Add a burst of color and flavor to meals with this Purple Cabbage Slaw! Crisp purple cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and spicy jalapeño are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or topping for tacos and sliders.
What Makes this Purple Cabbage Slaw Healthy?
Purple (red) cabbage and carrots are both high in dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. The fiber in cabbage acts as a prebiotic, which helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome.
You also get a burst of antioxidants from purple cabbage, especially anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
This slaw can be paired with various dishes, adding a nutritious and crunchy element, and it provides a balance of macronutrients when combined with proteins and healthy fats.
Ingredients
For this vibrant slaw, you’ll need:
- apple cider vinegar
- olive or avocado oil
- fresh lime
- dijon
- honey
- garlic powder
- salt
- black pepper
- medium head of purple cabbage
- shredded carrots
- fresh cilantro
- fresh jalapeno
Scroll to the recipe below for exact quantities.
How to Make It
Whisk or shake the vinegar, oil, lime, dijon, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
Add cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeno to a bowl. Pour dressing over the top and toss well to completely coat the slaw.
Let marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This tangy slaw can be paired with various dishes, adding great nutrition, color, and crunch. Here are some ideas:
As a Side Dish: Serve purple cabbage slaw as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, fish, or poultry. Try it with Air Fryer Miso Cod.
On Tacos: Use the slaw as a topping for fish, meat, or chicken tacos. We’ve enjoyed it on top of Bison Tacos with Spicy Avocado Cream and Ground Chicken Tacos.
With Burgers and Sliders: Top your burgers or sliders with a generous scoop of slaw. It’s a great accompaniment to barbecue, adding a crunchy and tangy contrast to rich and savory dishes.
In Buddha Bowls: Incorporate purple cabbage slaw into Buddha bowls or grain bowls. It adds a vibrant, crunchy component that pairs well with quinoa, wild rice, or other grains. For protein, consider adding Honey Sesame Tofu to your Buddha bowl.
Recipe FAQs
How do I properly shred purple cabbage?
To shred purple cabbage, cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and slice it thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment for quicker results.
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can make purple cabbage slaw ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and improve with time.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If you don’t like cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, basil, or mint for a different but equally fresh flavor.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the slaw?
To adjust the spiciness, you can increase or decrease the amount of jalapeño used. For a milder slaw, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño or use a milder pepper variety. If you prefer more heat, keep the seeds or add extra jalapeño.
What type of vinegar works best for the vinaigrette?
Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar work well for the vinaigrette. Each type will give a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, radishes, or cucumbers to the slaw for additional flavor and texture.
Is purple cabbage slaw suitable for special diets?
Purple cabbage slaw is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Ensure that all the ingredients in your vinaigrette are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
How do I keep the slaw crisp if I’m making it in advance?
To keep the slaw crisp, store the shredded vegetables and vinaigrette separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. This will prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy.
Purple Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tsp dijon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 medium head of purple cabbage cored and sliced thin
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 small jalapeno seeded and diced
Instructions
- Whisk or shake the vinegar, oil, lime, dijon, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar.
- Add cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, and diced jalapeno to a bowl. Pour dressing over the top and toss well to completely coat the slaw.
- Let marinate for at least 10 minutes before serving.
4 Comments
Great on tacos!
I was getting tired of ordinary green slaw and found this. This one is sturdy and tasty. Great color. Served it on the side of pulled pork w buns.
Served this with grilled chicken. Added great color and crunch.
Crunchy and yummy