Freezer Coleslaw
Freezer coleslaw offers a tangy, crunchy side dish with vibrant peppers and crisp cabbage. Its sweet and vinegar-based dressing makes it a versatile addition to summer picnics or as a make-ahead favorite. Perfect for those seeking a refreshing, preserved slaw ready to enjoy anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring sugar, vinegar, water, and celery seed to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Boil for 1 minute.
- Cool the vinegar mixture to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, carrot, chopped green pepper, chopped red pepper, salt, and finely chopped onion.
- Set the mixture aside.
- Drain the cabbage mixture to remove excess liquid.
- Stir the cooled vinegar mixture into the drained cabbage mixture until well combined.
- Pack the coleslaw into three pint-sized freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2-inch space at the top.
- Cover and freeze the containers.
- Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Thaw the coleslaw about 3 hours at room temperature before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider incorporating some shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes. If you want a bit more flavor, try substituting apple cider vinegar for regular vinegar. This Freezer Coleslaw can also be made with pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience. Always ensure the mixture is cooled before combining to prevent wilting the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This coleslaw pairs beautifully with barbecue dishes, grilled meats, or as a refreshing side for picnics. Serve it alongside hearty meals like Crock-Pot Deer Chili or as part of a summer spread. For a twist, try adding some chopped apples or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the coleslaw in airtight freezer-safe containers to maintain freshness. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to use, thaw the coleslaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 3 hours. Avoid refreezing once it has been thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Freezer Coleslaw contains roughly 1403 calories, with 23g protein, 203g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (172% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
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 coleslaw vegan?
Yes, this Freezer Coleslaw is already vegan as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that the sugar used is not processed with bone char, as some vegans prefer to avoid certain sugars.
How long can I keep the thawed coleslaw in the refrigerator?
Once thawed, the coleslaw should be consumed within 3 to 5 days when stored in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like shredded broccoli, bell peppers, or even water chestnuts for additional crunch. Just remember to adjust the vinegar mixture accordingly if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
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).