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Rainbow Slaw

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant rainbow slaw is a refreshing twist on the classic side dish, bringing together a spectrum of colours and textures. By combining crisp red and green cabbage with grated sweet potato and sweet Fuji apples, this vegetarian salad offers a more complex flavour profile than your standard shop-bought coleslaw. The creamy dressing, balanced with a hint of maple syrup and apple cider vinegar, provides a tangy finish that perfectly complements the crunchy, raw vegetables.

Ideal for summer barbecues, garden parties, or as a fresh accompaniment to a savoury quiche, this healthy homemade salad is both nourishing and aesthetically pleasing. It can be prepared up to eight hours in advance, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully while the vegetables retain their satisfying bite. Serve it at your next gathering for a crowd-pleasing dish that looks as good as it tastes.

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Ingredients for Rainbow Slaw

  • 350ml mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

  • 1 small green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 8 cups)

  • 1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1050g )

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled, grated

  • 1 small yam (red-skinned sweet potato), peeled, grated

  • 1 large unpeeled Fuji apple, cored, grated

  • 1 large unpeeled Golden Delicious apple, cored, grated

  • 1 medium-size green pepper, cored, seeded, thinly sliced

  • 3 spring onions, finely chopped

  • Paprika

How to make Rainbow Slaw

Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and maple syrup in small bowl. Place green cabbage and next 7 ingredients in very large bowl. Pour dressing over; toss. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill 1 hour.

Do ahead: Can be made 8 hours ahead. Chill. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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