Pennsylvania Dutch Coleslaw

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A classic Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw featuring shredded cabbage and onion, sweetened with sugar for a crisp, tangy side perfect for gatherings and family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 head cabbage
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Shred the cabbage and onion into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Stir in the sugar until well combined.
  3. Set this mixture aside while preparing the dressing.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess or some grated carrots for color and sweetness. If you're out of sugar, honey or agave syrup can serve as a good substitute, but adjust the quantity to taste. For a vegan version, replace sugar with a vegan-friendly sweetener.

Serving Suggestions

This Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw makes a great side dish for barbecues and picnics, pairing well with grilled meats and fried dishes. It also complements dishes like Fried Asparagus In Beer Batter or can be served alongside a hearty Vegetable Soup With Cheese for a balanced meal. Serve chilled for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve overnight. If the coleslaw becomes too watery, simply drain excess liquid before serving. For a fresh crunch, stir in some fresh cabbage if you find it has softened too much.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pennsylvania Dutch Coleslaw contains roughly 195 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

195 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 8.7g 11% DV
Carbs 27.1g 10% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 3.5g 7% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 359.3mg 16% DV
Potassium 321.1mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 106mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 23mg 26% DV
Calcium 71.1mg 5% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit 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 prepare this coleslaw in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, for the freshest texture, consider adding any additional ingredients like carrots right before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! You can incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

What can I use if I don't have a head of cabbage?

If you don't have cabbage, you can substitute it with shredded broccoli slaw or even a mix of coleslaw mix found at the store. This will give you a different texture but still a delicious 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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