Red Cabbage Coleslaw Apple Parmesan

The first time I brought this crimson slaw to a summer potluck, my friend Sarah actually stopped mid conversation to ask what made the salad so pink and pretty. I'd spent the morning shredding cabbage against the cutting board rhythm, watching the purple-stained water pool around my knife work. That gorgeous color against the white Parmesan shavings made the whole bowl look like something from a fancy bistro, not something I threw together in fifteen minutes flat.

Last autumn, my neighbor dropped by with bags of apples from her orchard, and I started experimenting with ways to use them beyond the usual pies and crumbles. Something about the sharp sweetness of fresh apples cutting through rich, earthy cabbage just clicked. Now it's my go to whenever I need a side dish that makes people sit up and pay attention to their vegetables.

Ingredients

• Red cabbage: The star of the show, bringing that stunning purple hue and satisfying crunch that holds up beautifully even after dressing
• Crisp apple: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add essential sweetness and juiciness that balances the sharp cabbage perfectly
• Spring onions: Mild onion flavor that wont overpower, plus they add lovely green flecks throughout
• Parmesan: Saltiness and umami that transform this from ordinary slaw into something memorable
• Apple cider vinegar: Bright acidity that cuts through the rich elements while echoing the apples natural sweetness
• Dijon mustard: Just enough to help emulsify the dressing and add subtle depth
• Honey: Rounds out the tangy elements and helps all the flavors play nice together
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a fresh herbal finish that brightens every bite

Instructions

Prep your vegetables:

Finely shred that cabbage until it's ribbon thin and julienne your apple into matchsticks that will tangle beautifully with the purple strands

Make the dressing:

Whisk together your oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey until the mixture thickens slightly and turns cloudy

Bring it together:

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and use your hands to really work it into every nook and cranny

Add the magic:

Fold in those Parmesan shavings gently so they dont break apart too much

Let it shine:

Serve right away for that fresh crunch or give it thirty minutes in the fridge to let the flavors make friends

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My husband usually turns his nose up at coleslaw, but he went back for thirds of this version and actually asked if I could make it again the following week. Theres something about the combination thats utterly addictive.

Making Ahead

You can shred the cabbage and prep the apples a day in advance, just toss them with a little lemon juice to keep the apples from browning. Keep everything separate until you're ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Texture Secrets

A mandoline makes the most uniform, professional looking shreds, but I've made this countless times with just my chefs knife and nobody has ever complained. The key is getting those cabbage strips thin enough that they almost melt in your mouth while still retaining that satisfying bite.

Serving Suggestions

This slaw holds its own alongside rich dishes like pulled pork or fried chicken, but I've also served it as a light lunch topped with a poached egg. The versatility is what keeps it in heavy rotation at my house.

• Try crumbling some crispy bacon over the top for an extra savory punch
• Swap in feta for Parmesan if you want something creamier and milder
• Add toasted walnuts right before serving for even more crunch and nutty flavor

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Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that surprise us most, and this colorful slaw has become proof that beautiful food doesn't need to be complicated.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

While best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispness, you can prepare this dish up to 24 hours in advance. For optimal freshness, consider adding the dressing just before serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming too soft.

→ What kind of apple is best for this dish?

A crisp, slightly tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works wonderfully as it provides a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the Parmesan. You can also use Fuji or Gala for a sweeter touch.

→ Are there any substitutions for Parmesan cheese?

Absolutely! If you prefer a stronger flavor, Pecorino Romano is an excellent substitute. For a dairy-free option, you could try a vegan hard cheese alternative or simply omit it, though the flavor profile will change.

→ How can I add extra crunch or texture?

To boost the crunch, consider tossing in a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds just before serving. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also add a nice textural contrast and nutty flavor.

→ Can I use a different vinegar for the dressing?

Yes, apple cider vinegar lends a lovely fruity tang, but you could also use white wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more zesty flavor. Experiment to find your preferred balance.

→ Is this suitable for a strict vegetarian diet?

Traditional Parmesan cheese often contains animal rennet. For a strict vegetarian diet, ensure you use a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese alternative, as specified in the allergen notes.