Description
At its heart, this recipe is a modern, health-conscious evolution of the classic slaw. Most people associate coleslaw with a creamy, sugar-laden dressing that often masks the natural flavor of the vegetables. The Pickled Veggie Rainbow Cabbage Slaw, however, utilizes a quick-pickling method. This technique involves marinating thinly sliced vegetables in a brine of vinegar, aromatics, and a touch of natural sweetener.
Ingredients
Slaw:
2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, julienned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
Pickling Dressing:
½ cup apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp mustard seeds (optional)
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional add-ins:
Fresh dill or cilantro 🌿
Chili flakes 🌶️
Sesame seeds
Instructions
Add all sliced vegetables to a large bowl or jar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, mustard seeds, garlic, and olive oil.
Pour dressing over the veggies and toss well to coat.
Massage lightly with clean hands for 1–2 minutes to soften the cabbage.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (best after 2–4 hours).
Tips & Variations
Gets better as it sits — flavor deepens overnight.
Swap vinegar types for different vibes (rice vinegar = milder, white vinegar = sharper).
Add shredded beets for extra color 💜
Keeps well in the fridge up to 5 days.
Notes
This pickled veggie rainbow cabbage slaw is crisp, tangy, and full of vibrant color. It’s perfect as a refreshing side dish, sandwich or taco topping, and even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Adjust the sweetness or spice to suit your taste and enjoy it chilled for maximum crunch. 🌈🥗
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~85 kcal
Keywords: Tangy Rainbow Coleslaw, Vinegar Based Cabbage Salad, Quick Pickled Vegetable Slaw, Colorful Cabbage Side Dish