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 for a diet? ›

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.

How many calories are in red cabbage slaw? ›

Red Cabbage Slaw
Nutrition Facts
For a Serving Size of 1 serving (209.65g)
How many calories are in Red Cabbage Slaw? Amount of calories in Red Cabbage Slaw: Calories 140.3Calories from Fat 5.1 (3.6%)
% Daily Value *
How much fat is in Red Cabbage Slaw? Amount of fat in Red Cabbage Slaw: Total Fat 0.6g-
66 more rows

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 do you 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.

Which is healthier potato salad or coleslaw? ›

Cup for cup, coleslaw also typically has fewer calories (94 versus 357) and less sodium than potato salad. Either side is loaded with fiber (about 12 to 14 grams per cup) and protein (about eight to 12 grams per cup).

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.

Is Red Cabbage high in calories? ›

Nutritional info: All varieties of cabbage (red, green, or the paler Savoy cabbage) are high in vitamin C and low in calories. A half-cup contains about 45% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C, but just 14 calories.

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? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

Why doesn t Chick fil A have coleslaw? ›

"But as our sales volumes grew, it just wasn't feasible to keep adding to the menu without taking anything away." Chick-fil-A cut cole slaw from the menu in January to make room for a new "superfood" side of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette dressing.

What does lemon juice do to red cabbage? ›

Substances such as lemon juice and vinegar turn the cabbage juice red because they are acidic. Ammonia turns the cabbage juice into a blue/green color because it is a base, a material that tastes bitter and makes an acid neutral. Water does nothing, as it is a neutral.

Why is vinegar added to red cabbage? ›

Lock in the colour by adding a touch of vinegar when cooking red cabbage in water. This stops the lovely deep purple hue from running. Don't be too heavy-handed with red cabbage. A lot of its frumpy reputation comes from it being over-pickled or boiled for an eon.

Why do you soak red cabbage in water? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Is coleslaw a carb or protein? ›

Coleslaw (1 tbsp) contains 1g total carbs, 0.9g net carbs, 0.2g fat, 0.1g protein, and 6 calories.

Does coleslaw have a lot of sugar? ›

And while coleslaw is mostly shredded vegetables, it also comes with an added serving of sugar. The mayonnaise is largely to blame. One tablespoon of a shop-bought coleslaw, roughly 50g, can contain up to 4g of sugar.

Is coleslaw one of your 5 a day? ›

For a healthier alternative, with only half the cholesterol-raising saturated fat (from the double cream), mash half an avocado and eat straight. Coleslaw: All that cabbage and carrot means 3.5 heaped tablespoons is equal to one of your daily five.

Is coleslaw sandwich healthy for weight loss? ›

If you're following a low-carb diet, you can try out this amazing recipe to make your coleslaw healthy and lose weight at the same time. Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage and carrots. 1/4 cup of Mayonnaise.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Patricia Veum II

Last Updated:

Views: 6152

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Patricia Veum II

Birthday: 1994-12-16

Address: 2064 Little Summit, Goldieton, MS 97651-0862

Phone: +6873952696715

Job: Principal Officer

Hobby: Rafting, Cabaret, Candle making, Jigsaw puzzles, Inline skating, Magic, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.