Garden Slaw
A vibrant, crunchy vegetable slaw coated in a sweet and tangy gelatin dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 2/3 c. sugar
- 2/3 c. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. celery seed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2/3 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 8 c. finely shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 finely shredded carrots ⓘ
- 1 green pepper cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften the unflavored gelatin in 1/4 cup water.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, vinegar, celery seed, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in the softened gelatin until dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool until slightly thickened.
- Beat the cooled mixture well.
- Gradually beat in the vegetable oil until fully incorporated.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green pepper strips, and chopped onions.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, try adding diced apples or raisins for sweetness, or swap in red cabbage for color. If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the oil or use a vinaigrette. Make sure to let the gelatin fully dissolve to avoid clumps. This recipe can also be adapted for vegan recipes by using agar-agar instead of gelatin.
Serving Suggestions
This Garden Slaw pairs beautifully with Barbecue Deer and is a refreshing side for summer cookouts. Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos. You can also add it to a wrap for a crunchy texture. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If the slaw becomes too watery, drain excess liquid before serving. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply give it a good toss before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Slaw contains roughly 981 calories, with 22g protein, 208g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (211% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1721mg per serving (75% 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 slaw ahead of time?
Yes, this Garden Slaw can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to sit overnight in the refrigerator enhances the flavors. Just make sure to toss it again before serving to distribute the dressing evenly.
What vegetables can I add to this slaw?
You can customize this slaw by adding vegetables like radishes, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced Brussels sprouts for crunch. Just ensure that any added vegetables are finely shredded to maintain the slaw's texture.
Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Certainly! You can reduce the sugar by half or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Adjust the amount to your taste, as some sweeteners may be sweeter than sugar.
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).