Pickled Cole Slaw
A tangy, crunchy pickled cole slaw blending cabbage, bell pepper, and onion with a sweet and vinegary marinade, perfect as a side or sandwich topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cabbage, bell pepper, onion, and optional celery in alternate layers in a large bowl.
- Cover the layers with sugar.
- In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, salt, oil, and celery seed to make the pickling brine.
- Pour the brine over the layered vegetables, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter slaw, adjust the sugar to taste or substitute with honey for a more natural sweetness. You can also use red cabbage for color and added nutrients. If you're short on time, consider using pre-shredded cabbage and pre-sliced bell peppers. Adding grated carrots can enhance the flavor and texture, similar to Mrs. C'S Coleslaw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pickled cole slaw as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Braised Bear or as a topping for tacos. Feel free to add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. Simply give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the brine and flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pickled Cole Slaw contains roughly 96 calories, with 3g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% 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 recipe vegan?
Yes, this pickled cole slaw is naturally vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable oil and no animal products. Just ensure that the vinegar used is also vegan, which most are. You can also add more vegetables like shredded carrots or radishes to enhance the dish.
How long should I let it sit before serving?
It's recommended to refrigerate the slaw for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, you can taste it after a few hours, but the full flavor will develop with more time in the brine.
What can I serve this slaw with?
This pickled cole slaw is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. It complements grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it alongside Cheap Baptist Punch for a delightful meal experience.
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).