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

Home Recipes By Type Sides

5

/5

Rate Recipe 8 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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

You may also like...

  • Daikon Radish Slaw

  • Best Coleslaw Recipe

  • Mixed Berry Smoothie

  • Easy Banana Bread

Previous PostButtered Noodles
Next Post Polar Bear Cupcakes

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

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 many calories are in red cabbage slaw? ›

adapted from Real Simple
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 1 serving (87.41g)
How many calories are in Red Cabbage Slaw? Amount of calories in Red Cabbage Slaw: Calories 47.6Calories from Fat 16.5 (34.7%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Red Cabbage Slaw? Amount of fat in Red Cabbage Slaw: Total Fat 1.8g-
65 more rows

What does soaking cabbage in salt water do? ›

The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt. Drain and dry the cabbage with paper towels, gently pressing to release excess water. Repeat with more paper towels as the water is absorbed.

Can I eat coleslaw and lose weight? ›

Yes. Coleslaw can absolutely be part of a healthy eating plan as long as you choose your dressing carefully. Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition.

When should you not eat coleslaw? ›

The USDA, the government agency that oversees food safety rules, says that prepared foods like coleslaw can be left out at room temperature for up to two hours. After two hours, harmful bacteria can start to grow.

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? ›

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.

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.

Is red coleslaw good for you? ›

Including this epic healthy coleslaw recipe. Both red and green cabbages help promote a healthy gut (which is what we're all about these days), fight inflammation, boost your immunity, and contain plenty of nutrients your body needs.

How many calories are in 2 cups of shredded Red Cabbage? ›

There are 43 calories in 2 cups of shredded Red Cabbage.

Why add baking soda to cabbage water? ›

Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long.

How to keep red cabbage from bleeding in coleslaw? ›

To prevent this, toss the cabbage with 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar before combining it with the rest of the ingredients.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

Why is coleslaw now called slaw? ›

Coleslaw Name Evolution

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 defines a slaw? ›

What is slaw? 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. It often includes other seasonings and ingredients, such as onions and apples.

What is the plural of slaw? ›

slaw (countable and uncountable, plural slaws)

Is shredded cabbage the same as coleslaw? ›

Most people refer to sliced or shredded raw cabbage coated with mayo- or vinegar-based dressing as coleslaw (or just slaw). It may also contain lemon juice, onions, shredded carrots, slivered almonds, and even fruit.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6467

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.