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Red Cabbage Slaw
Slaws

Red Cabbage Slaw

Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Total45 min
Serves6
Red Cabbage Slaw
Crunchy Red Cabbage Slaw

I still remember the first time I tasted a properly made Red Cabbage Slaw. It was at a family gathering, and my aunt had brought this beautiful, vibrant dish that just popped with flavor and texture. I was hooked from the very first bite. Since then, I've been on a mission to perfect my own Red Cabbage Slaw recipe, and after years of experimenting, I'm excited to share it with you.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of crunchy cabbage, tangy dressing, and a hint of sweetness. It's the perfect side dish for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday meals. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools.

As a home cook, I'm always looking for ways to elevate my dishes and make them more interesting. With this Red Cabbage Slaw recipe, you can do just that. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the details, from the way you chop the cabbage to the way you dress the slaw. By following these simple steps, you'll be able to create a dish that's not only delicious but also visually stunning.

So, who is this recipe for? It's for anyone who loves a good slaw, whether you're a fan of traditional coleslaw or looking to try something new. It's for home cooks who want to impress their friends and family with a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. And it's for anyone who's looking for a healthy and flavorful addition to their meal.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of red cabbage, carrots, and onions, all of which are readily available at most supermarkets. We'll also be making a simple dressing using mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. The result is a slaw that's both familiar and exciting, with a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
  • It's a great side dish for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday meals.
  • The combination of crunchy and soft textures, along with the tangy and sweet flavors, makes for a delicious and interesting slaw.
  • You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding or substituting different ingredients.
  • It's a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal.
  • You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day.
  • It's a great way to use up any leftover cabbage or carrots you may have on hand.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Red Cabbage Slaw is to balance the flavors and textures. You want a combination of crunchy and soft, tangy and sweet. To achieve this, we'll be using a combination of raw and cooked ingredients, as well as a carefully crafted dressing. The dressing is where the magic happens, as it brings all the flavors together and adds a creamy, tangy element to the slaw.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the way we chop the cabbage. You want to make sure it's finely shredded, so it's easy to chew and mixes well with the other ingredients. This is where a food processor or mandoline comes in handy, as it allows you to get a consistent texture and avoid any tough, chewy pieces.

Finally, the resting time is crucial. After you've dressed the slaw, you want to let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens, as the slaw transforms from a collection of individual ingredients into a cohesive, delicious dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Red Cabbage Slaw, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. You want to use high-quality, fresh ingredients that will add flavor and texture to the dish. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of red cabbage, carrots, onions, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh, crisp cabbage and carrots. You want them to be firm and have a nice crunch to them. For the mayonnaise, you can use either regular or low-fat, depending on your preference. And for the apple cider vinegar, make sure to use a high-quality brand that's 100% apple cider vinegar.

  • 2 lbs (900g) red cabbage, finely shreddedYou want to make sure the cabbage is finely shredded, so it's easy to chew and mixes well with the other ingredients. You can use a food processor or mandoline to get a consistent texture.
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and gratedThe carrot adds a nice crunch and sweetness to the slaw. Make sure to peel it first, so it's nice and smooth.
  • 1 large onion, thinly slicedThe onion adds a pungent flavor to the slaw, but make sure to slice it thinly, so it's not overpowering.
  • 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaiseThe mayonnaise is the base of the dressing, and you can use either regular or low-fat, depending on your preference.
  • 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegarThe apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor to the dressing, and make sure to use a high-quality brand that's 100% apple cider vinegar.
  • 1 tsp (5g) honeyThe honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing, and you can adjust the amount to your taste.
  • 1 tsp (5g) saltThe salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, and make sure to use a high-quality salt that's fresh and flavorful.
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperThe black pepper adds a nice kick to the slaw, and make sure to use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsleyThe parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the slaw, and you can use either curly or flat-leaf parsley, depending on your preference.
  • 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh dillThe dill adds a nice, bright flavor to the slaw, and you can use either fresh or dried dill, depending on your preference.
Ingredients for Red Cabbage Slaw

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlFood processor or mandolineGraterCutting boardKnifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Red Cabbage Slaw

  1. 1
    In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and thinly sliced onion.
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. 3
    Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
  4. 4
    Let the slaw sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. 5
    After 30 minutes, stir in the chopped parsley and dill.
  6. 6
    Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  7. 7
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to chill and meld together.
  8. 8
    Just before serving, give the slaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  9. 9
    Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with additional parsley and dill if desired.
  10. 10
    To check for doneness, make sure the slaw has reached a temperature of at least 40°F (4°C) in the refrigerator, and the flavors have melded together and the slaw is crunchy and flavorful.
  11. 11
    If you want to make the slaw ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
  12. 12
    When you're ready to serve, give the slaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Expert Tips

