Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe

Easy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe

Red cabbage coleslaw brings vibrant color and unexpected crunch to any meal.

Crisp, tangy, and surprisingly versatile, this dish revolutionizes ordinary vegetables into something extraordinary.

Bright purple leaves mingle with sharp cheese and sweet fruit, creating a complex flavor profile that surprises palates.

Nutritionists praise red cabbage for its incredible health benefits and robust antioxidant properties.

The combination of ingredients offers a delightful balance between earthy, sweet, and savory notes.

Each bite promises a refreshing experience that elevates simple side dishes to memorable culinary moments.

Gathering friends and family around this colorful recipe guarantees delighted smiles and enthusiastic conversation.

What Sets Red Cabbage Coleslaw Apart

  • Crunch into Colorful Nutrition: This vibrant red cabbage coleslaw bursts with fresh, crisp vegetables packed with vitamins and antioxidants that make every bite a healthy delight.
  • Blend Diverse Textures: The recipe masterfully combines crunchy cabbage, tender apples, and creamy Parmesan to create a multi-dimensional mouthfeel that keeps your taste buds excited with each forkful.
  • Quick and Easy Prep: With simple chopping techniques and minimal cooking required, this coleslaw comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute potluck contributions.
  • Versatile Flavor Companion: Serve alongside grilled meats, as a sandwich topper, or enjoy solo- this adaptable side dish elevates any meal with its tangy, fresh profile and stunning purple-red color.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw Ingredients List

Salad Base:
  • Red Cabbage: Crunchy and colorful base with high nutritional value, look for firm and vibrant leaves.
  • Carrot: Adds sweet crunch and bright orange color, choose fresh and crisp carrots.
  • Apple: Provides natural sweetness and refreshing texture, use firm and slightly tart varieties.
  • Red Onion: Offers sharp flavor and nice bite, select firm and pungent onions.
  • Red Pepper: Gives additional color and sweet crunch, pick bright and firm peppers.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty umami flavor, choose freshly grated for best taste.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates creamy base for dressing, select full-fat version for richer texture.
  • Yogurt: Lightens dressing and adds tangy notes, Greek yogurt works best.
Seasoning:
  • Mustard: Provides sharp and tangy accent to dressing, Dijon works great.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt.
  • Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity, freshly ground is preferred.
  • Fresh Dill: Optional herb for garnish and extra freshness, can substitute with other herbs.

Instructions for Red Cabbage Apple Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Slice the red cabbage into three wedges and carefully remove the tough central core. Shred each wedge into delicate, thin strips. Cut any longer strips in half to ensure easy eating.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Grate the carrot into fine shreds. Dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion and red peppers. Transfer all chopped ingredients into the bowl with cabbage.

Step 3: Add Creamy Dressing Ingredients

Gather your dressing ingredients:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Yogurt
  • Dijon mustard
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 4: Mix and Massage

Combine all ingredients in the bowl. Start mixing with a spoon or spatula, then use your hands to thoroughly coat every piece with the creamy dressing. Gently massage the ingredients to blend flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh dill or your favorite herb on top of the coleslaw. Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

Tips for Crisp and Creamy Slaw

  • Slice Strategically: Use a sharp knife to cut cabbage wedges precisely, ensuring even, thin strips for a uniform texture and beautiful presentation.
  • Prevent Browning: Toss apple pieces immediately in the dressing to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation.
  • Massage for Flavor: Mix ingredients thoroughly by hand to help break down cabbage fibers and distribute seasonings evenly.
  • Chill for Depth: Refrigerate coleslaw for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.
  • Customize Creatively: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or chives to add personal flair and enhance the coleslaw's brightness.

Slaw Storage and Serving Suggestions

  • Refrigerate: Store the coleslaw in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crisp vegetables will stay fresh and maintain their crunch.
  • Draining: Before storing, drain any excess liquid to prevent soggy texture. Use a colander or paper towels to remove moisture and preserve the salad's quality.
  • Reheating: Enjoy this coleslaw cold directly from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the vegetables soft and lose their delightful crispness. Stir well before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.

Matching Red Cabbage Slaw with Dishes

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Grab a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy and fresh flavors of the red cabbage coleslaw. The wine's acidity matches perfectly with the creamy dressing and bright vegetables.
  • Serve Alongside Grilled Proteins: Grill some juicy chicken breasts, succulent pork chops, or flaky white fish to create a balanced meal. The coleslaw's crunch and zesty profile will cut through the richness of the grilled meat.
  • Add Crunchy Bread Companions: Toasted sourdough or rustic country bread make excellent side partners. The bread's crisp texture and slight tang will enhance the coleslaw's complex flavor profile and provide a satisfying contrast.
  • Pack as Picnic or Barbecue Side: This versatile coleslaw shines at outdoor gatherings, offering a cool and refreshing counterpoint to smoky grilled foods. Its vibrant colors and robust taste will be a crowd-pleaser at summer cookouts.

Versions of Red Cabbage Slaw to Try

  • Spicy Southwestern Slaw: Replace red peppers with diced jalapeños and add chopped cilantro. Mix in lime juice and cumin for a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
  • Crunchy Nutty Version: Incorporate toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra texture. Swap yogurt with Greek yogurt and add a touch of honey for subtle sweetness.
  • Vegan Citrus Coleslaw: Substitute mayonnaise and Parmesan with vegan alternatives. Include orange zest and fresh orange segments to brighten the overall taste. Enhance with chopped mint leaves for freshness.
  • Asian-Inspired Slaw: Introduce rice vinegar and sesame oil instead of mustard. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and include thinly sliced green onions. Drizzle with a light soy sauce for depth of flavor.
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Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe

Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

German-inspired red cabbage coleslaw brings zesty crunch to your plate with crisp apple and sharp parmesan. Creamy yet tangy, this refreshing salad offers a perfect balance of flavors that elevate any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • ½ medium head red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 medium to large carrot
  • ¼ large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red capsicum, sliced into thin, short strips

Fruits:

  • 1 red apple, cut into small cubes or strips

Dressing and Cheese:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) shredded Parmesan, loosely packed
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters / 2.7 ounces) yoghurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the red cabbage by trimming it into three manageable wedges, carefully removing the tough central core.
  2. Transform the cabbage wedges into delicate, gossamer-thin strips, slicing longer pieces in half to ensure uniform bite-sized segments.
  3. Deposit the shredded cabbage into a spacious mixing vessel.
  4. Grate the carrot into fine, whisper-light ribbons and add to the cabbage base.
  5. Dice the crisp apples, finely mince the onion, and slice the vibrant red peppers into delicate slivers.
  6. Scatter the chopped ingredients over the cabbage and carrot foundation.
  7. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese across the vegetable medley.
  8. Introduce the creamy dressing components: silky mayonnaise, tangy yogurt, zesty mustard, and seasoning.
  9. Blend the ingredients thoroughly, initially using a utensil, then transitioning to hand-mixing to ensure every morsel is luxuriously coated.
  10. Garnish with fragrant fresh dill or an alternative herb to elevate the visual and aromatic profile.
  11. Serve immediately to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Crunch through this vibrant slaw bursting with colorful, fresh vegetables that add exciting texture and nutrition.
  • Slice cabbage and vegetables uniformly to ensure even coating and balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Gently mix ingredients by hand for the most thorough and gentle combination without bruising delicate produce.
  • Customize your coleslaw by experimenting with different herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prepare ahead and let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop deeper, richer taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, noting that the slaw might become slightly softer but remains delicious.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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