Tired of the same boring side dishes that fail to excite your taste buds? As the heart behind FoodyDish, I’ve spent countless evenings experimenting with fresh, vibrant flavors to transform everyday meals into memorable experiences. This Purple Cabbage Slaw with Mango and Cranberry isn’t just another recipe it’s a revelation of color, texture, and taste that will brighten any table.
This sweet-tangy slaw delivers a perfect balance of crisp cabbage, juicy mango, and tart cranberries that will complement everything from grilled proteins to sandwich wraps. The gorgeous purple hue alone makes it Instagram-worthy, but trust me, the flavor is what will keep you coming back for seconds!
I discovered this magical combination during a backyard gathering when I needed something that would stand up to the summer heat while offering a refreshing counterpoint to hearty main dishes. Since then, it’s become my most requested recipe at potlucks and family dinners.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect cabbage, share my secret dressing that brings everything together, offer clever variations, and answer your most pressing slaw questions. Ready to unleash some purple magic in your kitchen?
Why This Purple Cabbage Slaw Recipe Works
● Uses budget-friendly, accessible ingredients available year-round
● Comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal prep work
● Perfect make-ahead dish that actually improves with time
● Maintains its crunch and color for days in the refrigerator
● Works as both a side dish and a topping for sandwiches, tacos, or bowls
● Provides a nutritional powerhouse of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Purple Cabbage Slaw
Best Cabbage Selection
For the ultimate purple cabbage slaw, look for heads that feel dense and heavy for their size. The outer leaves should appear vibrant purple (sometimes called red cabbage) with no brown spots or wilting. Medium-sized cabbages typically offer the sweetest flavor, while larger ones can sometimes be tougher.
Fruit Component Tips
Mangoes should yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe not too firm and not too soft. For dried cranberries, opt for unsweetened varieties if you’re watching sugar intake, though traditional sweetened cranberries provide a delightful contrast to the tangy dressing.
Fresh Substitutions
No mango? No problem! Try diced pineapple, peaches, or even mandarin oranges. If cranberries aren’t available, substitute dried cherries, raisins, or even pomegranate arils for that pop of sweet-tart flavor.
Purple Cabbage Slaw Ingredients & Prep
Slaw Base Essentials
- 1 medium purple cabbage (about 2 pounds), finely shredded
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and julienned
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Dressing Components
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
Optional Enhancements
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds or pepitas
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 carrot, julienned for additional color
Step-by-Step Purple Cabbage Slaw Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep for Purple Cabbage Slaw
- Rinse the purple cabbage thoroughly and remove the tough outer leaves.
- Cut cabbage in half, remove the core, and slice into thin shreds (about 1/8 inch thick). For best results, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
- Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Massage gently with your hands for about 1 minute to slightly soften the cabbage.
- Prepare the mango by peeling and cutting into thin strips.
- Slice red onion thinly and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness (optional step).
Assembling Your Purple Cabbage Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, julienned mango, dried cranberries, and red onion.
- Add the chopped cilantro if using.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- For best flavor, allow the slaw to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Texture Perfection for Purple Cabbage Slaw
The beauty of this slaw is in its texture contrast. The cabbage should maintain some crunch even after marinating. If you prefer a softer texture, you can prepare the slaw up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing the vinegar to tenderize the cabbage further.
Serving Your Purple Cabbage Slaw
Serve cold, garnished with additional cilantro and toasted nuts if desired. Gently toss once more before serving to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl.
Pro Tips for Perfect Purple Cabbage Slaw
Avoiding Common Slaw Mistakes
- Don’t skip the massaging step – this helps to slightly soften the cabbage without making it limp
- Cut all ingredients to similar sizes for the best texture experience
- Use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the cabbage, which can cause premature wilting
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain maximum crispness
Tool Recommendations
- A mandoline slicer creates perfect, thin cabbage shreds in seconds
- Use a Y-peeler for easy mango peeling
- A large mixing bowl with plenty of room allows for thorough tossing without spillage
Storage & Longevity
This purple cabbage slaw will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The vibrant colors will actually intensify over time! The slaw does not freeze well due to its high water content.
Looking for more colorful salad inspirations? Check out my Thanksgiving Leftovers Salad that transforms holiday remains into a fresh new meal!
