Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

Whether you’re looking for red or purple cabbage coleslaw this is it! Cabbage is prolific in winter (a time when seasonal produce can be tricky and tiresome). But this fresh citrus and cabbage slaw is a perfect addition to your table.

CONTENTS
Purple Cabbage Coleslaw
I was never really aware of purple cabbage, somehow seeing but ignoring shreds of it in coleslaw mixes. I mean, full disclosure, traditional coleslaw has never been my thing. I’m not even opposed to mayonnaise; it just tends to be drippy and sometimes soggy. yuck.
But then I was served my first dairy free coleslaw (I think it was with fish and chips on the Oregon coast) and I fell in love! I do have a recipe for a no mayo coleslaw that’s creamy. It’s uses yogurt instead.

This purple cabbage slaw is wonderfully delicious because of the fresh orange salad dressing. To top that off, there are fresh orange and mandarin segments in the salad. Usually a fresh or dried fruit is a welcome part of any slaw.
Purple Cabbage vs. Red Cabbage
You know how things are oftentimes complicated when they don’t need to be? Like a gibraltar vs. a cortado (same drink, just served in a different cup). This one makes me eye-roll all day long.
But purple cabbage and red cabbage? They’re the same. No, seriously. Apparently it has to do with the ph of the soil (#science)! It’s traditionally called red cabbage, but it looks purple, so you do you. Red cabbage coleslaw. Purple cabbage coleslaw. Potato. Potata.
Red and purple cabbage would also be great in this cajun coleslaw and this winter slaw with pomegranate!

More Winter Recipes
I have a whole list of winter fruits and vegetables with recipes organized by ingredient. If you love cabbage, try these other purple cabbage recipes and this cabbage pasta (made with real pasta and ground turkey)!
PURPLE CABBAGE COLESLAW
Ingredients
DRESSING
- ยผ cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ยฝ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ยผ teaspoon garlic powder
- ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ยผ teaspoon onion powder
- ยผ teaspoon salt
SALAD
- 6 cups red/purple cabbage thinly sliced (1 small head)
- 2 navel oranges peeled and sliced
- 2 mandarins peeled and sliced
- 1 scallion white and green portion sliced
- ยผ teaspoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Place the cabbage in a serving bowl. Add the oranges, mandarins, and scallion. Pour in the dressing and gently toss the cabbage to coat it, being careful not to break up the citrus slices too much. Add the remaining ยผ teaspoon of salt if desired.
- Eat right away or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.