Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Colorful and Vibrant – Adds a pop of color to any plate.
• Crunchy and Fresh – Perfectly crisp veggies with every bite.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free – Ideal for all diets and gatherings.
• Versatile – Great for BBQs, tacos, sandwiches, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

• Purple cabbage (aka, red cabbage) - I usually buy the head of cabbage and shred it at home.
• Shredded carrots - I buy them pre-shredded
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions - aka, scallions
• Toasted sunflower seeds - substitute with any nut or seed
• Creamy Tahini Dressing (see below)

Dressing Ingredients

Adjust the following ingredients to get the perfect sauce for you. One serving of this dressing makes for a light coleslaw, so double the recipe portion if you like a lot more creaminess in your slaw. 

• Fresh lemon juice - adjust for tanginess
•  Maple syrup or other sweetener of your choice
•  Fresh garlic is always best but substitute with ¼ teaspoon of granulated garlic powder.

A few notes about Tahini

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, can be used for dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, cookies, smoothies, dressings, muffins, marinades, and more. It is found in most well-stocked supermarkets. You can typically locate tahini in the condiment aisle alongside other spreads like peanut butter or in the aisle dedicated to international foods.

Not all tahini is created equal. The taste varies from brand to brand. A high-quality tahini is important because you want the right texture and consistency with a nutty and creamy profile. You may need to kiss a few frogs before finding the tahini of your dreams. Here is a great review of nine different brands by Minimalist Baker to get you started and learn which tahini you'll pucker up for regularly.

The natural oils in tahini tend to separate and settle at the top over time. By giving it a good shake, you help to evenly distribute the oils throughout the tahini, resulting in a smoother consistency and ensuring that you get the full flavor and texture when using it in your recipes.

Variations

• Fruit: Add a refreshing touch by incorporating a medley of diced fruits like apples, oranges, raisins, and pomegranate seeds to the slaw. This variation adds a hint of sweetness.
• Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, spice up your slaw by adding finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
• Nutty Crunch: Enhance the texture and nutty flavor by adding more toasted nuts or seeds such as almonds, walnuts, or sesame seeds.

How to Make Purple Cabbage Slaw

Use a sharp knife, food processor, or mandoline slicer to shred the cabbage head. I like the food processor best because I get even, fine shreds, but the mandoline slicer or knife does the trick too.

This recipe comes together fast.

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the slaw ingredients. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing. Pour the creamy tahini dressing over the cabbage mixture, toss to coat, and let it sit in the fridge for 10-30 minutes before serving. The cabbage will soften as it sits longer.

Adjust for salt, tanginess, or sweetness before serving.

Tips

• If pre-shredded purple cabbage is unavailable at your grocery stores, buy a head of purple cabbage and shred what you need.
• Shredded cabbage spoils faster than keeping the head of the cabbage intact. Only shred what you need to maximize the shelf life of your cabbage.
• Shred the cabbage finely and evenly for a more delicate and enjoyable texture.
• Adding a pinch of salt to the cabbage for a few minutes before adding the other ingredients helps tenderize the cabbage, reduce its natural bitterness, and draw out some excess moisture which minimizes the color from bleeding throughout the slaw.
• Allow the slaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious slaw.

Important Tips About Storage

Consume this salad within a reasonable time. Even with proper storage, shredded cabbage tends to lose its freshness over a short period of time.

To maintain the best taste and texture, consume the dressed cabbage slaw within 2 days. Store it in an airtight container or resealable bag, removing excess air before sealing, and keep it refrigerated. If any signs of spoilage, such as a foul odor or sliminess, are detected, discard the slaw immediately. If desired, store the dressing separately and combine it with the slaw before serving for a slightly longer shelf life.

Store any unused shredded cabbage in the same way and consume it within 2-3 days for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Purple Cabbage Slaw as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Use the slaw as a topping for tacos, veggie burgers, and sandwiches, adding a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor.
• Pair it with your favorite summer barbecue dishes, as the tanginess of the tahini dressing complements grilled flavors exceptionally well.
• For a light lunch, serve the slaw on a bed of fresh mixed greens garnished with avocado slices and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Purple Cabbage FAQS