don’t want your slaw to be too spicy? Leave out the peppers and/or the cayenne in the dressing.
  • Use maple syrup, honey, or your favorite liquid sweetener. Using a low-carb sweetener could make this salad keto-friendly.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 184kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 118mg, Potassium: 634mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 7656IU, Vitamin C: 127mg, Calcium: 111mg, Iron: 2mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Little Sunny Kitchen

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Reader Interactions

Leave a Review!

  1. Julian says

    Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (13)
    Made it. Skipped the peppers, used all purpose cajun seasoning instead of cayenne, added mayo and raisins. It’s delicious.

    Reply

  2. Carleen V says

    Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (14)
    Made it for Easter! Big hit with the family!

    Reply

Older Comments12

Healthy Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw? ›

While cabbage salad often consists only of one vegetable seasoned and dressed, coleslaw can include a few other ingredients like shredded veggies, fruits, or seasonings to give some variety to the dish. While both feature cabbage as the star of the show, the different dressings set the two apart.

Is cabbage slaw good for you? ›

In addition to improving immunity, detoxifying the body, and aiding in digestion, coleslaw also provides vitamin K. Vitamin K is abundantly present in cabbage and it can store minerals in the bones. Through its bone mineralization properties, vitamin K can help improve bone health.

Which cut is appropriate for the cabbage to be used for coleslaw? ›

To prepare cabbage for coleslaw, remove any damaged outer leaves and cut the head into quarters. This will make it easier to slice the core at an angle. Then, create the perfect coleslaw shreds by slicing the cabbage thinly (I cut cabbage the same way when making our homemade sauerkraut).

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Is it OK to eat cabbage salad everyday? ›

It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

Which is healthier sauerkraut or coleslaw? ›

Sauerkraut is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its probiotics also help your body absorb these nutrients more easily, which is what makes sauerkraut more nutritious than raw cabbage or coleslaw.

Is cabbage healthier for you than lettuce? ›

Both cabbage and iceberg lettuce are good sources of nutrients. However, cabbage contains significantly more vitamins and minerals than iceberg lettuce, including vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium ( 1 , 2 ). In particular, green cabbage is packed with antioxidants, including polyphenol compounds and vitamin C.

What tool is best for shredding cabbage for coleslaw? ›

For culinary inspiration, use your stand mixer to try delicious meals like cabbage and jicama slaw and soba noodle bowl. You can also shred cabbage manually with a box grater, a mandolin or a knife.

How long does red cabbage last in the fridge? ›

Try to minimize any bruising of your cabbages. Any kind of cell damage makes the cabbage go by more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content. If cabbage is properly stored, it can last from 3 weeks to up to 2 months in your refrigerator. In optimum root cellar conditions, it can even last longer.

Why is coleslaw now called slaw? ›

Whatever the reason for the formation, people familiar with the food item began tinkering with its name. For instance, the Latin-based cole was substituted for cold and the spelling variant slaugh was used with cold or cole. The name was also chopped to slaw or slaugh.

What is cabbage slaw made of? ›

For the Slaw Mix: Combine cabbage, onion, carrot, and parsley in a large bowl, leaving plenty of room to toss (you may have to use 2 large bowls if your bowls are not large enough). Sprinkle with sugar and salt and toss to combine.

What does "slaw" mean? ›

Slaw is a cold salad commonly made from sliced or chopped raw vegetables, especially cabbage or carrots, mixed with a dressing made with mayonnaise or vinegar.

What shreds cabbage to make coleslaw? ›

Shred cabbage with a box grater

(We like these flexible chopping mats that make pouring cabbage into a pot or bowl easy.) Then, hold the flat side of the cabbage head against the largest holes on the box grater and slide the cabbage down over the holes. Repeat until the cabbage is shredded.

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