Tomato Coleslaw
A vibrant, crunchy tomato coleslaw combining fresh vegetables with a tangy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish for summer meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim and core the cabbage; shred it finely.
- Combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, diced green peppers, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
- Dice 2 tomatoes and add to the cabbage mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Slice the remaining 2 tomatoes and arrange on top of the chilled coleslaw before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding some grated apple or raisins for sweetness. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing, and use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a fresh twist. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give your coleslaw an extra kick. This recipe is a great way to use up those summer tomatoes from your garden.
Serving Suggestions
Tomato Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for barbecues and picnics, pairing beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or burgers. It also complements seafood dishes well. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a refreshing Fruity Rice Salad or as a topping for tacos for added freshness and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vegetables may soften over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you want to serve it later, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crunch of the veggies.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Coleslaw contains roughly 194 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (227% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% 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, you can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance. Just mix the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine them a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld without getting too soggy.
What can I add to make this coleslaw more filling?
To make the coleslaw more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for protein. You could also mix in some shredded chicken or tofu for a heartier dish that aligns with both American recipes and vegan recipes.
How can I adjust the acidity in the dressing?
If you find the dressing too tangy, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or sugar to your taste. Adding a bit more mayonnaise can also help balance the acidity while keeping the dressing creamy and delicious.
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).