Tidewater Poppy Seed Slaw(12 Servings)
A vibrant, crunchy slaw with sweet poppy seed dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats and seafood.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large red onion, peeled and sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3/4 cup cider vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons poppy seed ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/3 cup heavy cream ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, and bell peppers with sugar.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the vegetable oil, cider vinegar, dry mustard, poppy seed, salt, and heavy cream.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, then pour the hot dressing over the cabbage mixture, tossing well to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 12 hours to let the flavors mellow.
- Serve chilled, optionally on a bed of red cabbage leaves for contrast.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider including shredded carrots or sliced radishes to the slaw. If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the heavy cream. Make sure to let the slaw refrigerate for at least 12 hours; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a great side for summer barbecues.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tidewater Poppy Seed Slaw as a refreshing side dish at your next gathering. It complements barbecued meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. For a stunning presentation, serve it on a bed of red cabbage leaves for added color. This slaw is also a great addition to any picnic spread, making it a versatile option for outdoor dining.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. Note that the texture may soften over time, so it's best enjoyed within the first couple of days. Do not reheat; serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tidewater Poppy Seed Slaw(12 Servings) contains roughly 123 calories, with 3g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% 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 slaw ahead of time?
Yes, this slaw is ideal for making ahead. In fact, it's recommended to let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to soften slightly, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for the vegetable oil?
You can substitute the vegetable oil with canola oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using extra virgin olive oil, though it may impart a stronger taste to the slaw.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Tidewater Poppy Seed Slaw is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients. It makes an excellent addition to vegetarian recipes and can be enjoyed as part of a meat-free meal.
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).