Pickle Slaw

A tangy, sweet and crunchy pickle slaw featuring cabbage, peppers, and onion, flavored with vinegar, sugar, turmeric, and spices—perfect as a side or topping.

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium cabbage (about 1 1/2 quarts)
  • 1 large bell pepper
  • 1 large onion
  • 1/2 pint white vinegar
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard or seed
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons turmeric

Instructions

  1. Combine vinegar, sugar, celery seed, dry mustard, turmeric, and salt and bring mixture to a boil.
  2. Pour the hot mixture over the chopped cabbage, bell pepper, and onion.
  3. Let stand for at least 12 hours before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, consider letting the cabbage sit in the vinegar mixture for only 6 hours instead of 12. If you'd like to reduce the sugar content, try using a sugar substitute or a natural sweetener like stevia. Adding shredded carrots can enhance the color and flavor profile. This dish can also be customized with other vegetables like radishes or cucumbers for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Pickle slaw is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and sandwiches. Serve it alongside a hearty barbecue or as a topping for pulled pork. You can also use it as a refreshing element in tacos or on burgers. For an added touch, consider including it in a Shredded Cabbage Toss for a vibrant salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pickle slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to two weeks. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply heat a small portion on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the slaw wilt.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pickle Slaw contains roughly 212 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1394mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).

212 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 8.7g 11% DV
Carbs 28.4g 10% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 4.4g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1393.5mg 61% DV
Potassium 305.4mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 93.2mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 48.7mg 54% DV
Calcium 57.1mg 4% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% 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 use other types of vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute other vinegars like apple cider or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of the pickle slaw, but it can create a delicious variation. Each vinegar brings its own unique acidity and character to the dish.

Is it necessary to let the slaw sit for 12 hours?

While letting the slaw sit for 12 hours allows the flavors to fully develop, you can enjoy it sooner if you're short on time. Even a couple of hours can impart a good flavor, but the longer it sits, the more the vegetables will absorb the brine, enhancing the taste.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this pickle slaw is already vegan as it contains no animal products. However, ensure that any additional ingredients you add, like sweeteners or spices, are also vegan-friendly. It's a great addition to any vegan meal and complements a variety of dishes.

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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