Purple coleslaw, with homemade poppyseed dressing, is a quick, easy salad that’s perfect for BBQ’s! Slaw turns deep purple the longer it refrigerates.
I happen to love coleslaw, and the crunch of the cabbage, and the creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Coleslaw is so easy to make, and I like the way this Purple Coleslaw deepens in it’s purple color the longer it is mixed together. More color on my plate!
It’s easy to go to the produce section and buy pre-shredded coleslaw mixes. Also it is easy to go to the salad dressing section and buy a pre-made coleslaw dressing. Mix them together and poof! Coleslaw. Well, I totally “get” the convenience of it, but I think it’s fun being able to make a great coleslaw using fresh produce. I also enjoy making my own “not out of the bottle” coleslaw dressing.
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Why Does It Turn Purple?
Store bought coleslaw mixes usually have lots of shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots and a teensy,tiny bit of purple cabbage. I like to make my own coleslaw THAT way, but I also love this recipe which adds a much larger amount of purple cabbage.
This larger amount of purple cabbage ultimately colors the dressing purple the longer the coleslaw is mixed together. It’s kinda fun to serve a purple coleslaw, and it’s a breeze to make my own!
How To Make Purple Coleslaw
First you shred two cups of purple cabbage into a large mixing bowl. I use a mandolin, but you can also do this with a cheese grater.
Now shred the green cabbage and some carrots into the same bowl.
Now you will have all the coleslaw veggies in the large mixing bowl. See how EASY that is?
Mix these colorful purple coleslaw ingredients together. See how pretty it is already?
Make The Dressing For The Purple Coleslaw
The coleslaw dressing has light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, poppyseeds, and a little salt, pepper and sugar. Mix these ingredients together in a small bowl. That’s IT!
Add the dressing to the bowl with the purple coleslaw, and stir well, to combine.
Refrigerate The Purple Coleslaw For Best Flavor (And Color)
Cover the coleslaw with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (the longer the better), so the flavors can come together. When you are ready to serve, give it a good stir, and dig in. Refrigerate leftovers.
NOTE: The longer you keep the purple coleslaw refrigerated (and stirred), the more purple the dressing will become, as the deep purple color from the cabbage mixes with the dressing. It’s kind of a unique touch for a delicious homemade coleslaw.
This is a perfect side dish for summer BBQ’s. We really enjoy this great purple coleslaw. Sure hope you will give it a try. Have a great week!
Looking For More COLESLAW Recipes?
You can find ALL my recipes in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. I have lots of great salads you’ll enjoy, including these other coleslaw recipes:
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Recipe source: My brain and lots of experimenting…
Purple coleslaw, with homemade poppyseed dressing, is a quick, easy salad that's perfect for BBQ's! Slaw turns deep purple the longer it refrigerates.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poppyseeds
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- Shred green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. Place into a large mixing bowl. Mix well, to combine.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, poppyseeds, and granulated sugar. Mix well, to thoroughly combine.
- Add the dressing to the slaw mixture. Stir well until all veggies are coated with dressing. Cover coleslaw with plastic wrap; place in refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour (preferably longer), so that flavors come together and the slaw is very cold.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Prep time does not include inactive refrigeration time. The longer the cole slaw is refrigerated, the better it is, and the more PURPLE it becomes!
Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!
Just came across your site. Love this Purple Coleslaw!! I will be looking for your other tried and tested recipes. Thank you!!
Thanks for your note, Sacha! Hope you find other recipes you can enjoy. Take care.