Purple Rain Slaw: The Bitterness-Free Cabbage Slaw That Slaps

This tangy-sweet Purple Rain Slaw transforms red cabbage into a flavor-packed topping or side. Salted, rinsed, and tossed with apple cider vinegar, dried apples, and honey—perfect for bowls, wraps, and more.

Feb 18, 2025

Purple Rain Slaw (Red Cabbage Flavor Builder)

Bright. Crunchy. Hits like Prince on a guitar solo.
Prep time: 10 min active, plus 30 min rest | Cook time: 0 min

Ingredients

  • ½ medium red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4–5 cups packed)
  • 2–3 scallions, thinly sliced (white + green parts)
  • 1–2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup diced dried apples
  • ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more for rinsing)
  • Optional but elite: 1 spoonful onion jam for that sweet umami slap
  • Optional: chili flakes or ground cumin for extra dimension

Instructions

  1. Start with the cabbage detox.
    1. Toss sliced red cabbage with a generous pinch of salt. Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness.
  1. Rinse + squeeze.
    1. After 30 minutes, rinse the cabbage under cold water and squeeze it dry with your hands. This step makes all the difference—trust.
  1. Mix it up.
    1. Toss the de-bittered cabbage in a bowl with scallions, dried apples, and any optional flavor bombs you’re adding.
  1. Make the dressing.
    1. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and salt. Drizzle over the slaw and toss like you mean it.
  1. Let it vibe.
    1. Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will get deeper, rounder, and more magical the longer it chills.
  1. Store it.
    1. Stays crunchy and delicious in the fridge for up to a week.

Use With:

  • Southern-style beans
  • Quesadillas + tacos
  • Wraps + bowls
  • Grilled chicken or meatballs
  • Avocado toast
  • Or just fork it straight like a kitchen rebel