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A bowl of red cabbage coleslaw

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

This recipe is perfect for a quick side dish at dinner, a picnic, or a summer barbecue. Whether you’re looking for something light to balance out heavier dishes or just want to add a bit of zing to your plate, red cabbage coleslaw delivers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Refrigerate 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife or Shredder
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater or Box Grater

Ingredients
  

For the Slaw:

  • 4 cups shredded red cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions optional

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Start by shredding the red cabbage. You can use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or a box grater, depending on what you have. Aim for thin, even slices to make sure the texture is nice and crunchy.
  • Grate or shred the carrots next. I love using pre-shredded carrots for convenience, but fresh ones are always best if you have the time.
  • If you're using green onions, thinly slice them into small pieces.
  • Pro Tip: If you’re making this ahead of time, store the shredded veggies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them crisp until you’re ready to mix the dressing in.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

  • In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (or sugar).
  • Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well blended. Taste it and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference — add more honey if you like it sweeter, or a bit more vinegar for extra tang.
  • Pro Tip: Whisking the dressing until it’s fully smooth is key! This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed and that the slaw is creamy but not too thick.

Step 3: Toss the Slaw

  • Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables.
  • Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
  • Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
  • Pro Tip: Be patient while stirring — this is where the magic happens! The dressing needs time to really coat each veggie, so take your time to mix it thoroughly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

  • For the best flavor, let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate together.
  • Once chilled, give it another quick toss, and it's ready to serve! Enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite main course or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.
  • Pro Tip: If you have time, let the slaw chill for a few hours. This helps the cabbage soften just a bit and allows the flavors to meld even better.

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per serving)

  • Calories: ~150
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
 
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Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword coleslaw, red cabbage coleslaw