Red Cabbage Slaw — crisp red cabbage, sweet carrots, and a bright, tangy honey-mustard dressing that brings everything together. This refreshing slaw is perfect as a side dish or as a crunchy topping for burgers, tacos, or sandwiches. It’s dairy-free unless you choose to add sour cream, and it’s made without mayonnaise for a lighter finish.
I love simple vegetable salads, so this red cabbage slaw is one of my go-to dishes. I made it after my husband brought home a bumper crop of red cabbages, and it turned out even better than I expected.
Red cabbage makes a fantastic slaw base: it holds its crisp texture, adds a lovely color, and pairs well with a tangy dressing. Try serving this alongside grilled burgers or fish tacos for a satisfying, colorful meal.
Yes, you can absolutely use red cabbage for slaw — its bright purple hue is a bonus and makes any plate pop. In this recipe, the red cabbage is the star and shines on its own.
Table of Contents
- Red Cabbage Slaw Ingredients
- Honey Mustard Dressing
- How To Make Red Cabbage Slaw
- How Many Calories in Red Cabbage Slaw?
- Optional Add-Ins for Red Cabbage Slaw
- Red Cabbage or Purple Cabbage?
- Other Salad Recipes You Might Love
- Red Cabbage Slaw Recipe
Red Cabbage Slaw Ingredients
This crunchy slaw uses a short list of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients:
- Red cabbage. Thinly slice the cabbage with a mandoline, a sharp knife, or the slicing side of a box grater for consistent ribbons.
- Carrots. Shred carrots on a box grater or use pre-shredded carrots for convenience.
Honey Mustard Dressing
The dressing is a light honey-mustard vinaigrette — tangy with a touch of sweetness and no mayonnaise. Ingredients for the dressing:
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (or substitute apple cider vinegar)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and pepper
If you prefer a creamier dressing, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt, but the vinaigrette version keeps the slaw bright and crisp.
How To Make Red Cabbage Slaw
This slaw comes together quickly:
- Place the sliced red cabbage and shredded carrots in a large bowl.
- Whisk the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Flavors meld nicely if it sits for 30 minutes.
How Many Calories in Red Cabbage Slaw?
One serving (about 1/2 cup) of this homemade slaw is roughly 40–50 calories, depending on the exact amount of oil and honey used.
Optional Add-Ins for Red Cabbage Slaw
- Chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a fresh green note.
- Thinly sliced red or yellow onion for extra bite.
- Maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Chopped apples, raisins, or toasted nuts for texture and contrast.
Red Cabbage or Purple Cabbage?
Though it often looks purple, this variety is commonly called red cabbage. Soil conditions can influence its hue, but either name refers to the same crisp, nutrient-rich vegetable that works wonderfully in slaws.
Red cabbage is high in vitamins and fiber, and its vibrant color makes it a beautiful, healthy choice for salads. This slaw is especially great alongside fish tacos, grilled meats, or as a colorful side at potlucks.
Other Salad Recipes You Might Love
- Lettuce Salad
- Avocado Salad
- Mango Avocado Salsa
- Corn Avocado Salad
- Mango Shrimp Salad
For a tasty appetizer pairing, try a simple guacamole and crispy plantain chips for dipping.
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Red Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced red cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrot
Honey mustard dressing
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon white or black pepper
Instructions
- Place the cabbage and carrot in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the honey, Dijon, lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbs: 7 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 2 g |
Fiber: 2 g |
Sugar: 4 g
Additional Info
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