💜 Vibrant Purple Cabbage Mango & Cranberry Slaw: A Fresh, Tangy Twist on Summer Salads

If there’s one dish that can instantly brighten your table, it’s this Purple Cabbage Mango & Cranberry Slaw. This colorful, nutrient-packed salad isn’t just beautiful—it’s a true explosion of flavors. With the sweetness of ripe mango, the tartness of cranberries, the crunch of purple cabbage, and a creamy garlic-lime dressing, every bite is a burst of freshness.

Perfect as a side dish for grilled chicken, fish tacos, or burgers, this slaw brings a tropical flair to your meal. It’s also a great make-ahead salad that holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for barbecues, picnics, or quick weekday lunches.

Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try and how to create it step by step.

🥗 Why You’ll Love This Purple Cabbage Mango & Cranberry Slaw

1. Colorful & Eye-Catching – The combination of deep purple cabbage, golden mango, and ruby-red cranberries makes this dish a feast for the eyes.
2. Bursting with Flavor – The sweetness of mango pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and tart cranberries.
3. Nutritious & Light – High in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion – Great as a side for BBQ, tacos, or as a light lunch.
5. Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes with no cooking required.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Slaw:

• 4 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 large ripe mango, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley if preferred)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
• ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a richer dressing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by shredding the purple cabbage finely using a sharp knife or mandoline. Transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the Fresh and Dried Ingredients
Add diced mango, cranberries, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced red onion, and sunflower seeds to the bowl. The mix should already look vibrant and colorful.

3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lime juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss gently with salad tongs or two large spoons until all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Chill and Serve
Let the slaw rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften. Serve chilled.

Purple Cabbage Mango & Cranberry Slaw

A vibrant, refreshing slaw combining sweet mango, tangy cranberries, and crunchy purple cabbage with a creamy lime-garlic dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Tropical

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Slaw

• 4 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1 large ripe mango diced
• 0.5 cup dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 0.5 small red onion thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup sunflower seeds or almonds

Dressing

• 0.5 cup Greek yogurt plain
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Method

 

1. Shred cabbage and place in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add diced mango, cranberries, cilantro, onion, and sunflower seeds.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, honey, lime juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the slaw mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste. For extra freshness, add a few mint leaves before serving.

🌿 Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Slaw

• Choose ripe mangoes: They should be slightly soft when squeezed, with a sweet aroma near the stem.
• Balance the flavors: If your mango is very sweet, add an extra teaspoon of lime juice for acidity.
• Add nuts for crunch: Chopped almonds, pecans, or cashews can add extra texture.
• Want it vegan? Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Meal prep friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cabbage will stay crisp!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• BBQ Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats or smoky barbecue.
• Taco Topping: Try adding a scoop to fish tacos or pulled chicken tacos for a fresh, crunchy bite.
• Light Lunch: Add grilled shrimp or tofu for a protein boost.
• Holiday Salad: The colors make it perfect for festive spreads—especially Thanksgiving or summer cookouts.

🧠 Fun Facts: The Magic Behind the Ingredients

• Purple Cabbage: Also known as red cabbage, it contains anthocyanins—natural antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
• Mango: Known as the “king of fruits,” mangoes add natural sweetness and provide a big dose of vitamin C.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries not only give a tart pop of flavor but are rich in antioxidants and fiber.
• Greek Yogurt Dressing: A healthier alternative to mayonnaise, adding protein and creaminess with fewer calories.

🥄 Variations You’ll Love

• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the dressing.
• Asian Fusion: Add sesame oil, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame seeds for a flavor twist.
• Creamy Coleslaw Style: Use more Greek yogurt and reduce lime juice for a thicker, creamier consistency.
• Tropical Slaw: Include diced pineapple or papaya with the mango for a fruity island vibe.

💡 Storage Tips

Store leftover Purple Cabbage Mango & Cranberry Slaw in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and crisp for up to 3 days. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving.

🌈 Why This Slaw Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This slaw is more than just a salad—it’s an edible celebration of color and freshness. It delivers balance: sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. Whether served at a family BBQ or as a weekday lunch, it’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring—this slaw proves that good-for-you food can be fun, vibrant, and incredibly delicious.