This creamy red cabbage and carrot slaw is a great easy side dish that is ready in 10 minutes and requires no cooking. Full of fresh and vibrant ingredients, it works wonderfully with pulled pork, chicken and Mexican tacos.
If you are looking for a super easy and delicious side dish to accompany your grilled meats this summer, this red cabbage slaw has to make an appearance! Fresh and light in flavor and full of texture, this Mexican inspired salad is a must!
When it comes to slaw, for me it has to be creamy, like my fennel and apple coleslaw, and in this recipe that comes in the form of sour cream and mayo. This works wonderfully with pulled pork, grilled steaks and is a great topping for my fish tacos.
Pretty enough to serve to guests at a cookout and simple enough for an easy weeknight side. Be sure to make extra as it will disappear quickly!
Red Cabbage Slaw Ingredients
- Red Cabbage: Similar to green cabbage, but the flavor is a little richer and earthier. I love the color it adds to the dish!
- Carrot: The carrot adds a nice bit of sweetness and freshness without being overpowering.
- Lime: I used lime juice and zest in this recipe for a wonderful kick of zing and the acid cuts through the creaminess.
- Jalapeños: Finely diced jalapeños add a very slight hint of heat, but it's more about their peppery flavor.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream not only adds the creaminess I love, but it also makes this slaw really light and fresh tasting. Unlike if you used just mayo which can be heavier.
- Mayonnaise: In my book, no coleslaw is complete with out mayo! I used regular as it is richer in flavor, but you can use low or non-fat if you prefer.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: ACV adds a nice tang and cuts through the thick mayo wonderfully. If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar will also work well.
- Salt and Pepper: Add this to taste. I found I just needed a little pepper, but add both if you prefer it.
How to make Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
This recipe takes no more than 10 minutes to make, and you can make it ahead of time, perfect if you are planning to serve it as part of a bigger feast!
- Chop and dice your veggies.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large bowl (photo 1).
- Combine everything together with a spoon and adjust seasoning (photo 2).
- Serve or refrigerate.
Can you make it ahead of time?
Yes, yes you can! In fact I would suggest that you let this slaw sit in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving to really let the flavors develop. Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge and it will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The red cabbage will release some liquid when it sits, simply spoon the slaw into a new bowl to serve.
How to slice the red cabbage
The quickest and easiest way to slice the cabbage is by hand, but if you don't mind a bit of extra washing up, you can use a slicing attachment on the food processor.
To chop it by hand, cut out the stem and place the cut side down. Cut the cabbage in half from left to right and then cut into strips. You want to cut fairly thin strips so that it is easy to eat.
Can you freeze coleslaw?
Because this coleslaw contains sour cream and mayo it is not freeze-able. If you are desperate to freeze the coleslaw, you can make up the dish but leave out these two ingredients. Freeze it in a freezer bag or container. Thaw it in the fridge the night before serving and stir in the mayo and sour cream when you are ready to serve it.
Recipe Variations
This creamy red cabbage slaw is pretty perfect as it is, but there are a few additions and tweeks you can easily make:
- Add pumpkin seeds for additional crunch.
- Swap the lime juice for lemon.
- Add in some diced apple. Do this just before serving so that it doesn't brown.
- If you like it spicier, add in an extra jalapeño.
- Garnish with some fresh cilantro or parsley for a hit of freshness.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Because there is mayo in this salad, don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- It's best to shred the cabbage by hand, if you use a food processor you will loose a lot of the crunchy texture.
- Don't be tempted to add more mayo, especially if you are making it ahead of time. The cabbage will release water as it sits so it can start to get soggy.
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled. It is way more zingier and flavorful.
More Easy Salad Recipes
- Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
- Grilled Lemon and Herb Chicken Salad
- Honey & Mustard Marinated Chicken Salad
- Potato Salad with Trout & Chorizo
- Brown Rice Salad with Feta and Cranberries
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Creamy Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Ingredients
- ½ red cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot grated
- zest of half a lime
- juice of one lime
- 2 jalapeños finely diced
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (170g)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage, grate the carrot and dice the jalapeños.
- Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Because there is mayo in this salad, don't leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- It's best to shred the cabbage by hand, if you use a food processor you will loose a lot of the crunch texture.
- Don't be tempted to add more mayo, especially if you are making it ahead of time. The cabbage will release water as it sits so it can start to get soggy.
- Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled. It is way more zingier and flavorful.
Nutrition
V Mitchell says
My mom's coleslaw was my favorite until this coleslaw! This is the tastiest coleslaw I've ever had - the lime zest and lime juice set this apart. Your recipe will be made on repeat for our family.
Slow The Cook Down says
Ah that's so great to hear, thank you! So glad you all enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 🙂
JoAnna says
Very tasty! Thanks!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Great little slaw for all of our summer bbq recipes. Just like a rainbow in a bowl with all of the beautiful colors.