Carolina Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A tangy, sweet and crunchy coleslaw with a Southern twist, perfect for BBQs, picnics, or as a side dish to hearty meals. Gets better with age.

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Ingredients

  • 1 head cabbage, cored and grated
  • 1 minced green pepper
  • 1 minced Bermuda or Spanish onion
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Combine the grated cabbage, minced green pepper, and minced Bermuda or Spanish onion in a bowl.
  2. In a saucepan, bring the sugar, dry mustard, cider vinegar, salt, celery seed, and vegetable oil to a boil.
  3. Pour the hot dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
  4. Cool the slaw, then cover and refrigerate.
  5. Serve chilled; it develops more flavor as it ages. Great on foot-long Coney Islands.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier slaw, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. If you don’t have cider vinegar, white vinegar can be a suitable substitute. To save time, pre-shredded cabbage can be used. This slaw tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Carolina Slaw is perfect as a side dish for barbecues or picnics and pairs beautifully with foot-long Coney Islands. It also complements grilled meats and sandwiches, adding a refreshing crunch. For a complete meal, serve it alongside dishes like California Hot Broccoli Salad or Moist Banana Nut Bread for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time. To serve, simply give it a good stir. Avoid reheating, as slaw is best enjoyed cold and crisp, particularly with items like foot-long Coney Islands.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Carolina Slaw contains roughly 47 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2085mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

47 kcal 2% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 0.9g 1% DV
Carbs 9.3g 3% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2084.9mg 91% DV
Potassium 421.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 132.1mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 26.7mg 30% DV
Calcium 79.1mg 6% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly 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, Carolina Slaw can be prepared a day or two in advance. The flavors will improve as it sits in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

What can I substitute for the vegetable oil?

You can use olive oil or avocado oil as alternatives to vegetable oil. However, keep in mind that these oils may alter the flavor slightly. For a lighter version, you could also try using a blend of yogurt and vinegar.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this Carolina Slaw is suitable for vegan diets as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the sugar used is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char.

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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