Celery Cabbage Crunch Slaw

Name: Celery Cabbage Crunch Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups chopped celery; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Effortless Weeknight Cooking

I absolutely love making this Celery Cabbage Crunch Slaw! It’s refreshing, crisp, and packed with flavors that dance on your palate. Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making it a perfect side dish for barbecues or picnics. I’ve experimented with various vinaigrettes, and I find that a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing elevates the natural sweetness of the cabbage and celery. This slaw comes together in just 20 minutes, and it’s always a hit whenever I serve it.

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2026-02-16T07:17:36.525Z

I remember the first time I made this slaw for a family gathering. The vibrant colors of the cabbage and fresh celery made the dish not only appetizing but also visually pleasing. I tossed in some carrots for an extra crunch, and the combination was outstanding. Everyone went back for seconds!

This slaw is excellent because the ingredients hold up well, even when dressed. I usually prepare it ahead of time, letting the flavors meld together in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. It’s the ideal make-ahead dish for busy days.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crunchy and refreshing texture that invigorates any meal
Vibrant colors make it visually appealing for gatherings
Versatile; enjoy it as a side or a light lunch

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Celery Cabbage Crunch Slaw serves a unique purpose that contributes to its overall flavor and texture. The shredded green cabbage forms the base, providing a crispness that holds up well under dressing. Celery enhances the crunch factor, while the sweet shredded carrots add a hint of sweetness and vibrant color. Using red onion introduces a mild sharpness that balances the flavors, making each bite interesting.

When it comes to the dressing, the tangy apple cider vinegar is key for elevating the dish. It not only provides acidity to brighten the flavors but also complements the inherent sweetness of the vegetables. Honey acts as a natural sweetener that helps to round out the vinegar's sharpness, while olive oil binds everything together, giving it a silky finish.

Tips for Preparation

To ensure your slaw remains crunchy, make sure to cut the vegetables uniformly. A good julienne cut for the carrots and thin slices for the cabbage and celery will create a more aesthetic presentation and consistent texture. If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-shredded cabbage and pre-chopped celery, but I find that freshly chopped veggies deliver a superior crunch.

Consider letting your slaw marinate longer than 30 minutes if time allows. Allowing it to chill for up to two hours not only melds the flavors beautifully but also enhances the overall texture. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more liquid may pool at the bottom. This can be easily fixed by tossing the slaw before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious slaw:

Ingredients

4 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all these vibrant ingredients together in a large bowl for the best crunch!

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to whip up your slaw:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped celery, shredded carrots, and diced red onion.

Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Mix Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

Let the slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Enjoy this slaw as a refreshing side dish to any meal!

Pro Tips

For an added crunch, consider incorporating some toasted nuts or seeds. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for a twist!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This slaw can be made in advance, making it a great option for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will keep well for up to three days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the vegetables.

If you're considering freezing the slaw, it’s important to note that the texture will change once thawed. The vegetables will become softer, so freezing is not recommended if you want to preserve that crisp bite. Instead, enjoy it fresh and plan for smaller portions if you anticipate leftovers.

Variations to Try

Feel free to mix in additional ingredients to suit your taste. Adding sliced apples or pears can introduce a delightful sweetness and contrasting texture, while chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts provide an added crunch and nutritional boost.

For a spicy kick, consider incorporating some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the slaw. This can create a fun flavor contrast, especially for gatherings where people appreciate a bit of heat in their dishes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this slaw in advance?

Yes! This slaw can be made a day ahead; just keep it refrigerated.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even broccoli for more crunch and flavor.

→ How long does this slaw last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container, it can last for about 3 days.

→ Is it possible to make this slaw vegan?

Absolutely! Just replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.