Coleslaw is a staple and tradition for summertime meals, BBQs and picnics. A convenient way to sneak in those veggies and a splash of color to any meal. Here is my delicious, but easy Red Cabbage Slaw recipe- it uses only 5 ingredients!
Recipe Essentials
The simple ingredients needed to make this red cabbage slaw can all be easily found at your local grocery store. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Red Cabbage– If you know me, you know I love COLOR in my food. What is more vibrant and colorful than red cabbage. Which to be fair is actually purple.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Honey
Perfect Pairings
After making this red cabbage slaw, suddenly I liked the foods that are commonly paired with a side dish of coleslaw too. Pulled pork sandwiches, pulled chicken, fried chicken, a fish fry, hot dogs… okay, so I am still not so into hot dogs. But you get the point.
This simple recipe tastes good on so many things! Use it as a great side dish to most any main course, but especially barbecue.
You can also add it to lots of things. My favorite recipes to add it to are pulled pork sandwiches or fish tacos.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – To avoid a metallic taste, I don’t use iodized salt. Kosher salt will help to bring out the other flavors of this red cabbage slaw.
- Seasonings – The only seasonings I add are salt and pepper, however you could add garlic powder, onion powder or even red pepper flakes to take things up a notch.
- Swaps – Throw in some shredded green cabbage for a two tone look. Some red onion thrown in will amp up the flavor. Fresh cilantro, fresh parsley or spring onions will add some color and flavor. We use honey to sweeten this easy recipe, but try using orange juice or maple syrup instead.
- Sauces – This dressing is quite simple, but you can certainly change it up. Try using lime juice or red wine vinegar for the tang.
- Senses – Crisp and vibrant, red cabbage slaw bursts with crunch and color, offering a tangy, slightly sweet bite that’s fresh, zesty, and refreshing with every forkful.
Red Cabbage Slaw
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 head red cabbage , cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey , optional
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Chop, minced or shred the 1 head red cabbage as desired. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss the cabbage with 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar. (If using 1 tablespoon honey, whisk with apple cider vinegar before adding to cabbage).
- Toss with the 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper and 1 tablespoon olive oil .
- Cover, refrigerate and marinate for 1 hour to 24 hours.
- Toss again and drain before serving.
- If you tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Video
Nutrition
Storage and Freezing
Store any leftovers of this red cabbage slaw recipe in an airtight container. I prefer mine to be stored in the refrigerator, but it does stay good at room temperature. It can be made ahead of time.
Because this is not a mayo baked coleslaw, it does freeze well. You can store it in the freezer for up to six moths.
Frequently Asked Questions
There really is no difference, Traditional coleslaw recipes generally use either green cabbage or a blend of green and red. This one just uses red.
Because we are only dealing with one color of cabbage here, the bleeding doesn’t affect anything.
Check the section above for how to shred cabbage to find the full instructions.
More Easy Side Dishes
When you have a great main dish, you need an equally great side dish to go along with it! Here are some of my favorites.
I made this twice now because I LOVE it. I mix it with white cabbage too. Thanks for sharing.
You mention using honey, if desired. But I don’t see where you mention how much is suggested. Also wondering when to use the honey. Does it make sense to use it with the Apple cider vinegar (when tossing)?
Hi Jason! Thanks for the feedback, I’ll add it to the instructions to make it more clear. You’d just whisk it with the apple cider vinegar before drizzling so it mixes in well.
You mentioned olive oil in the ingredients but it isn’t in the recipe
Ack! I just updated it and totally took it out. Thanks for noticing, updating now 🙂
It’s interesting how so many delicious dishes are in fact so easy to make! Fantastic slaw that is definitely a good find for a summer menu.
I’ve also recently started loving coleslaw! Can’t wait to try this one out!
So simple, so delicious! I love that this recipe is perfect for this time of the year!
I have always preferred red cabbage so I love this recipe!
I love the idea of making slaw with red cabbage and without mayo. It sounds it much lighter and flavourful!