Crispy-Tart Cole Slaw

Prep: 70 min Cuisine: American

Crispy-Tart Cole Slaw offers a refreshing crunch with a tangy sweetness, combining shredded cabbage, green peppers, and pimentos. Its vibrant flavors make it an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy a crisp, flavorful vegetable salad with a hint of zest.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large head cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. oil
  • 1 (2 oz.) jar pimentos, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. mustard seed
  • 1 c. boiling water
  • 1 Tbsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Combine shredded cabbage and green pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Sprinkle salt over the mixture and pour boiling water over all; let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
  3. Drain in a colander.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, oil, celery seed, and mustard seed.
  5. Add the mixture to the drained cabbage and peppers.
  6. Stir in chopped pimentos.
  7. Cover and refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added crunch, consider including shredded carrots or radishes in the slaw mix. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can increase the sugar slightly or use honey as a substitute. To make it vegan, replace the oil with a plant-based alternative like avocado oil. Be mindful of the salt; adjust based on your taste preference or dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy-Tart Cole Slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it a perfect side for summer barbecues or picnics. It also complements rich dishes like fried chicken or pulled pork. For a complete meal, serve it alongside dishes like the Diabetic Strawberry Cake for dessert to balance flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid reheating as this dish is best enjoyed cold; serve it straight from the fridge for maximum crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crispy-Tart Cole Slaw contains roughly 338 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1747mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).

338 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 28.9g 37% DV
Carbs 19.7g 7% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 4.1g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1747.1mg 76% DV
Potassium 369.2mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 26.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 61.4mg 68% DV
Calcium 46.2mg 4% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 prepare the cole slaw a day in advance?

Yes, preparing the cole slaw a day ahead is a great idea! It allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Just be sure to store it in the fridge covered tightly to maintain freshness.

What can I use instead of pimentos?

If you don't have pimentos on hand, you can substitute them with chopped roasted red peppers or even diced sweet bell peppers for a similar color and texture.

Can I make this cole slaw gluten-free?

Yes, this cole slaw is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Always double-check the labels of your vinegar and oil to ensure they are gluten-free.

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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