Carolina Cole Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A tangy, sweet and crunchy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish to hearty Southern meals.

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Ingredients

  • 3 lb. cabbage, finely chopped or coarsely grated
  • 1 medium onion, chopped fine
  • 1 green pepper, chopped fine
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c. vinegar
  • 2/3 c. oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. mustard
  • 1 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Combine cabbage, onion, and green pepper in a large bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, oil, salt, mustard, and celery seed and bring to a boil.
  3. Allow the dressing to cool slightly.
  4. Pour the cooled dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
  5. Refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier slaw, adjust the vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cabbage can work as a substitute. For a healthier twist, consider using olive oil instead of regular oil, and you can also try substituting honey for sugar for a more natural sweetness. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Carolina Cole Slaw as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats like Drip Beef or alongside sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with BBQ dishes and is perfect for summer picnics. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or burgers to add a crunchy, tangy element. For a complete meal, serve with a side of American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Carolina Cole Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits. If you find it too watery after a day, simply drain off excess liquid before serving. This slaw is best enjoyed chilled, so no need to reheat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Carolina Cole Slaw contains roughly 257 calories, with 5g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 885mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

257 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 17.2g 22% DV
Carbs 23.3g 8% DV
Fiber 4.1g 14% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 885.1mg 38% DV
Potassium 817.2mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 369.4mcg 41% DV
Vitamin C 58.5mg 65% DV
Calcium 187.5mg 14% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit 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?

Yes, Carolina Cole Slaw can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the slaw and dressing, combine them, and refrigerate. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a great make-ahead dish for gatherings.

Is it possible to make this slaw vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the mustard used is also vegan. You can easily customize it with additional veggies for extra crunch.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the slaw?

To adjust the sweetness, simply modify the amount of sugar in the dressing. If you prefer a less sweet slaw, start with half a cup of sugar and taste before adding more. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like agave syrup for a unique flavor.

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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