Onion Cole Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A crunchy, tangy onion cole slaw with a sweet and vinegar dressing, perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or casual gatherings, offering a refreshing flavor boost.

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Ingredients

  • 1 small head cabbage
  • 2 medium onions
  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup salad oil

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage very thinly with a sharp knife.
  2. Peel and chop the onions.
  3. Add the chopped onions to the shredded cabbage.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, and mix thoroughly.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the vinegar, salad oil, and sugar to make the dressing.
  6. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and onion mixture and toss to coat evenly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, let the shredded cabbage sit with salt for about 10 minutes before mixing in the onions. This allows the cabbage to release some moisture. If you want a sweeter slaw, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to the dressing. You can also substitute the salad oil with olive oil for a richer flavor or use apple cider vinegar for a different tang.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this onion cole slaw as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Vegetarian Calico Beans for a delightful summer picnic. Consider adding some shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor. It also makes a great topping for tacos or burgers.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover onion cole slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together over time, which can enhance the taste. To refresh the slaw before serving, give it a quick toss; there’s no need to reheat this dish as it’s best served cold.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Onion Cole Slaw contains roughly 97 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

97 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 3.1g 4% DV
Carbs 14.4g 5% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1887mg 82% DV
Potassium 171mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 53mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 7.2mg 8% DV
Calcium 42.9mg 3% DV
Iron 0.8mg 5% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 cole slaw in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cole slaw a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop and deepen overnight, making it even tastier. However, if you prefer a crisper texture, mix the dressing just before serving.

What can I substitute for cabbage?

If you don’t have cabbage on hand, you can use shredded Brussels sprouts or kale as a substitute. Both will provide a different texture and flavor. For a lighter option, consider using shredded lettuce, but reduce the dressing as lettuce can quickly become soggy.

Is it possible to make this cole slaw vegan?

Absolutely! This onion cole slaw is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just check that your salad oil is plant-based. You can also add vegan mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamier texture if desired.

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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