Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw: The BEST Easy Recipe EVER

Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw! Can you smell it already? That crisp, slightly sweet, slightly tangy aroma wafting through the kitchen? This isn’t just any slaw, this is *our* Nonna’s Dishes version, perfected over countless Sunday dinners. We’ve taken a classic and given it a little Italian nonna love. This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw is a celebration of fresh flavors and simple ingredients, just like grandma used to make. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion but we especially love it with Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls. This is one of our all time favorites to bring to a potluck. It is always a hit!

Our inspiration comes from those early autumn days in Italy, picking crisp apples right off the trees and seeing the vibrant purple cabbages piled high at the market. We wanted to recreate that feeling of abundance and freshness in a dish. So, we did! We hope you enjoy.

Why You Will Love This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

What’s not to love about a slaw that’s both healthy and delicious? Our purple cabbage apple slaw is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and tangy. It’s quick to throw together, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel good from the inside out.

We love making this recipe because it reminds us of childhood. Maria remembers her Nonno always bringing home the biggest, most beautiful cabbages from his garden. They would be so much bigger then her at the time! This recipe is truly is a trip down memory lane!

This healthy slaw recipe adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color to any plate. It is a delicious alternative to heavier salads and we often find ourselves making variations based on what we have in the fridge. This slaw is perfect served as a side or on top of our favorite crispy fish tacos!

Ingredients Needed for This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy red cabbage slaw. We’ve broken it down for you to make it simple!

• For the Slaw:

* 1/2 medium head purple cabbage, thinly shredded (about 4 cups) * 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced * 1/2 cup shredded carrots * 1/4 cup chopped red onion * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• For the Dressing:

* 1/4 cup mayonnaise * 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar * 1 tablespoon honey * 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard * 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds * Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

Ready to get started Nonna style? Follow these simple steps for a delicious purple cabbage apple slaw!

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, sliced apples, shredded carrots, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
2. 2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. 4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important!
6. 6. Before serving, toss the slaw again to redistribute the dressing.

How to Serve This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

This apple cabbage salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pork, or fish. Try it on pulled pork sandwiches or alongside some Crockpot Corned Beef And Cabbage. It also makes a refreshing addition to tacos or wraps. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top. We love adding walnuts or sunflower seeds!

How to Store This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

Proper storage will keep your slaw fresh and delicious!

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing this slaw, as the cabbage and apples can become mushy and the dressing may separate.
• Reheating: This slaw is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

Tips to Make This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

Here are some tips for making the best purple cabbage apple slaw:

• Ingredient Swaps: Use green cabbage instead of purple for a different color and flavor. You can also substitute other fruits like pears or cranberries for the apples.
• Pro Tip: Toss the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Use a Mandoline: If you have a mandoline slicer, use it to ensure the cabbage and apples are thinly and evenly sliced.
• Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t overdress the slaw! Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed.

Helpful Notes for This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

A few extra notes from our Nonna’s kitchen!

• Cabbage Quality: Choose a firm, heavy head of purple cabbage for the best texture.
• Vinegar Choice: Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness, but you can also use white vinegar or red wine vinegar.
• Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the slaw a day in advance, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Variation of This Purple Cabbage & Apple Slaw Recipe

Want to mix things up in the kitchen with this healthy slaw recipe? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Slaw: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
• Creamy Slaw: Substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
• Nutty Slaw: Add toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Seasonal Twist: In the fall, try adding dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds.

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