Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw with Dill

This red cabbage apple slaw comes with a sweet and zesty honey dressing and refreshing dill. Easy to make using a handful of ingredients it's healthy, delicious and versatile. See my serving suggestions at the bottom of the post.

This red cabbage and apple slaw is a delicious alternative to braised red cabbage and a simplified version of my festive slaw. Made with only 4 ingredients plus an easy honey dressing this red cabbage slaw with apples is healthy, colourful and full of crunch. The perfect side dish to brighten up your fall and winter meals (see my serving suggestions at the bottom of the post).

Preparation is easy and the dish is ready in as little as 15 minutes.

Red cabbage apple slaw ingredients and substitutions

• Red cabbage: make sure it's firm and glossy (i.e., fresh).
• Apples: I recommend using sweet tasting rather than tart apples (for added natural sweetness). Examples include Pink Lady or Honey Crisp apples. I don't recommend using Granny Smiths.
• Red onion.
• Dill.
• Salt and pepper.
• Lemon zest: I also like to add a drizzle of lemon juice at serving, but this is optional.
• Dressing ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, honey (use maple syrup to enjoy this recipe vegan), cider vinegar and mustard.

How to prepare the red cabbage

To make this easy red cabbage and apple salad you can either slice the red cabbage thinly using a sharp knife (as I have done) or shred in a food processor or using a box grater. I find that slicing the cabbage by hand produces a nice, crunchy texture. Using a food processor or box grater can sometimes shred the red cabbage too finely, which is not ideal.

TIP: Your cabbage strands shouldn't be longer than 2-3 inches - easier to eat as well as combine with the other ingredients.

How to prepare the apples

I recommend cutting the apples into thick matchstick shapes which can be easily incorporated into the red cabbage slaw mixture while still retaining crispiness. I do not recommend shredding the apples as this will give them a soft texture, not suitable to pair with crunchy cabbage.

As an alternative you can cube the apples, although in my opinion apple matchsticks look better:)

TIP: Do not prepare the apples in advance (they are prone to discoloration).

Step-by-step recipe instructions

1. Prepare dressing: Whisk together the oil, honey, cider vinegar, mustard and half the dill. Set aside.

2. Prepare red cabbage: Slice the red cabbage thinly using a sharp knife (discard the tough core). Set aside.

3. Prepare apples: Cut the apples into quarters through the base then cut out the core from each piece. Cut the apples into thick matchstick shapes, drizzle with a little lemon juice and stir.

4. Assemble: To a large mixing bowl add the red cabbage, apple and sliced onion. Pour over the dressing, add the lemon zest, remaining dill, salt and pepper and combine.

TIP: When stirring the ingredients try to give your salad volume by lifting the ingredients (using 2 salad spoons or forks) rather than just stirring them around the bowl.

5. Serve: Adjust the seasoning if needed and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving suggestions

This no mayo red cabbage apple coleslaw is versatile and can be served with:

• Chicken, including chicken fingers, burgers and breaded chicken.
• Fish, such as creamy fish cakes, crispy fish nuggets or salmon fish fingers.
• Polish dishes, such as kotlety or egg patties.
• Vegetarian patties.
• Festive leftovers, including cold meats, stuffing, stuffed squash etc.
• On its own, as a snack.

Optional add-ins

This crunchy red cabbage apple slaw is quite simple, but you can add an extra layer of flavour or texture by using the following optional ingredients:

• Fresh mint leaves
• Walnuts or pecans, chopped
• Seeds, such as pan toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• Pear (in place of 1 apple), for a different flavour twist

Top tips

• You could either slice the cabbage very thinly, as I have done, or shred it using a box grater.
• There is no need to peel the apples.
• Tweak the ingredients to your taste - for example add more honey, cider vinegar or dill.
• You can prepare this red cabbage slaw with apples up to an hour ahead. Make sure the apples have been thoroughly coated in the lemon juice. Keep covered, refrigerated and add the dressing and seasoning just before serving.
• Any leftover slaw can be refrigerated for up to a day (make sure it's covered). It won't be as crunchy as freshly made but it will still taste delicious.
• Not suitable for freezing.
• Red cabbage will stain so consider wearing rubber gloves if chopping it by hand.

More red cabbage recipes to try next

• Red Cabbage Juice 3 Ways
• Chunky Red Cabbage Winter Vegetable Soup
• Red Cabbage Patties

See also these other easy, delicious salad recipes!

Recipe

Keep in touch!

Have you made this easy red cabbage and apple slaw recipe? I'd love to know how it turned out for you. Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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