Aunt Ruth'S Excellent Cole Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, sweet, and crunchy coleslaw with fresh vegetables and a zesty vinegar dressing, perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cabbage
  • 3 carrots
  • 1 onion
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the cabbage, carrots, onion, and green pepper.
  2. In a saucepan, heat the vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, and salt until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
  3. Combine the chopped vegetables in a large bowl.
  4. Pour the cooled dressing over the vegetables and mix well.
  5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra crunch, try adding some thinly sliced radishes or a handful of chopped apples for sweetness. You can substitute the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference; less sugar will yield a tangier slaw. If you're short on time, pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be used instead of chopping your own cabbage and carrots.

Serving Suggestions

This cole slaw is a fantastic side dish for barbecued meats, particularly with pulled pork or grilled chicken. It pairs beautifully with Cranberry Spritzers, adding a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, serve it alongside the Stuffed Round Steak Roll or as part of a summer potluck spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will improve as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option. If the slaw becomes too watery, drain excess liquid before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat; simply serve chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Aunt Ruth'S Excellent Cole Slaw contains roughly 567 calories, with 12g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

567 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.3g 25% DV
Total Fat 8.3g 11% DV
Carbs 117.7g 43% DV
Fiber 30.8g 100% DV
Sugar 49.5g 99% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1065.6mg 46% DV
Potassium 3238.9mg 69% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 29.8mg 33% DV
Calcium 286.9mg 22% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cole slaw in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this cole slaw a day ahead of serving. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. The flavors will meld nicely overnight, enhancing the taste. Just be aware that the slaw may become slightly softer as it sits, but this will not affect the flavor.

Is this cole slaw suitable for vegans?

Yes, Aunt Ruth's Excellent Cole Slaw is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. The ingredients are all plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. You can serve it at gatherings to cater to various dietary preferences.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat to your cole slaw, consider mixing in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You could also try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick. Adjust the spice level to your taste for a personalized touch.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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