Vibrant Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe

Zesty Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe

Crisp and colorful red cabbage coleslaw dances with unexpected flavor combinations that will surprise you.

Shredded red cabbage brings vibrant purple hues to this refreshing salad.

Tart apples and nutty parmesan cheese create a delightful contrast in every bite.

The ingredients merge into a light, crunchy side dish perfect for summer gatherings.

Tangy dressing coats each vegetable piece with zesty brightness.

Sharp parmesan adds a sophisticated edge to the classic coleslaw profile.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Dive into this delicious twist on a traditional favorite that promises to delight your taste buds.

Ingredient Set for Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan

For Crisp Base:
  • Red Cabbage: Provides a vibrant, nutritious foundation with beautiful purple color and crunchy texture.
  • Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and extra crunch with beautiful orange contrast.
  • Onion: Delivers sharp, zesty flavor that enhances overall taste profile.
  • Red Peppers: Introduces bright color and sweet, mild pepper essence.
  • Apple: Brings delightful sweetness and refreshing crispness to the slaw.
For Creamy Binding:
  • Mayonnaise, Yogurt: Create smooth, tangy dressing that holds ingredients together beautifully.
  • Mustard: Adds bold, slightly spicy undertone that elevates the entire dish.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkles rich, salty umami flavor for sophisticated depth.
  • Salt, Pepper: Balance and enhance all other ingredients' natural flavors.
  • Fresh Dill: Provides light, herbal freshness and elegant garnish.

Kitchen Tools Required for Apple-Parmesan Coleslaw

  • Large cutting board: sturdy surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Sharp chef's knife: essential for slicing cabbage, carrots, and apples precisely.
  • Grater: perfect for shredding carrots quickly.
  • Large mixing bowl: spacious container for combining all ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: helpful for initial mixing.
  • Clean hands: best tool for ensuring everything gets evenly coated with dressing.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw Prep Instructions

  • Cabbage Preparation

Remove the tough core from red cabbage and slice into thin, delicate strips. Aim for uniform, elegant pieces that will create a beautiful texture in the final dish.

  • Veggie Medley

Grate carrots, chop crisp apples, dice red onions, and slice red peppers into delicate slivers. Toss these colorful ingredients together with the cabbage in a large mixing bowl.

  • Creamy Dressing

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the vegetable mixture. Add a dollop of mayonnaise, a splash of yogurt, and a touch of mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

  • Mixing Magic

Use a spatula to fold the ingredients gently, ensuring every vegetable is kissed by the creamy dressing. For the best results, finish mixing with clean hands to create a perfect, even coating.

  • Final Flourish

Garnish with fresh dill or your favorite herb just before serving. This vibrant coleslaw is a delightful side dish that brings color and zest to any meal.

Tips to Make Your Coleslaw Stand Out

  • Swap out mayo for Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative to lighten up the dish and boost protein.
  • Toast sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on top for an unexpected crunch and nutty undertone.
  • Prepare this slaw up to 24 hours in advance, letting the flavors meld together in the refrigerator for even more delicious results.
  • Fold in shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or canned tuna to transform this side dish into a complete meal in minutes.
  • Drizzle some sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who love a zesty kick in their coleslaw.

Serving Format for Red Cabbage Coleslaw

  • Garden Party Platter: Arrange the coleslaw in a colorful ceramic dish, creating gentle swirls and peaks to showcase the vibrant red cabbage and apple pieces.
  • Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, or smoked salmon for a refreshing and crunchy side that complements rich meats perfectly.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack in sealed containers for outdoor meals, making sure to keep chilled and garnish with extra fresh dill just before serving to maintain crisp texture and bright flavors.
  • Sandwich Stuffing Delight: Use as a zesty filling inside sandwiches or wraps, adding an unexpected crunch and tangy twist to your favorite lunch options.

How to Hold Red Cabbage Coleslaw

  • Refrigerator Readiness: Store this vibrant coleslaw in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crisp texture and fresh flavors intact.
  • Flavor Enhancement Zone: Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more harmonious tastes.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the vegetable mix and dressing separately, combining just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy textures.
  • Smart Portion Strategy: Consider dividing the coleslaw into individual meal-prep containers for quick lunches or side dishes, making weekday meal planning effortless and delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

Print
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Vibrant Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe

Vibrant Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Apple & Parmesan Recipe


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4.9 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Zesty red cabbage coleslaw with apple & parmesan delivers a crisp, tangy symphony of flavors. Parmesan cheese and fresh apple elevate this classic salad, promising crunch and subtle sweetness for hungry palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) Parmesan cheese, shredded, loosely packed
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 oz) mayonnaise
  • ½ medium head red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 red apple, cut into small cubes or strips
  • 1 medium to large carrot
  • 1 red capsicum, sliced into thin, short strips
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml / 2.7 oz) yoghurt
  • ¼ large red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables: Trim red cabbage into manageable wedges, remove core, and slice into ultra-thin strips, cutting longer pieces in half for uniform size. Grate carrot into delicate ribbons and dice apples into small cubes.
  2. Combine Base: Transfer shredded cabbage to a large mixing bowl, add grated carrots, diced apples, finely minced onion, and sliced red peppers. Create a colorful vegetable foundation.
  3. Cheese Integration: Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan across the vegetable medley, allowing the cheese to nestle between the crisp ingredients.
  4. Dressing Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, and seasonings until smooth and well-blended. Ensure a creamy consistency that will embrace the vegetables.
  5. Final Fusion: Pour dressing over the vegetable mixture, using hands or a utensil to thoroughly coat each ingredient. Ensure every morsel is deliciously dressed and evenly distributed.
  6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh dill or alternative herbs to enhance visual appeal and add a fragrant dimension. Serve immediately to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform, paper-thin cabbage strips for perfect texture and even dressing coverage.
  • Prevent Browning: Toss apple pieces immediately after cutting with a splash of lemon juice to maintain their fresh, bright appearance and prevent oxidation.
  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the coleslaw for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and enhance overall taste profile.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with adding toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture and depth of flavor, making the dish uniquely yours.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Mia Reynolds

Mia Reynolds

Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist

Expertise

Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners

Education

New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont

  • Certificate: Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on baking skills, pastry basics, and creating delicious, approachable baked goods.

Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont

  • Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
  • Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.

Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.

Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.

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