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    Make It Skinny Please » Recipes » Side Dishes » Red Cabbage Slaw recipe with apples

    Published: Aug 24, 2021 · Modified: Sep 23, 2021 by Toni Dash · 10 Comments

    Red Cabbage Slaw recipe with apples

    Weight Watchers Points1
    Calories: 74kcal
    Carbs: 15g
    Protein: 2g
    Fats: 1g
    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    red cabbage slaw title

    Red Cabbage slaw is a delicious side dish recipe or topping any time of the year. Slimmed down with apple and raisins adding sweetness (no sugar added). The creamy, tangy dressing uses light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for a delicious fresh flavor.

    red cabbage slaw title

    This tangy red cabbage slaw recipe is always a favorite. Full of purple cabbage, onion, apple, raisins in a tangy dressing. It's one of those easy recipes that is a staple.

    Jump to:
    • Easy Red Cabbage slaw
    • What makes this skinny?
    • Recipe Ingredients + Notes
    • Variations
    • Best Ways to Shred Cabbage
    • How to make it - Step-by-Step
    • How long to store coleslaw?
    • More recipes you'll love!
    • Recipe

    Easy Red Cabbage slaw

    Green cabbage coleslaw is the dinner table sweetheart of summer but red cabbage is packed with dietary fiber and antioxidants. It makes a beautiful colored slaw (love the jewel-tone leaf color) perfect for all seasons.

    This simple recipe for crunchy slaw can be eaten as soon as it's made or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to allow the dressing to soak in a bit. The cabbage softens and the flavors blend deliciously.

    Simple ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. The slaw is one of those 'perfect anytime' side dish recipes with your best grilling recipes or great as a topping on thins like fish tacos

    What makes this skinny?

    • Not using tons of full fat mayonnaise. A smaller amount AND light mayo is used along with creamy Greek yogurt.
    • No sugar added. Using apple and raisins adds enough natural sweetness.

    Regular mayonnaise coleslaw can have up to 300 calories per cup. This version has 74 calories per cup and 2 WW SmartPoints per serving on any of the plans.

    red cabbage slaw from overhead on plate

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Shredded red cabbage. The cabbage should be 'shaved' or very thinly cut into ribbons (sliced thickness in photo 1 below in How to Make it). You'll need 8 cups which is the equivalent of a half medium size cabbage or one small head.

    Be sure to cut out the cabbage core (stem area) before shredding. Store bought cabbage can be substituted for a time saver.

    Red onion. Thinly sliced red onion is used. The slices can be halved or quartered to make more onion pieces to integrate into the slaw. Photo 2 below.

    Apple. We love a sweet-sour Honeycrisp apple but any variety can be used. Cut into fine matchsticks so it mixes into the slaw well. Photo 2 below.

    Raisins. A half cup of raisins adds some sweetness to the slaw recipe.

    Dijon mustard. A classic flavor for the tangy dressing.

    Apple cider vinegar. This is also a classic ingredient in coleslaw dressing. It adds a bright, tangy flavor to the coleslaw recipe.

    Lime juice. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.

    Light mayonnaise. Only a half cup is needed for the dressing.

    Plain non-fat Greek yogurt. This adds a creamy tangy flavor to the creamy dressing that is delicious with the purple cabbage slaw.

    Salt and black pepper. To taste.

    red cabbage slaw ingredients labelled

    Variations

    Use different cabbage varieties. Try napa cabbage or green cabbage. Store bought slaw mix can be used too.

    Add some shredded carrot. For more color and sweetness shredded carrots are a great addition. Shred them yourself at home. Store bought shredded carrots have a distinct flavor (probably from a preserving agent) that will be noticeable in the slaw.

    Change the juice. Instead of lime juice add lemon juice or orange juice to change the flavor. Freshly squeezed always tastes best. We use a handheld juicer.

    Try white wine vinegar. It has a different flavor than apple cider vinegar and would be a great swap option.

    Add more crunch. Adding sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seed hulls) adds more texture, flavor and crunch.

    Celery seeds. This is a traditional ingredient in coleslaw and can be added to this slaw recipe too if desired.

    Like some spice? Add some cayenne pepper, sliced jalapenos and fresh cilantro for a Mexican cabbage slaw.

    Best Ways to Shred Cabbage

    Using a Mandoline slicer

    If you haven't used a mandoline slicer they are a life changer in the kitchen. The slicing blade can be adjusted to different thicknesses making it far easier than using a knife to get extra thin slices.

    Also all the slices are uniformly thick. I recommend using one with a guard so you are not sliding the ingredient being sliced by holding it with your hand.

    We love using it for this recipe for the cabbage, onion AND the apple. Slice the cabbage ⅛-1/4-inch thick. The onion and apple around ⅛-inch thick.

