Mexican Slaw

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: Mexican

Mexican Slaw is a vibrant and tangy side dish featuring shredded cabbage, onions, and bell peppers, flavored with vinegar and sugar. Its crisp texture and bold flavors make it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a fresh accompaniment to spicy meals, offering a delightful crunch with a hint of heat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large cabbage, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp. salt
  • 2 large onions, chopped fine
  • 1 large bell pepper
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 1/2 c. white vinegar
  • 1 tsp. celery seed
  • 2 small hot peppers

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage, onions, and bell pepper together.
  2. Add salt, sugar, vinegar, and celery seed to the shredded vegetables.
  3. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for 20 days before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider incorporating some chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice into the slaw. If you're looking for a bit more crunch, shredded carrots can be a great substitute or addition to the cabbage. Adjust the heat by choosing milder or spicier peppers according to your preference. This slaw pairs well with various Mexican recipes, enhancing your meals with a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Mexican slaw as a refreshing side dish to tacos, grilled meats, or sandwiches. It also makes a great topping for nachos or a vibrant addition to a salad. For a complete meal, pair it with Fideo Soup for a comforting and satisfying experience. The bright flavors of the slaw complement the richness of the dishes beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Mexican slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will continue to develop flavor as it sits, so it's best consumed within a week. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become mushy. When ready to enjoy, simply give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mexican Slaw contains roughly 381 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2189mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

381 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 19.5g 25% DV
Carbs 45.9g 17% DV
Fiber 6.7g 24% DV
Sugar 7.1g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2188.8mg 95% DV
Potassium 701.8mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 145mcg 16% DV
Vitamin C 77.7mg 86% DV
Calcium 502.9mg 39% DV
Iron 13mg 72% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 this slaw in advance?

Yes, this slaw is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it's best after it has marinated for at least 20 days in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure you keep it covered to maintain its freshness.

What can I use instead of celery seed?

If you don't have celery seed on hand, you can substitute it with dill seed or even a pinch of ground celery. These alternatives will still provide a similar flavor profile, keeping your slaw delicious and aromatic.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, you can use milder peppers if you prefer less heat, or increase the amount of hot peppers for a spicier kick. Additionally, removing the seeds from the hot peppers can help tone down the heat while still providing flavor.

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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