Overnight Coleslaw
A tangy, crunchy overnight coleslaw with a sweet and vinegary dressing, perfect as a side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Refreshing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle one cup sugar over shredded cabbage, chopped bell pepper, and shredded onion.
- Heat vinegar, salad oil, dry mustard, celery seed, and salt until boiling.
- Pour the hot mixture over the cabbage mixture.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter coleslaw, you can increase the sugar to 1 1/2 cups. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using a light olive oil or avocado oil instead of salad oil. You can also swap the sugar for a sugar substitute if you're following a low-sugar diet. Adding shredded carrots or apples can give a nice flavor and colorful touch to your coleslaw.
Serving Suggestions
This coleslaw is best served chilled, making it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with Barbecue Sauce, enhancing grilled meats. For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños or serve it alongside Broiled Barbecue Spareribs. It also works well in sandwiches or on tacos for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid freezing as the texture will change once thawed. Serve cold straight from the fridge for the best taste and crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Overnight Coleslaw contains roughly 446 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 966mg per serving (42% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, this coleslaw is designed to be made ahead! In fact, it's best if left to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I substitute for vinegar?
If you want to experiment with different flavors, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for a milder taste or lemon juice for a zesty twist. Rice vinegar is another option that will give a slightly sweeter profile.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Overnight Coleslaw is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. If you're looking for a vegan version, it’s already vegan-friendly, just ensure your sugar is not processed with bone char.
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).