    To make matchsticks it's a breeze. Slice the apple stems side facing the blade. Remove any stem or seeds from the slices. Stack the slices and cut into match sticks.

    Using a Food Processor

    The cabbage can be shredded in a food processer using the shredding disk.

    Using a knife

    Using a large, heavy kitchen knife also works.

    How to make it - Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Combine the slaw

    In a large bowl combine cabbage, onion, apple and raisins. Toss to fully mix together.

    red cabbage slaw recipe steps

    STEP 2. Make the dressing

    In a medium bowl combine the dressing ingredients: dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, light mayonnaise and non-fat plain Greek yogurt. Whisk until smooth.

    STEP 3. Make the slaw

    Pour the dressing into the slaw mixture. Toss to fully coat the slaw with the dressing. Salt and pepper to taste.

    How long to store coleslaw?

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The cabbage will soften and infuse with the dressing while it is stored.

    mixed slaw close up

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    Recipe

    red cabbage slaw square

    Red Cabbage Slaw

    Weight Watchers Points1
    Click to track Weight Watchers Points
    This tangy red cabbage slaw has apples and raisins for sweetness (no added sugar) in a creamy light dressing. It's a perfect side dish any time of the year or topping on tacos or sandwiches.
    5 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 10 1-cup servings
    Calories: 74kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    Slaw

    • 8 cups finely shredded red cabbage
    • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
    • 1 Honeycrisp apple cut into matchsticks
    • ½ cup raisins

    Dressing

    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
    • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
    • ¼ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl combine the cabbage, onion, apples and raisins. Toss to combine.
    • In a medium bowl whisk together the Dijon mustard, vinegar, lime juice, light mayonnaise and yogurt until smooth.
    • Pour the dressing into the slaw, toss to fully coat the slaw. Salt and pepper to taste.
    • It can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend before serving.

    Notes

    Variations
    Use different cabbage varieties. Try napa cabbage or green cabbage. Store bought slaw mix can be used too.
    Add some shredded carrot. For more color and sweetness shredded carrots are a great addition. Shred them yourself at home. Store bought shredded carrots have a distinct flavor (probably from a preserving agent) that will be noticeable in the slaw.
    Change the juice. Instead of lime juice add lemon juice or orange juice to change the flavor. Freshly squeezed always tastes best. We use a handheld juicer.
    Try white wine vinegar. It has a different flavor than apple cider vinegar and would be a great swap option.
    Add more crunch. Adding sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seed hulls) adds more texture, flavor and crunch.
    How to Store
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
    Celery seeds. This is a traditional ingredient in coleslaw and can be added to this slaw recipe too if desired.
    Like some spice? Add some cayenne pepper, sliced jalapenos and fresh cilantro for a Mexican cabbage slaw.
    Weight Watchers points from previous program (WW SmartPoints):
    Green, Blue and Purple: 2

    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 277mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please share it!Mention @MakeItSkinnyPlease or tag #MakeItSkinnyPlease!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutritional Coach and certified Weight Loss Specialist, writer/blogger, photographer, chief recipe developer and creator of Make It Skinny Please. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her slimmed down recipes using real food ingredients bring excitement to the dining table and never taste like 'diet food'. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Debbie says

      September 07, 2021 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      I made this over Labor Day weekend and made it a day ahead. Wow! Everyone loved it. The flavor was great and I love that it doesn’t need sugar.

      Reply
    2. Suzi says

      September 07, 2021 at 12:50 am

      5 stars
      I have started eating more red cabbage lately and this recipe is so delicious. Love the apples in it.

      Reply
    3. Liz says

      September 06, 2021 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      Delicious slaw! Next time I'm going to try it with some other seeds as per your ideas. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Emily Flint says

      September 06, 2021 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      My family loves cabbage and this will be our go-to recipe!

      Reply
    5. Kayla DiMaggio says

      September 06, 2021 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      This red cabbage slaw was so delicious! I loved the flavors!

      Reply
    6. Maren says

      September 06, 2021 at 9:08 am

      5 stars
      Made this recipe for a bbq and it was a hit!

      Reply
    7. Sabrina says

      September 06, 2021 at 8:37 am

      5 stars
      Fresh and tasty, I like the lightened up dressing!

      Reply
    8. Priya Maha says

      September 06, 2021 at 7:28 am

      5 stars
      I truly love this recipe! Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    9. Sue says

      September 06, 2021 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! I'm trying the Mexican version next to have with my tacos! Thank you!

      Reply
    10. Erica says

      September 04, 2021 at 11:33 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night for a potluck today and it was delicious! The cabbage softened a bit (in a good way) and the flavors were wonderful.

      Reply

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