Marinated Coleslaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A tangy, crunchy marinated coleslaw featuring cabbage, onion, and green pepper, dressed in a sweet and vinegary marinade—perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large head cabbage
  • 1 large green pepper
  • 3/4 cup salad oil
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage into a large bowl.
  2. Shred or thinly slice the onion and green pepper and place on top of the cabbage.
  3. Sprinkle the sugar over the vegetables to cover the entire top without stirring.
  4. Bring the salad oil, vinegar, dry mustard, salt, and celery seed to a boil.
  5. Pour the hot marinade over the vegetables without stirring.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  7. Serve chilled, and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra crunch, consider adding shredded carrots or radishes to your coleslaw. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can reduce the amount of salad oil or use a vinaigrette instead. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños. This marinated coleslaw can also be made vegan by substituting the salad oil with a plant-based oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this marinated coleslaw as a refreshing side dish to barbecued meats or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Firehouse Spaghetti or can be enjoyed alongside grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding it to a wrap or bowl with protein for a satisfying lunch. You can also sprinkle some seeds or nuts on top for added texture.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinated coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld even further. However, avoid freezing as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy. Just give it a good stir before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marinated Coleslaw contains roughly 173 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value).

173 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.6g 1% DV
Total Fat 16g 20% DV
Carbs 7.5g 3% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 2.7g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 403.6mg 18% DV
Potassium 108.9mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 28.8mg 32% DV
Calcium 11.9mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly 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 make marinated coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, this coleslaw actually benefits from being made ahead of time, as the flavors develop and intensify when it sits. Prepare it a day in advance and let it marinate in the refrigerator for optimal taste.

What can I use instead of sugar in the recipe?

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to sugar, consider using honey or agave syrup, which will provide sweetness while offering some additional flavor. For a low-calorie option, you can also use a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting the quantity to taste.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This marinated coleslaw is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just ensure that any additional ingredients or dressings you might use are also certified gluten-free to maintain its status.

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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