Ahh the humble slaw. Everyone needs a go-to purple cabbage cole slaw recipe. Something that’s simple and delicious, goes well with anything, that you can quickly whip up in a few minutes for BBQs, picnics or to go with a weeknight meal. I like to make a batch and keep it in the fridge to go with what I’m cooking, like I’ll add it to steak tacos one day, then have it with grilled sausages and a smokey relish the next day.

You had me at purple cabbage. Maybe it’s the fresh crunch or just how pretty it looks, but I’m obsessed with purple cabbage slaws (also known as red cabbage slaw). Read on for tips and step by step instructions on making the perfect slaw.

This is the best coleslaw for BBQ because it’s such an all rounder dish, it goes with all the different types of meat giving a fresh sweet and tangy sidekick that every BBQ needs.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

• Easy to make, not a lot of prep.
• Super quick ready in 20 minutes!
• The dressing isn’t very thick! You won’t feel like you’re eating a mouthful of mayo like other slaw recipes.
• The fresh dill brings a complexity that makes it taste a little more sophisticated.
• Budget friendly, cabbage goes a loooong way.
• Very versatile, you can change up the ingredients and add it to so many dishes.
• It’s crunchy and delicious.
• Great to eat the next day or two - not a lot of salads keep well!

Why you should always keep a purple cabbage in the fridge

I’m not obsessed, you are. Kidding - I am. I rarely don’t have a head of purple cabbage in the fridge, it’s such a handy ingredient that will keep for ages. How to use purple cabbage - It has so many health benefits and is really versatile. Aside from adding it to salads or simply shaving it and squeezing over some lemon and olive oil, you can add it to stir frys, soups, use it as a wrap in place of soft tacos, make homemade sauerkraut, make steamed cabbage rolls, grill it, roast it, pickle it, even add to mashed potatoes. Yum.

How to cut purple cabbage for coleslaw

Remove outer leaves first, if you’re buying organic, there may be some bug stowaways to deal with, so I like to peel those leaves. Slice your cabbage into quarters, then run the quarters down the mandolin, taking extreme care not to get your fingers close to the blade. Tis sharp. You can use a guard once the piece becomes more manageable.

If you don’t have a mandolin, simply finely slice your quarters with a knife.

Shredding the carrots I like to use a julienne peeler (I’m a sucker for kitchen gadgets), you’ll get long thin strands with this, but if you don’t have one just use a box grater.

Slicing the kale Slice the stem away from the leaves, then fold the leaves over onto itself, then thinly slice.

Variations

• Not a fan of dill? Sub in your favourite herb.
• Swap mayo for Greek yoghurt for an even lighter slaw.
• Want a non-creamy / vegan dressing? Double the amount of citrus, then combine with oil, mustard salt and pepper.
• Add in any other crunch vegetables like red onion or even nuts and seeds works well.
• Make it into a meal - Add some shredded cooked chicken to the salad, or add to some simple tacos with beef and pickled onion.

Other purple cabbage recipes to try:

• Apple fennel cabbage slaw.
• Apple Kale mint salad.

Can you make slaw ahead of time

You totally can, but I suggest combining the salad and dressing on the same day for ultimate freshness and then you can enjoy the leftovers later. An option is to make the dressing in advance and keep it refrigerated in a jar. You can also slice the veggies in advance and keep them refrigerated in a container then assemble when you're ready.

How to make the perfect slaw - Cooking tips

• Use fresh vegetables for the ultimate crunch and flavour.
• Slice thinly and as evenly as you can to get a mix of everything in each bite.
• Use sharp equipment.
• Taste and adjust dressing, some mayos are really sweet, so add more citrus if needed.

Tools & equipment:

• Mandolin is useful, but you can use a knife instead.
• Julienne peeler or box grater.
• Sharp knife.
• Citrus juicer is good but not necessary.
• You can use a food processor if thats your jam.

How to store leftovers:

Store them in the fridge in an air tight container, it will keep well for 2 days.

What to serve with purple cabbage slaw

My fave is pulled pork, either just together or in a burger. I also highly rate them in fish tacos, beef tacos or alongside instant pot pork or chicken.

Other salads to take to a BBQ

• Peach caprese with burrata.
• Strawberry watermelon salad.
• Pear and prosciutto salad.
• Bloody Mary tomato salad.