Crispy Cole Slaw

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Crispy cole slaw combines crunchy cabbage, peppers, and carrots with a tangy vinegar-sugar dressing, perfect as a refreshing side dish for picnics and barbecues.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large head cabbage
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 red pepper or pimentos
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • garlic powder to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop the cabbage, green pepper, onion, carrot, and red pepper.
  2. Mix the vinegar, sugar, hot water, celery seed, mustard seed, salt, and garlic powder until well combined.
  3. Pour the vinegar solution over the chopped vegetables and mix well.
  4. Seal in a Tupperware bowl and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
  5. Serve chilled; will keep in the refrigerator for up to one month or can be frozen.

Tips & Substitutions

For added crunch, consider adding some shredded radishes or a handful of sunflower seeds. If you prefer a sweeter slaw, you can increase the sugar slightly or use honey as a substitute. For a tangier flavor, try using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. This recipe is also adaptable for vegan recipes by ensuring all ingredients are plant-based.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cole slaw as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or alongside fried foods. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Emporium Chili or grilled meats. For a complete meal, consider serving it with sandwiches or wraps. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store the crispy cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one month. If you want to freeze it, consider freezing in smaller portions to easily defrost only what you need. Let the slaw thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid reheating, as it's best enjoyed cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crispy Cole Slaw contains roughly 486 calories, with 10g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1150mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).

486 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.9g 20% DV
Total Fat 18.7g 24% DV
Carbs 76.7g 28% DV
Fiber 13.2g 47% DV
Sugar 13.1g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1150mg 50% DV
Potassium 880.6mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 105.5mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 47.8mg 53% DV
Calcium 222.1mg 17% DV
Iron 5.1mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 cole slaw in advance?

Yes, it's actually recommended to prepare it at least 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious slaw. Just ensure it is well covered and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

What can I substitute for the cabbage?

If you're not a fan of cabbage, you can use shredded Brussels sprouts or even kale as a substitute. Both will provide a different texture and flavor while still maintaining the crunchiness of the dish.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar. If you prefer a less sweet dressing, start with half the sugar and gradually add more to taste. You can also try using natural sweeteners like agave syrup or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

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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