This purple cabbage slaw is a beautiful and healthy side dish for any occasion, using a tangy Greek yogurt and vinegar-based dressing rather than mayonnaise.
If you've been following me, you know I don't love mayonnaise. I'll eat it in several recipes so long as I don't think about the fact that I'm eating mayo. The exceptions to the no mayo rule include recipes like John's Maryland Baked Crab Cakes, Copycat Chick-Fil-A Cole Slaw, the Brussels sprouts with smoky aioli, and my favorite Caesar salad dressing.
I still love slaw though. I love that it's crunchy and refreshing and packed full of healthy ingredients. A good slaw is a side that goes perfectly with so many main courses (pulled chicken and pulled pork being amongst my favorite). This purple cabbage recipe is an easy way to make a weeknight side that won't take much effort and is healthy and delicious. And that beautiful purple color is just unbeatable!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below, and I'll send it to you. Plus, you'll get delicious new recipes from me!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Worn Slap Out
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- This recipe is so easy. You can put this slaw together in 10 minutes or less.
- This purple cabbage recipe is healthy. We're packing in a nutrient-packed punch with protein-packed Greek yogurt and vinegar instead of mayonnaise in thsi purple cabbage salad recipe. And don't forget how nutrient-dense the cabbage and carrots are, too!
- Purple cabbage is beautiful. This purple cabbage (aka red cabbage) recipe makes for a colorful plate.
- This slaw is versatile. Make this purple slaw cabbage for tacos, as a topping on pulled pork sandwiches, or as a side for a gathering or picnic by itself.
Jump to:
Ingredients You'll Need
Here are the eight ingredients you'll need to make the most delicious purple cabbage slaw without mayo:
- purple cabbage
- carrots - save time and buy the pre-shredded carrots. You won't regret it!
- Plain Greek yogurt - make sure you buy plain Greek yogurt. I prefer the non-fat version because it's a bit thinner.
- apple cider vinegar - makes the perfect tang with the Greek yogurt
- lemon juice - adds freshness
- honey - just a touch of sweet without having to add granulated sugar
- Dijon mustard - little bit of a zip
- celery salt - it provides the slaw with salt while adding a small celery flavor. Celery salt is also in Old Bay seasoning and KFC's secret spice. It's delish.
The exact quantities and directions can be found on the recipe card below!
How to Make Purple Cabbage Slaw
It's incredibly easy to make a purple cabbage slaw with carrots. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Whisk Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and celery salt in a small bowl.
- Place shredded cabbage and carrots in a larger bowl. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Stir until the cabbage is completely covered.
- Cover and refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
Tenderizing Cabbage Tip
Like other hearty vegetables like kale, cabbage needs to be tenderized. The thinner you shred your cabbage, the better. It allows the cell walls of the cabbage to break apart. I tenderize my cabbage in one of two ways depending on how much time I have:
- Tenderize with your hands. Pour a little bit of dressing on the cabbage and rub the dressing into the cabbage with your fingers for a couple of minutes (like I do with the kale in the warm kale and farro salad). This is a good option if you'll be eating the purple cabbage slaw right away.
- Let the dressing do the tenderizing. The natural sugar from the honey and the celery salt help tenderize the cabbage. Toss the salad in the dressing and let it sit for about an hour before enjoying.
What to Do with Purple Cabbage
There are so many good uses for purple cabbage. Of course, you could just eat the purple cabbage slaw as a side dish with vritually any main dish.
There are so many other ways though. I love eating this purple cabbage slaw with BBQ pulled pork, with fish tacos, or on pulled chicken sandwich. Hell, you could even put this slaw on a hotdog, bratwurst, or sausage.
How to Use Purple Cabbage (Other Ways!)
- Sauté purple cabbage. Sauté cabbage on a sheetpan with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and a little butter or olive oil until wilted. Serve with Kielbasa.
- Roast purple cabbage. Toss purple cabbage with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil and roast in the oven.
- Shred purple cabbage and add to pulled pork tacos or pulled pork nachos.
Storage
The purple cabbage slaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for two to three days. Make sure it's covered once it's in the refrigerator.
FAQ
Yes, it's the same. I prefer purple because the color is much closer to purple than red.
Yes! Purple cabbage slaw would go perfectly with tacos, especially with fish or shrimp!
This purple cabbage slaw recipe uses no mayo. Instead, it uses a combination of both vinegar and Greek yogurt to give it its creaminess.
If you would prefer to use mayonnaise, feel free to do so and take out the Greek yogurt.
100%. My favorite way to use purple cabbage slaw is making pulled pork sandwiches with BBQ sauce, then topping my pork sandwich with a hefty amount of purple cabbage and carrot slaw!
No, do not freeze cole slaw. Make the coleslaw on the same day you plan on eating it for a fresh, vibrant dish.
Yes, the slaw must be kept in the refrigerator when storing leftovers. The purple cabbage slaw will stay fresh for 2-3 days, but I recommend making it the same day you'll eat it.
Yes, you can use green cabbage instead of purple cabbage. However, the purple cabbage is recommended because of it's beautiful, vibrant color.
Other Favorite Salad Recipes
Take a look at these other popular salad and soup recipes for more healthy recipes!
Other Southern Favorites
Here are some other Southern favorite recipes the whole family will love!
Healthy Purple Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups purple cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- ⅔ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- Whisk Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and celery salt in a small bowl.
- Place shredded cabbage and carrots in a larger bowl. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Stir until the cabbage is all covered.
- Cover and refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.
Let Me Know What You Think!