Easy Purple Cabbage Slaw with Healthy Peanut Dressing

A vibrant, healthy purple cabbage slaw with a creamy peanut dressing that’s quick, customizable, and perfect for any meal.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts nutritious, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Purple Cabbage Slaw with Healthy Peanut Dressing is a must-try! Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking to jazz up your fish tacos or pork sandwiches, or craving the perfect side dish, this slaw is a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Its beautiful color makes it visually appealing, while the creamy, tangy, and slightly nutty dressing elevates its flavor profile to new heights.

This recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s also about simplicity. With a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but fits right into a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it! And when you’re done, you’ll find the full recipe card at the bottom.

Why You’ll Love This Take on Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables, crunchy texture, and the creamy peanut dressing creates a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that’s downright addictive.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this slaw is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds, especially compared to traditional coleslaw recipes.
Quick and Easy: With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in under 20 minutes.
Versatile: Serve it as an easy side dish, top it on tacos, or enjoy it as a light main course with your favorite protein. For extra crunch, you can add pumpkin seeds, broccoli slaw, celery in this recipe.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The slaw holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

ingredients in purple cabbage slaw with peanut sauce

A Breakdown of the Ingredients in this Purple Cabbage Salad Recipe

Slaw Ingredients

Purple Cabbage: The star of the dish, purple cabbage adds vibrant color, crunch, and a subtle earthiness.
Carrots: Thinly sliced carrots bring natural sweetness and a delightful contrast in texture. Shredded carrots can work here, too.
Orange Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild, refreshing sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
Green Onion: These provide a mild, zesty garnish that enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

Peanut Butter: The base of the dressing, it delivers creaminess and a rich nutty flavor.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds depth and a touch of umami while keeping sodium levels in check.
Rice Vinegar: For a tangy kick that balances the creaminess of the peanut butter.
Sesame Oil: Infuses the dressing with a hint of nuttiness and warmth.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the savory elements perfectly.
Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients pack a flavorful punch.
Fresh Lime Juice: Provides a citrusy brightness that ties the dressing together.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for seasoning to taste.

How to Make Tangy Purple Cabbage Slaw

Prep the Fresh Produce: Start by shredding the purple cabbage using a box grater or buying pre-shredded cabbage. You can use a food processor for speed or do it by hand with a sharp knife for a more rustic texture. Thinly slice the carrots and bell pepper to match the cabbage’s size and texture.
Mix the Slaw Base: Combine the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper in a large bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. If the dressing feels too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine: Pour the peanut dressing over the slaw mix. Toss until all the vegetables are well-coated.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to enhance the fresh flavor.

delicious purple cabbage slaw with tangy peanut sauce

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftovers (or are prepping ahead), this slaw stores beautifully:

In the Refrigerator: Transfer the slaw to an airtight container and store it for up to 3-4 days. The cabbage and carrots hold their crunch well, and the flavors deepen over time, making it one of my favorite purple cabbage recipes.
For the Dressing: If you’d like to keep the slaw crisp, store the dressing separately in a sealed container and mix just before serving. The dressing will stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge. This healthy coleslaw recipe is a crowd pleaser!

Tips for Making this Healthy Slaw Recipe

Choose Fresh Ingredients: The perfect slaw starts with fresh veggies. Fresh cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers ensure maximum crunch and flavor.
Customize the Veggies: Don’t have bell peppers? Swap them out for cucumbers, snap peas, or any crunchy veggie you like.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of sriracha or cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Texture Matters: Shred or slice the vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Prep Ahead: You can chop the vegetables and make the dressing a day in advance to save time on busy days.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work well as substitutes. Just note that the flavor will change slightly.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

For added protein, toss in some edamame, roasted chickpeas, or shredded chicken.

What can I serve with this slaw?

This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It’s also great as a topping for tacos or burgers.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as long as the peanut butter and soy sauce you use are free of animal products.

With its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this Easy Purple Cabbage Slaw with Healthy Peanut Dressing is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s a delicious recipe that celebrates simplicity while delivering on taste and nutrition—a perfect example of how eating healthy can be fun and delicious!