Best Coleslaw Ever

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant and crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for various meals. Easily customizable with red cabbage.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cabbage
  • 1 small head of red cabbage (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp. red pepper (diced)
  • 1 Tbsp. green pepper (diced)
  • 1/2 c. cider vinegar
  • 1/2 c. vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp. sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage and add the green and red peppers.
  2. Combine the cider vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, white pepper, and celery seed to make the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables.
  4. Toss lightly to combine and serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best texture, shred the cabbage finely. If you want extra crunch, consider adding shredded carrots or even apples for sweetness. You can substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar if necessary, and olive oil can replace vegetable oil. Adjust the sugar based on your preferred sweetness level. For a vegan version, ensure the dressing is free from any animal-based ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This coleslaw is a perfect side dish for barbecue meals or pairs beautifully with Round Steak Supper In One Dish. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it with some baked beans or cornbread. It also works well as a fresh topping for tacos.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld and improve over time, but the texture may soften. To refresh the coleslaw, simply give it a good toss before serving again. Avoid freezing as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Coleslaw Ever contains roughly 128 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), iron (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

128 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 1.8g 2% DV
Carbs 28g 10% DV
Fiber 9.5g 34% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 234.2mg 10% DV
Potassium 179.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 22.2mg 25% DV
Calcium 98.8mg 8% DV
Iron 4.6mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal 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 coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the vegetables. Mix everything together just before serving for the best texture.

What can I add to make it more flavorful?

Consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for an extra kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also enhance the flavor profile. Experiment with your favorite spices for a unique twist.

Is there a way to make this coleslaw spicier?

Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing for some heat. Alternatively, using spicier peppers in the vegetable mix will also increase the spiciness without overpowering the dish.

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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