Cabbage Slaw Recipe
This vibrant Cabbage Slaw is a quick, crunchy and refreshing side dish made with crisp cabbage, red bell pepper, red onion, olive oil and tangy apple cider vinegar. Ready in just 15 minutes, it is a colourful, light and versatile accompaniment for grilled meats, fish, rice dishes, burgers and sandwiches.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
- 1 Chopping Board
- Large Serving Spoon or Salad Tongs
- 1 Serving Bowl -
Ingredients
- About ¾ small head white cabbage
- ¾ red bell pepper
- ⅜ small red onion
- 3 tablespoons olive oil - extra virgin
- 7½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ⅜ teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Cabbage
- Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage.
- Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the tough central core.
- Slice the cabbage very thinly to create delicate, crunchy strands.
- Transfer the shredded cabbage to a large mixing bowl.
- For an especially crisp Cabbage Slaw, rinse the shredded cabbage briefly under cold water and drain thoroughly before continuing.
Step 2 – Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash the red pepper and remove the stem and seeds.
- Slice the pepper into thin strips.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly.
- Add both vegetables to the bowl containing the cabbage.
- Gently separate the onion slices so they distribute evenly throughout the Cabbage Slaw.
Step 3 – Add the Dressing
- Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the vegetables.
- Add the apple cider vinegar.
- Sprinkle over the salt.
- Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Use salad tongs or two large spoons to toss everything together thoroughly.
Step 4 – Toss and Rest
- Continue tossing until the oil and vinegar lightly coat the cabbage, pepper and onion.
- Avoid crushing or squeezing the vegetables so they retain their crisp texture.
- Allow the prepared Cabbage Slaw to stand for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
- Toss once more just before serving so the dressing is evenly distributed.
Notes
- 🥗 For the freshest flavour, let the Cabbage Slaw rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the apple cider vinegar dressing to blend beautifully with the vegetables.
- 🥬 Use fresh, firm cabbage and slice it thinly for the best crunch and texture.
- 🫑 Slice the red pepper and red onion thinly so they distribute evenly throughout the Cabbage Slaw.
- 🍎 Fresh apple cider vinegar gives the dressing a bright, tangy flavour that complements the crisp vegetables.
- 🫒 Do not overdress the Cabbage Slaw. The vegetables should be lightly coated while remaining crisp and refreshing.
- ❄️ For an extra-refreshing side dish, chill the Cabbage Slaw for a short time before serving.
- 🌈 Feel free to use red cabbage, carrots, fresh herbs, or sliced chilli to customise the recipe while keeping its vibrant crunch.
- 🥄 Gently toss the ingredients rather than vigorously mixing them to prevent the cabbage from becoming bruised or soggy.