This recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage Coleslaw may be unusual, but it's also unusually delicious! Inspired by traditional Irish fare, this recipe is decidedly untraditional!

*Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making today's chilled Corned Beef and Cabbage Coleslaw is available at the end of this post. Or you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.
The ingredient list:
**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned
- green cabbage
- red cabbage
- corned beef (leftovers work great)
- shallots
- dill pickles
- caraway seeds
- mayonnaise
- whole grain mustard
- brown sugar
- milk
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
- Swiss cheese
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- food processor with shredding blade (optional)
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- wooden spoon
- whisk
- measuring cups and spoons
- glass measuring cup
- plastic wrap, optional (for storage)
- salad tongs
- large salad bowl (for serving)
Will this recipe work using leftover corned beef?
You bet! This recipe is GREAT for utilizing leftover corned beef!
Can the amount of corned beef called for in this recipe be altered?
Yes. I'll admit that I did use a lot. One full pound of deli-sliced corned beef to be exact.
Feel free to use as much, or as little, as you like. This recipe is yours to play with now.
How long will this corned beef and cabbage coleslaw keep in the fridge?
If it's covered well with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
Nope, not at all.
I started with a food processor, but then decided I wanted some additional texture to the slaw so I switched to a chef's knife and chopped the remaining cabbage into small bite-sized pieces.
Can the Swiss cheese be left out of this corned beef and cabbage slaw?
Of course. If you're not a fan, by all means, leave it out.
However, I do urge you to keep it in (if possible) as it's a nice flavor balance with the sweet and tangy mustard and caraway dressing.
Can store-bought coleslaw mix be used for this recipe?
Yes, it would be a great timesaver if you're in a pinch.
How long will this recipe take to make from start to finish?
Not long. Approximately 20 minutes, and that's even if you're chopping your own cabbage.
If you're using store-bought bagged coleslaw mix it will take even less time.
Can this corned beef and cabbage salad be served warm?
That's totally your call.
When I came up with the idea for this salad, I initially thought it best as a chilled salad, with a crunchy texture.
However, my husband thought it would also taste good warm, so if you think you'd also like it warmed (not cooked, just warm, so that it retains its crunchy bite), I say...go for it!
Additional chilled salad recipes you'll also enjoy:
*Copycat Sunflower Crunch Kale and Cabbage Salad (shown below)
Crunchy, healthy, and completely addictive. This Sunflower Crunch Kale and Cabbage Salad has it ALL going on!! Dig in! You’re going to love this colorful salad!
*Old-Fashioned Red Bean Salad (not shown)
This fast, easy, no-cook and economical recipe for red bean salad calls for only a handful of ingredients. It’s the perfect chilled side dish to serve for any and every occasion!
*Avocado Orange Salad (shown below)
This retro avocado orange salad is delightfully healthy and delicious. And the orange poppy seed dressing is the perfect finishing touch.
*Summertime Chopped Salad (not shown)
This Summertime Chopped Salad is colorful, healthy, and delicious. It stores beautifully in the fridge, so don’t be afraid to make extra to have at the ready this season.
Here's a delicious recipe for corned beef you need to add to your recipe file:
Say goodbye to tough and tasteless corned beef. My Slow Cooker Corned Beef is tender, flavorful, and super easy to prepare. It's the very best corned beef recipe you'll ever make!! IMHO 🙂
*Corned Beef and Cabbage Coleslaw (shown below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
Below is the printable recipe card along with the exact ingredient measurements and nutritional information for making today's unusually delicious main course coleslaw recipe with corned beef and Swiss cheese.
When you make this recipe, and I hope you do, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card and briefly comment on why you rated it as you did. FYI - Google appreciates recipe ratings and, in turn, will share my recipes with more people. Thank you so much!!
Printable Recipe Card
Corned Beef and Cabbage Coleslaw
Equipment
- food processor optional
- plastic wrap for storage
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage shredded in the food processor or finely chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 small head purple cabbage shredded in the food processor or finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- ¼ cup finely minced shallots
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 pound cubed corned beef leftovers work great, or you can use deli meat.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds or to taste
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces Swiss cheese, cubed or shredded
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, brown sugar, milk, garlic powder, and caraway seed. Chill while preparing the cabbage.
- Use a food processor or chef's knife to prepare the cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- Add the shallots, dill pickles, chopped corned beef, salt, and pepper to the cabbage mixture, and toss well to combine.
- Pour the prepared chilled dressing over the cabbage mixture and add the Swiss cheese. Toss well to combine.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow the corned beef and cabbage coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- Serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's fun and delicious Irish-inspired main course Corned Beef and Cabbage chilled salad as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
Brandi says
I'm a huge fan of corned beef and cabbage! We loved this spin on the dish. Very flavorful.
Renée says
So glad you enjoyed it, Brandi!
Jen says
Such a flavorful and filling twist on coleslaw! Love it!
Renée says
Thanks, Jen!!