Red cabbage slaw is one of those side dishes that can transform an everyday meal. It is full of flavour, gently tangy and wonderfully crunchy, and goes beautifully with meat, barbecued dishes or a simple serving of potatoes. This easy, quick and versatile recipe is just as good for everyday meals as it is for special occasions.
Carrots, red onion and fresh herbs add both flavour and vibrant colour. A well-balanced dressing made with mayonnaise, yoghurt and mustard brings everything together.
🥬 Ingredients for Red Cabbage Slaw
- 1 head of red cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1 red onion
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
Dressing:
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Finely shred the cabbage: the thinner the strips, the better the texture of the slaw.
Coarsely grate the carrots and cut the onion into thin slices or finely dice it.
Finely chop the parsley and dill to give the slaw a fresh, fragrant finish.
2. Make the Dressing
Place the mayonnaise, yoghurt, both mustards and crushed garlic in a bowl.
Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper, then stir thoroughly until smooth.
👉 Combining two types of mustard creates a lovely balance: gently tangy with a subtle sweetness.
3. Toss Everything Together
Place all the prepared vegetables and herbs in a large bowl, add the dressing and toss thoroughly.
👉 Gently squeeze the cabbage with your hands or press it with a spoon to soften it slightly and help it absorb the flavours.
❄️ Let It Rest – An Important Step
The slaw tastes best after about 1–2 hours in the fridge.
Why let it rest?
- The cabbage softens.
- The flavours blend together.
- The dressing coats the vegetables more evenly.
👉 You can also make it the day before; it will taste even better.
🍽️ What to Serve It With
This classic slaw goes with almost anything:
✔️ Polish breaded pork cutlets
✔️ Barbecued dishes
✔️ Roast chicken
✔️ Everyday lunches and dinners
It also works beautifully as part of a larger spread, alongside 👉 layered salad with celeriac, leek and ham, where its freshness balances the richer ingredients.
🥒 More Side Dishes to Try
If you enjoy bold, homemade flavours, take a look at 👉 dry-salted fermented cucumbers. This is a quick way to prepare crunchy cucumbers that go wonderfully with this slaw and many other dishes.
🫙 Something to Preserve for Later
If you would like to make something to keep in your pantry, try 👉 Swedish-style pickled cucumber salad. This classic preserve is a lovely addition to a well-stocked pantry and a delicious side dish for everyday meals.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Red cabbage slaw is a simple recipe worth keeping close to hand. It needs neither complicated ingredients nor much time, yet the result is delicious. Fresh, crunchy and well balanced, it combines a gentle tang with a touch of sweetness and distinctive notes of garlic and mustard.
It is one of those versatile side dishes that makes even the simplest meal more interesting. Best of all, you can adjust it to suit your own taste.