Purple Cabbage Slaw Flavor Variations
Spicy Twist
Kick up the heat by adding 1 tablespoon of sriracha to the dressing or fold in one finely diced jalapeño (with or without seeds depending on your heat preference). The spice pairs beautifully with the sweet mango and tart cranberries.
Health-Focused Adaptations
For a lower-sugar version, replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use unsweetened dried cranberries. To make it vegan, simply substitute maple syrup for honey in the dressing.
Global Flavor Inspirations
| Variation | Key Additions | Perfect Paired With |
|---|---|---|
| Asian Fusion | 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp grated ginger | Grilled salmon or teriyaki chicken |
| Mexican Fiesta | 1 tsp cumin, 1 avocado (diced), handful of crushed tortilla chips | Fish tacos or enchiladas |
| Mediterranean | Swap cranberries for chopped dates, add feta cheese and mint | Lamb kebabs or falafel |
| Tropical | Add diced pineapple and coconut flakes | Jerk chicken or grilled shrimp |
If you love exploring global flavors in healthy dishes, you’ll definitely want to try my Quinoa Salad that incorporates similar bright, fresh elements!
Serving Suggestions for Purple Cabbage Slaw
This vibrant purple cabbage slaw is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes:
● As a side: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or plant-based protein options
● As a topping: Pile it onto fish tacos, pulled jackfruit sandwiches, or grain bowls
● In wraps: Use as the crunchy element in lettuce wraps or tortillas
● For potlucks: This slaw maintains its texture for hours at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings
For a complete meal idea, serve this purple cabbage slaw with grilled salmon and quinoa for a nutrient-dense, colorful plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Purple Cabbage Slaw FAQs
Can I prepare this purple cabbage slaw in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this slaw actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor. If preparing more than a day ahead, consider storing the dressing separately and combining just before serving.
How can I prevent my purple cabbage slaw from being too tough?
The key is in the prep work. After shredding, massage the cabbage with a teaspoon of salt for about a minute. This helps break down some of the tough fibers without making it soggy. Also, slicing the cabbage very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) ensures a pleasantly crisp rather than tough texture.
Is purple cabbage nutritionally different from green cabbage?
Yes! Purple cabbage contains significantly more anthocyanins (the antioxidants that give it the purple color), vitamin C, and vitamin K than green cabbage. These compounds have been linked to reduced inflammation and improved heart health, making purple cabbage a nutritional powerhouse.
Will the purple color stain other ingredients?
The vibrant purple pigments will gradually color other ingredients in the slaw, especially after sitting for several hours. Rather than seeing this as a downside, I embrace it as part of the slaw’s charm everything takes on a beautiful purplish hue that makes the dish even more visually appealing!
Conclusion
This Purple Cabbage Slaw with Mango and Cranberry brings together the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, tartness, and vibrant color. It’s transformed countless meals in my kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary, and I’m confident it will do the same for yours.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a healthy weekday lunch component, or want to impress at a potluck, this slaw delivers every time. The gorgeous purple hue never fails to draw compliments, and the flavor combination keeps everyone coming back for more.
Give this magical purple cabbage slaw a try tonight, and see why thousands of FoodyDish readers have made it a regular in their recipe rotation! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation and tag #FoodyDishSlaw so I can see your beautiful purple masterpiece.
For more colorful, vibrant recipes that bring joy to your table, be sure to follow me on Pinterest where I’m always pinning fresh inspiration for your next favorite dish!
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Purple Cabbage Slaw: Mango & Cranberry Magic Unleashed!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Purple Cabbage, Mango & Cranberry Slaw is a sweet, tangy, and crunchy side dish that brightens any meal. Perfect for BBQs, tacos, or light lunches, it’s packed with color, texture, and tropical flavor!
Ingredients
4 cups shredded purple cabbage
1 large ripe mango, peeled and julienned
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded purple cabbage, mango, cranberries, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), honey, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
4. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve cold as a side dish or on top of tacos, burgers, or grilled meats.
Notes
For a vegan version, use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.
Add toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
If you prefer a lighter slaw, skip the mayo and use olive oil and lime juice instead.
This slaw stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days—perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 5
Keywords: purple cabbage slaw, mango cranberry slaw, tropical coleslaw, summer salad, healthy slaw recipe