Cabbage Coleslaw

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A crisp, tangy cabbage coleslaw with a sweet and vinegary dressing, perfect as a refreshing side dish for barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons salad oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix vinegar, oil, salt, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage.
  3. Toss to combine and coat the cabbage evenly.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your coleslaw, consider adding shredded carrots or sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the salad oil with mayonnaise. For a tangier kick, try swapping the vinegar for apple cider vinegar. Adjust the sugar to taste based on your preference for sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Cabbage coleslaw makes a refreshing side dish for barbecues and picnics, pairing wonderfully with grilled meats such as barbecue chicken or ribs. It also complements sandwiches, especially pulled pork or turkey, adding a crisp contrast. For an interesting twist, serve it alongside dishes like Ed'S Oatburgers for a satisfying meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid adding the dressing until just before serving. If the coleslaw becomes watery, you can drain excess liquid before serving. It can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cabbage Coleslaw contains roughly 93 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 889mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

93 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.5g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.9g 4% DV
Carbs 13.5g 5% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 8.6g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 888.9mg 39% DV
Potassium 537.2mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 255.2mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 35.9mg 40% DV
Calcium 128.4mg 10% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance. However, it's best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the cabbage from wilting. Store the shredded cabbage and the dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator for optimal freshness.

What can I add to coleslaw for extra flavor?

You can add ingredients like chopped apples, raisins, or even nuts for a crunchy texture. Herbs like cilantro or parsley can also enhance the taste. For a spicy kick, consider a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes mixed into the dressing.

Is this coleslaw recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this coleslaw recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. The dressing is made from sugar, vinegar, oil, and salt, all of which are plant-based. Feel free to customize it further with additional vegan-friendly ingredients like nuts or seeds for added nutrition.

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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