Red cabbage slaw is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing side dish made with shredded red cabbage, sweet grated carrots, and a creamy tangy dressing. It’s colorful, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
This salad offers the same satisfying texture as traditional coleslaw but with the added beauty and nutritional benefits of red cabbage. Packed with antioxidants and fiber, it’s a simple way to add freshness and color to any meal.
Whether served at summer barbecues, holiday dinners, or casual weeknight meals, this creamy red cabbage slaw is a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Red Cabbage Slaw
This slaw stands out thanks to its crisp texture and balanced flavor. The sweetness of carrots, the freshness of parsley, and the creamy dressing combine perfectly with the crunch of red cabbage.
Unlike traditional coleslaw that relies heavily on mayonnaise, this recipe blends mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This simple change makes the dressing lighter while still keeping it rich, creamy, and tangy.
The result is a healthier, more refreshing slaw that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- Red cabbage – Thinly shredded red or purple cabbage gives the salad its vibrant color and crisp texture. Green cabbage can also be used as a substitute.
- Carrots – Grated carrots add natural sweetness, crunch, and a pop of orange color.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley brightens the salad with a mild herbal flavor. Cilantro can also be used instead.
Creamy Slaw Dressing
The dressing is simple yet delicious and perfectly coats the crunchy vegetables.
- Mayonnaise – Regular or vegan mayonnaise both work well.
- Greek yogurt – Adds tanginess and lightens the dressing. Non-dairy yogurt works too.
- Apple cider vinegar – Provides acidity and balance. You can also use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice.
- Mustard – Dijon or yellow mustard adds depth of flavor.
- Sweetener – Maple syrup, honey, or sugar for a subtle sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper – To enhance all the flavors.
Optional Add-Ins
You can easily customize this red cabbage slaw with extra ingredients for more texture and flavor.
Popular additions include:
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Celery seeds
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Walnuts, pecans, or candied walnuts
- Chopped apples for sweetness
These ingredients make the slaw even more festive and perfect for special occasions.
How to Make Red Cabbage Slaw
1. Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- apple cider vinegar
- mustard
- sugar or maple syrup
- salt and black pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
2. Slice the cabbage
Cut the red cabbage in half, then cut it again into quarters.
Using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor, thinly shred the cabbage into fine strips.
3. Prepare the vegetables
Grate the carrots using the large holes of a box grater and finely chop the parsley.
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.
4. Toss everything together
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Delicious Variations
Red Cabbage Slaw with Cranberries and Walnuts
For a festive twist, mix in dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. The sweetness of the cranberries and the nutty crunch complement the cabbage beautifully.
This version is perfect for holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Classic Coleslaw
You can combine red cabbage with green cabbage to create a classic coleslaw with a beautiful mix of colors and textures.
Vegan Red Cabbage Slaw
Simply use vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt to make a completely dairy-free version of this recipe.
No-Mayo Slaw
For a lighter version, replace the creamy dressing with a vinaigrette made from:
- olive oil
- apple cider vinegar
- maple syrup
- salt and pepper
This version is fresh, tangy, and lighter than traditional coleslaw.
Serving Suggestions
Red cabbage slaw pairs wonderfully with many dishes. It’s especially delicious alongside:
- fish tacos
- grilled chicken
- burgers and sandwiches
- barbecue dishes
- grilled tofu or BBQ tofu
Its bright color and crunchy texture make it a perfect contrast to rich or grilled foods.
Storage Tips
Make ahead:
For best texture, mix the dressing with the cabbage no more than three hours before serving.
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. The cabbage will soften slightly over time but will still taste great.
Freezer:
Freezing is not recommended, as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you shred red cabbage for slaw?
You can thinly slice cabbage using a chef’s knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor with a slicing attachment.
Can you eat red cabbage raw?
Yes. Raw red cabbage is perfectly safe to eat and is commonly used in salads and slaws because of its crunchy texture.
Can you mix red and green cabbage in slaw?
Absolutely. Combining both varieties creates a colorful and delicious coleslaw with slightly different textures.
Final Thoughts
This creamy red cabbage slaw is crisp, colorful, and full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and refreshing taste, it’s the perfect side dish for almost any meal.
Whether you’re preparing it for a barbecue, a holiday dinner, or a quick family meal, this vibrant slaw is sure to become one of your favorite go-to salad recipes.