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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Vegan Side Dishes

Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Published: Jul 5, 2023 · Modified: Dec 27, 2024 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

When it comes to a vibrant and flavorful salad, Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing takes center stage. This is a light, delightful twist on the classic coleslaw. It has a fresh and crunchy base and is dressed with a creamy and tangy dressing with a touch of sweetness.

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purple cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Dressing Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Purple Cabbage Slaw
  • Tips
  • Important Tips About Storage
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Purple Cabbage FAQS
  • Related Recipes
  • Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing
  • Comments

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

ingredients for purple cabbage slaw in bowls
  • 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. 

ingredients in bowls for tahini dressing
  • 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.

shredded cabbage in food processor
ingredients mixed in a bowl for tahini dressing
ingredients in a bowl for purple cabbage slaw
slaw and dressing combined in glass bowl

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.

This purple cabbage recipe salad is a perfect way to incorporate more purple power into your plate, adding a vibrant and nutritious twist to your meals. Want more information on purple vegetables? See 10 Top Purple Vegetables.

Prepared purple cabbage coleslaw on a wooden spoon

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.

prepared purple cabbage slaw in a clear glass bowl ready to eat

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.
vegan chicken sandwich topped with purple cabbage slaw, pickles, and vegan mayo

Purple Cabbage FAQS

How do you cut purple cabbage with a knife for coleslaw?

To cut purple cabbage for coleslaw, remove any damaged outer leaves. Place the cabbage on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it in half through the stem. Then, slice each half into thin, uniform strips. For finer shreds, you can further chop the strips. Remember to discard the tough core in the center.

How do you keep purple cabbage from bleeding into the salad or slaw?

To prevent purple cabbage from bleeding its vibrant color into the salad, you can take a few simple steps.

After cutting the cabbage, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, toss the cabbage with a small amount of salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps remove some excess moisture and minimizes the bleeding.

Finally, before adding the cabbage to your salad, give it a quick rinse to remove the salt if you want.

Is purple cabbage good for you?

Absolutely! Purple cabbage is highly beneficial for your health. Packed with essential nutrients, it offers a range of advantages. This vibrant vegetable is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, providing immune support and promoting healthy blood clotting. It is also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and supports a healthy gut. Additionally, purple cabbage contains powerful antioxidants that help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation in the body.

Can I make this recipe with green cabbage?

Yes. It would also be delicious to mix purple and green together.

Is there a substitute for tahini?

Yes, there are several substitutes for tahini, including unsweetened peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter. However, each substitute will have its own unique flavor and texture.

Is purple cabbage slaw with tahini dressing gluten and nut free?

Yes, purple cabbage slaw with tahini dressing is gluten-free and nut-free. However, it's important to always check the labels of store-bought ingredients like tahini for potential gluten additives and verify if they are processed in nut-free facilities.

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Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

prepared purple cabbage slaw in a clear glass bowl ready to eat

Purple Cabbage Slaw with Creamy Tahini Dressing

Regi Pearce
This is a light, delightful twist on the classic coleslaw. It has a fresh and crunchy base and is dressed with a creamy and tangy dressing with a touch of sweetness.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Chill Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course side dish
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 96 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups purple cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • ½ cup cilantro chopped ~15 g
  • ½ cup green onions chopped
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds toasted; alternatively, use slivered almonds or pumpkin seeds

Dressing

  • 4 tablespoons tahini
  • 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice alternatively, use rice wine vinger or apple cider vinegar
  • 1-2 tablespoons water start with 1 tablespoon and add more to adjust the viscosity
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, carrots, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and toasted sunflower seeds.
  • Whisk: Whisk together the tahini, fresh lemon juice, water, maple syrup, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a separate smaller bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  • Pour: Pour the creamy tahini dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Refrigerate: Allow the slaw to sit in the fridge for 10 - 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together and the cabbage slightly soften.
  • Serve: Serve the purple cabbage slaw as a side dish or a refreshing topping for tacos, sandwiches, or wraps. See serving suggestions in the post.

Video

Notes

Not all tahini is created equal. Tahini varies in taste from brand to brand. Make sure to buy a high-quality tahini sauce that you enjoy for this recipe. See this post for a review of nine different brands. 
The slaw will soften the longer it sits.
Adjust the flavors of the dressing by adjusting the maple syrup for sweetness, salt for saltiness, tahini for creaminess, and lemon for tanginess.
Pre-shredded carrots are a time saver available at many major grocery stores.
I don't have as much luck finding pre-shredded purple cabbage in a bag, so I buy the purple head of cabbage and shred what I need or use a bag combination of cabbage and carrots.
Pre-shredded cabbage spoils quickly, so consume it within a day or two for ultimate freshness. See the post to see how to store any extra shredded cabbage, so it won't spoil too quickly. 
Nutritional information is only an estimate. Use a nutritional app like Cronometer to get information on the exact ingredients and amounts you are using. 

Nutrition

Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 170mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords beginner friendly, gatherings, no cook, potluck
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Anonymous says

    August 02, 2023 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    Super yummy!!

    Reply
  2. Anonymous says

    July 29, 2023 at 7:07 am

    5 stars
    Perfect for summer, loved it 🙂

    Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband Rob and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but still worth living.

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purple cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl

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