Basic Cole Slaw

Prep: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A crisp, tangy coleslaw featuring shredded cabbage, green pepper, and onion, dressed with mayonnaise and fennel seed, perfect as a side for gatherings or casual meals.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups shredded red or green cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Toss together all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Before serving, stir in 1 cup chopped tomato or apple, if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For added crunch, consider substituting with shredded carrots or adding some celery. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. To enhance the flavor, try incorporating a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar. This basic cole slaw is versatile enough to complement dishes like My Grandma'S Chili Sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Cole slaw is a fantastic side for barbecued meats, sandwiches, or tacos. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Fancy Fruit for a refreshing meal. You can also serve it atop burgers for an extra crunch or alongside a summer picnic spread featuring One, Two, Three Salad for a delightful contrast of textures.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, but be aware that the cabbage may become softer over time. For best results, serve chilled and give it a good stir before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Basic Cole Slaw contains roughly 924 calories, with 40g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (347% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 97g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

924 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 39.6g 79% DV
Total Fat 40.6g 52% DV
Carbs 137.5g 50% DV
Fiber 97.1g 100% DV
Sugar 2.3g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 423.9mg 18% DV
Potassium 4181.4mg 89% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 65.4mg 73% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg

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 cole slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cole slaw a day in advance. Just mix the ingredients but hold off on adding any tomatoes or apples until right before serving to maintain their freshness and texture. This will ensure your slaw remains crisp.

What can I add to my cole slaw for more flavor?

To enhance the flavor of your cole slaw, consider adding ingredients like diced apples, raisins, or even a hint of mustard. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also provide a burst of freshness and complement the cabbage nicely.

Is cole slaw suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, you can easily make cole slaw vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mayo or a homemade dressing made from blended cashews or tahini. This will keep the dish creamy while aligning with vegan recipes.

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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