Cabbage Refrigerator Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A crisp, tangy cabbage slaw with sweet and savory notes, perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats.

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Ingredients

  • 6 cups chopped cabbage
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1 1/2 cups vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix together vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil just enough to melt the sugar.
  3. Pour the hot dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss to combine.
  4. Refrigerate the slaw for at least an hour before serving.
  5. Serve chilled and enjoy within several days.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier slaw, use fresh, crisp cabbage and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. You can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. Adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor. For a spicier kick, consider incorporating some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slaw as a side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches for a delightful crunch. It pairs beautifully with Easy Crisp Sweet Dill Pickles, providing a perfect contrast of flavors. You can also enjoy it on tacos or as a topping for burgers. For a colorful presentation, consider garnishing with fresh herbs.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even tastier. Avoid reheating this slaw, as it is best served cold. Simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy it as a refreshing side dish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cabbage Refrigerator Slaw contains roughly 309 calories, with 10g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 733mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

309 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.2g 20% DV
Total Fat 8.3g 11% DV
Carbs 58.2g 21% DV
Fiber 15.6g 56% DV
Sugar 10.1g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 733.2mg 32% DV
Potassium 1471mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 462.2mcg 51% DV
Vitamin C 91.4mg 100% DV
Calcium 395.9mg 30% DV
Iron 7.3mg 40% 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 slaw ahead of time?

Yes, this slaw can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to stir it well before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Is this slaw vegan?

Yes, all the ingredients in this Cabbage Refrigerator Slaw are plant-based, making it a great addition to vegan recipes. The dressing is simply made with vinegar and sugar, ensuring it aligns with vegan dietary preferences.

What type of cabbage should I use?

Green cabbage is traditional for this slaw, but you can also experiment with red cabbage for a vibrant color or Napa cabbage for a softer texture. Each type will provide a unique taste and appearance to 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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