Best Slaw

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Best Slaw offers a tangy, sweet, and savory flavor profile with crunchy cabbage and onions, enhanced by a homemade vinegar-based dressing. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings, it provides a refreshing crunch and vibrant taste that complements many main courses.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large or 2 medium heads cabbage, shredded
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 3/4 cup salad oil
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the sugar, vinegar, salad oil, dry mustard, celery seed, and salt to a boil.
  2. Pour the hot mixture over the shredded cabbage and chopped onions.
  3. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 12 to 24 hours.
  4. Drain before serving.
  5. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter slaw, consider adding a bit more sugar or incorporating grated carrots for color and flavor. If you prefer a tangier taste, try using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Adding chopped bell peppers can also enhance the crunch. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage is a great substitution. This slaw pairs particularly well with barbecued meats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slaw as a refreshing side dish with grilled chicken or burgers. It complements rich dishes perfectly, making it a great addition to summer barbecues. For a lighter meal, consider pairing it with a bowl of soup or alongside a sandwich. This slaw also makes a fantastic topping for tacos or wraps.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If the slaw seems too watery after storing, you can drain some liquid before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully over time, enhancing the taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Best Slaw contains roughly 247 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1042mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

247 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 21.3g 27% DV
Carbs 13.7g 5% DV
Fiber 1.8g 7% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1042.2mg 45% DV
Potassium 220.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 32.4mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 15.5mg 17% DV
Calcium 37.5mg 3% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal

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 slaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! This slaw tastes even better when made a day in advance, as the flavors have time to develop. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

Is this slaw suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, this slaw is entirely vegan! The ingredients used are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegan recipes. Just ensure that the salad oil used is also vegan-friendly.

What can I add to customize this slaw?

You can customize this slaw by adding ingredients like shredded carrots, diced apples, or raisins for sweetness. Chopped nuts or seeds can provide extra crunch, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the flavor. Feel free to experiment!

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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