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.

Equipment

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

Can you eat coleslaw when trying to lose weight? ›

Vinegar-based coleslaw: "Instead of using mayonnaise or creamy dressings, opt for a coleslaw made with vinegar or citrus-based dressings. These versions tend to be lower in calories and fat," Sabat tells us. Perfect!

Is coleslaw healthy or unhealthy Why? ›

Yes, coleslaw can be healthy! The base of coleslaw is shredded vegetables (traditionally cabbage), so inherently coleslaw is vitamin- and fiber-packed and good for you. The issue is the dressing. Most traditional creamy coleslaw dressing is made with high fat ingredients like mayo and has sugar added too.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

How to keep red cabbage from bleeding in coleslaw? ›

Prevent the Cabbage from Bleeding.

This is because the cabbage tends to “bleed” due to the water solubility of anthocyanins (color pigments). To prevent this, toss the cabbage with 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar before combining it with the rest of the ingredients.

What is the number one fat burning vegetable? ›

1. Cauliflower. Cauliflower has become the darling vegetable for weight loss. It is low in calories, fiber-rich, and full of nutrients for metabolic health.

When should you not eat coleslaw? ›

Identifying Harmful Contamination

Smell Test: A sour or unpleasant odor is a sign that coleslaw may have been contaminated and should not be eaten. Date Awareness: Take note of the date when the coleslaw was prepared. If it has been in the fridge for more than three to five days, it's advisable to discard it.

Which is healthier potato salad or coleslaw? ›

Cup for cup, coleslaw also typically has fewer calories (94 versus 357) and less sodium than potato salad. Either side is loaded with fiber (about 12 to 14 grams per cup) and protein (about eight to 12 grams per cup).

Is it okay to eat coleslaw every day? ›

Yes. Coleslaw can absolutely be part of a healthy eating plan as long as you choose your dressing carefully.

Is coleslaw bad for your gut? ›

The high fiber content in cabbage and other vegetables can aid in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the probiotics found in fermented versions of cole slaw, such as sauerkraut, can promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improve overall gut health.

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.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Finely diced ingredients

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.

Which is healthier cabbage slaw or broccoli slaw? ›

Is Broccoli Slaw Healthier Than Cabbage Slaw? Broccoli slaw is packed with many antioxidants and other nutrients that cabbage does not offer.

What does lemon juice do to red cabbage? ›

Substances such as lemon juice and vinegar turn the cabbage juice red because they are acidic. Ammonia turns the cabbage juice into a blue/green color because it is a base, a material that tastes bitter and makes an acid neutral. Water does nothing, as it is a neutral.

Why add vinegar to red cabbage? ›

Lock in the colour by adding a touch of vinegar when cooking red cabbage in water. This stops the lovely deep purple hue from running. Don't be too heavy-handed with red cabbage. A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon.

What does baking soda do to red cabbage? ›

By itself, the cabbage liquid is a pretty purple color. Acidic vinegar turns the dye pink, while adding alkaline baking soda turns the dye a blue color. If enough baking soda is added, the blue dye will dry a greenish color.

Which is healthier salad or coleslaw? ›

Classic coleslaw is full of shredded cabbage and carrots. The dressing, however, is made with mayonnaise and sugar. There is usually about ½ a cup of mayonnaise and usually a couple tablespoons of sugar. That adds up to more calories and more fat than you're probably looking for in a salad.

Why is coleslaw so high in calories? ›

Coleslaw

It's a salad, right, so it must be healthy? But even though it's based on carrot and cabbage, coleslaw is dressed in a mayonnaise based dressing which is high in fat. Check the nutrition information on pack and look out for reduced fat and yogurt dressed versions instead.

Is coleslaw high in sugar? ›

And while coleslaw is mostly shredded vegetables, it also comes with an added serving of sugar. The mayonnaise is largely to blame. One tablespoon of a shop-bought coleslaw, roughly 50g, can contain up to 4g of sugar. A couple of spoonfuls on your plate is equivalent to a couple of teaspoons of sugar.

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