  • Make sure to use high-quality, fresh ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overdress the slaw, as it can become too soggy and lose its crunch.
  • Let the slaw sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Adjust the amount of honey to your taste, depending on how sweet you like your slaw.
  • Use a food processor or mandoline to get a consistent texture for the cabbage and carrot.
  • Don't overdress the slaw, as it can become too soggy and lose its crunch.
  • Let the slaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the slaw to become crunchy and flavorful.
  • Give the slaw a good stir before serving to make sure everything is well coated and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using old or low-quality ingredients, which can result in a slaw that's bland and unappetizing.
  • Overdressing the slaw, which can make it too soggy and lose its crunch.
  • Not letting the slaw sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, which can prevent the flavors from melding together.
  • Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a slaw that's too sweet or too tangy.
  • Not using a food processor or mandoline to get a consistent texture for the cabbage and carrot.
  • Not chilling the slaw in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which can prevent the flavors from melding together and the slaw from becoming crunchy and flavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Add some grated beet to the slaw for a beautiful pink color and a sweet, earthy flavor.
  • Use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, to change up the flavor of the dressing.
  • Add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Use different types of cabbage, such as green or Savoy cabbage, to change up the flavor and texture of the slaw.
  • Add some diced apple or pear to the slaw for a sweet and crunchy texture.
  • Use different types of herbs, such as parsley or dill, to change up the flavor of the slaw.
  • Add some grated ginger or garlic to the dressing for an extra boost of flavor.

What to Serve With Red Cabbage Slaw

This Red Cabbage Slaw is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. It's also a great addition to sandwiches, salads, and wraps. Some ideas for serving the slaw include:

Serving it as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, along with some roasted vegetables and quinoa or brown rice.

Adding it to a sandwich or wrap, along with some sliced meats, cheese, and spreads.

Using it as a topping for a salad or bowl, along with some mixed greens, nuts, and seeds.

Serving it as a snack, along with some crackers or chips and a dip or spread.

Grilled chicken or fishRoasted vegetablesQuinoa or brown riceSandwiches or wrapsSalads or bowlsCrackers or chips

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Red Cabbage Slaw can be stored in the fridge for up to a day, and it's best to make it fresh just before serving. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

To store the slaw, simply cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. You can also store it in an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

When you're ready to serve, give the slaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also add some fresh herbs or nuts to the slaw just before serving, to give it a fresh and crunchy texture.

It's not recommended to freeze the slaw, as it can become watery and lose its texture. However, you can freeze the individual components, such as the cabbage and carrot, and then thaw them and assemble the slaw just before serving.

To freeze the components, simply chop them up and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?

Red cabbage is the best type of cabbage to use for this recipe, as it has a sweet and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the dressing. However, you can also use other types of cabbage, such as green or Savoy cabbage, if you prefer.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar, such as balsamic or white wine vinegar, to change up the flavor of the dressing. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, so you may need to adjust the amount of honey or other seasonings to taste.

Can I add other ingredients to the slaw?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slaw, such as chopped nuts or seeds, diced apple or pear, or grated ginger or garlic. Just be sure to adjust the amount of dressing and seasonings accordingly, to ensure that the slaw is well coated and flavorful.

How long can I store the slaw in the fridge?

You can store the slaw in the fridge for up to a day, and it's best to make it fresh just before serving. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Can I freeze the slaw?

It's not recommended to freeze the slaw, as it can become watery and lose its texture. However, you can freeze the individual components, such as the cabbage and carrot, and then thaw them and assemble the slaw just before serving.

What's the best way to serve the slaw?

The slaw is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, such as a side dish, a topping for a salad or bowl, or as a snack with crackers or chips. You can also add it to sandwiches or wraps for a crunchy and flavorful texture.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the slaw ahead of time, but it's best to make it fresh just before serving. If you need to make it ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

What's the best way to dress the slaw?

The best way to dress the slaw is to pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated. You can also adjust the amount of dressing to your taste, depending on how creamy or tangy you like your slaw.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Red Cabbage Slaw

Red Cabbage Slaw

Make a delicious and crunchy Red Cabbage Slaw with this easy recipe, perfect for salads and sides. Learn the technique and why it works.

Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Total45 min
Serves6
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900g) red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp (30g) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5g) honey
  • 1 tsp (5g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup (60g) chopped fresh dill

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and thinly sliced onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
  4. Let the slaw sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. After 30 minutes, stir in the chopped parsley and dill.
  6. Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to chill and meld together.
  8. Just before serving, give the slaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve the slaw chilled, garnished with additional parsley and dill if desired.
  10. To check for doneness, make sure the slaw has reached a temperature of at least 40°F (4°C) in the refrigerator, and the flavors have melded together and the slaw is crunchy and flavorful.
  11. If you want to make the slaw ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
  12. When you're ready to serve, give the slaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

120Calories
2gProtein
25gCarbs
7gFat