Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
This Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Apple Cider Vinaigrette is not your ordinary coleslaw. It’s a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Forget the heavy, mayonnaise-laden slaws of the past. This version is all about bright flavors and crisp textures, thanks to the combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or any meal that needs a touch of freshness.A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
What sets this Cabbage and Carrot Slaw apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cabbage provides a satisfying crunch, while the carrots add a touch of sweetness and color. The apple cider vinaigrette brings everything together with its sweet-tart flavor, creating a slaw that’s both refreshing and addictive.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing Cabbage and Carrot Slaw:- For the Slaw:
- 1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly shredded
- 2 medium carrots, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crafting the Perfect Vinaigrette
The vinaigrette is the heart of this Cabbage and Carrot Slaw. It’s what ties all the ingredients together and gives the slaw its signature flavor. The combination of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy dressing that perfectly complements the vegetables.Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to make your own Cabbage and Carrot Slaw with Apple Cider Vinaigrette? Follow these simple steps:- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for achieving the best taste and texture.
- Serve: Before serving, give the slaw another toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Slaw
- Shredding the Cabbage: The key to a great slaw is thinly shredded cabbage. You can use a knife, a mandoline, or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Just be careful and take your time to ensure even slices.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, you can add more honey or maple syrup to the vinaigrette. If you prefer a tangier slaw, reduce the amount of sweetener.
- Adding Other Vegetables: Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables to the slaw. Some great additions include shredded Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or even apples for extra sweetness.
- Making it Ahead: This slaw can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
This Cabbage and Carrot Slaw is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:- As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pork for a light and refreshing meal.
- On Tacos: Use it as a topping for tacos or wraps for added flavor and crunch.
- In Sandwiches: Add it to sandwiches or burgers for a tangy twist.
- As a Salad: Enjoy it on its own as a light and healthy salad.

Variations to Try
Want to switch things up a bit? Here are a few variations to try:- Spicy Slaw: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a kick of heat.
- Creamy Slaw: Add a tablespoon or two of plain Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette for a creamier texture.
- Asian-Inspired Slaw: Use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar and add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the vinaigrette.
- Fruity Slaw: Add chopped apple, grapes, or cranberries to the slaw for extra sweetness and flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
This Cabbage and Carrot Slaw is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cabbage is a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. Carrots are rich in vitamin A and antioxidants. And the apple cider vinaigrette provides healthy fats and antioxidants.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Kcal: 150
- Yield: 6 servings
Can I make this slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better if you make it a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can. White wine vinegar or rice vinegar would also work well in this recipe. However, apple cider vinegar gives it a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as shredded Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or even apples for extra sweetness and flavor.
Is this slaw vegan?
Yes, this slaw is naturally vegan as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
How long does the slaw last in the refrigerator?
The slaw will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. The vegetables may soften slightly over time, but it will still be delicious.
Print
Cabbage Carrot Slaw A Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Zesty cabbage carrot slaw recipe Crunchy veggies tossed in tangy apple cider vinaigrette Quick easy healthy side dish 144 chars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g