Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Flavorful: Zingy lime juice and sesame oil elevate the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- Crisp and Refreshing: The raw vegetables provide an irresistibly fresh crunch.
- Colorful Presentation: A vibrant addition to any meal or buffet.
- Nutritious: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Easy to Prepare: Comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cups Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup matchstick carrots
- 1 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- ½ cup scallions, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup roasted lightly salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and crushed red pepper.
- Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, apples, carrots, bell pepper, and scallions. Toss until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh cilantro.
- Top with chopped peanuts and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeño or a pinch more red pepper flakes.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanuts with toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Fruity Twist: Substitute apples with pears or pomegranate seeds.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, chickpeas, or grilled tofu for a heartier salad.
storage/reheating
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Stir before serving, as the cabbage may release moisture.
- Best enjoyed cold—no reheating required.
FAQs
How thin should the cabbage be sliced?
Using a sharp knife or mandolin, slice it as thin as possible for the best texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, just add the cilantro and peanuts right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
What apples work best?
Honeycrisp is ideal for its sweet-tart flavor and crunch, but Fuji or Gala work too.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Yes, it’s a convenient substitute if you’re short on time.
What does sesame oil add to the flavor?
It gives a toasty, nutty aroma that enhances the slaw’s complexity.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly, from the crushed red pepper. Adjust to taste.
Can I skip the sugar?
Yes, but you may want to balance the acidity with a bit of honey or maple syrup.
Will the apples brown?
The acidity in the dressing helps prevent browning.
How can I add more protein?
Toss in edamame, tofu, or grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Can I use other nuts?
Yes, try cashews, almonds, or pecans for a different flavor and crunch.
Conclusion
Tangy Rainbow Slaw is more than just a side dish—it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, picnic, or potluck, its bold colors and refreshing taste make it a standout on any table.
Tangy Rainbow Slaw
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Tangy Rainbow Slaw is a crunchy, colorful salad featuring cabbage, apples, and veggies in a tangy sesame-lime vinaigrette. It’s fresh, nutritious, and perfect as a side, topping, or light main dish.
Ingredients
¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup lime juice
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
3 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
1 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ cup scallions, thinly sliced
⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
¼ cup roasted lightly salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, salt, and crushed red pepper.
- Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, apples, carrots, bell pepper, and scallions. Toss until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Just before serving, stir in the fresh cilantro.
- Top with chopped peanuts and serve immediately.
Notes
Add jalapeño or extra red pepper for more heat.
Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Swap apples with pears or pomegranate seeds for variation.
Incorporate grilled tofu, chickpeas, or chicken for added protein.
Use bagged coleslaw mix as a time-saver.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
