Do-Ahead Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 3 min Serves: 8

A vibrant, crunchy slaw with a sweet and tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish. The combination of cabbage, olives, and green pepper offers a flavorful contrast, while the vinegar and sugar balance each other beautifully. Ideal for those who enjoy bold, fresh flavors.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cabbage, shredded
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 12 pimento-stuffed olives, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Toss cabbage, sugar, chopped onion, chopped pimento-stuffed olives, and chopped green pepper in a large bowl; set aside.
  2. Bring celery seed, prepared mustard, pepper, vinegar, and vegetable oil to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Pour the hot mixture over the cabbage mixture.
  4. Toss well to combine.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Substitutions

When making Do-Ahead Slaw, consider using red cabbage for added color and nutrition. If you're looking for a healthier option, substitute the sugar with honey or a sugar alternative. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Ensure to toss the slaw well after pouring the hot mixture to evenly coat all ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Do-Ahead Slaw as a vibrant side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or spicy dishes, like Creole Black-Eyed Peas. For an easy meal, enjoy it with flavored crackers or alongside Spiced Tea - Liquid. This slaw also works well as a topping for sandwiches or tacos.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier. Avoid reheating, as this slaw is best enjoyed cold. If you need to refresh it, simply give it a good stir before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Do-Ahead Slaw contains roughly 561 calories, with 7g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

561 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 33.7g 43% DV
Carbs 60.2g 22% DV
Fiber 5.3g 19% DV
Sugar 10.5g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 744.4mg 32% DV
Potassium 356.3mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 12.2mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 194.6mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 35.9mg 40% DV
Calcium 66.2mg 5% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% 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 slaw vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure the mustard used is free of animal products, which most prepared mustards are. The slaw is already dairy-free and can be enjoyed as part of a variety of vegan recipes.

How long should I let the slaw sit before serving?

It's best to let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, creating a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Can I add other vegetables to the slaw?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the slaw by adding grated carrots, shredded radishes, or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor. Just remember to adjust the dressing if adding more ingredients to maintain the right balance.

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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