"Twelve Hour" Cabbage Slaw

Prep: 20 min

A tangy, sweet cabbage slaw with colorful bell peppers and onions, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish that develops flavor over time.

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Ingredients

  • 1 head cabbage
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1 onion
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Chop cabbage, bell pepper, onion, and celery into thin pieces and place in a large airtight container.
  2. In a saucepan, boil sugar, vinegar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the chopped vegetables.
  4. Seal the container and refrigerate for 12 hours to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crunchier texture, add shredded carrots or radishes to the slaw. If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. To reduce the sweetness, you can cut the sugar to 1 cup or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. This slaw can also be modified to fit vegan recipes by ensuring no animal-derived ingredients are included.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this slaw as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats or spicy dishes, as it balances flavors well. It pairs beautifully with Father George'S Kielbasi Kaper, making it a perfect addition to a summer barbecue or picnic. You can also top tacos or burgers with the slaw for an extra crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify over time, making it even tastier. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, to avoid wilting the vegetables too much.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of "Twelve Hour" Cabbage Slaw contains roughly 282 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

282 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.4g 11% DV
Total Fat 11.1g 14% DV
Carbs 41.8g 15% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 11.2g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1005.7mg 44% DV
Potassium 585.6mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 208mcg 23% DV
Vitamin C 102.6mg 100% DV
Calcium 100.2mg 8% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber 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 make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes, this slaw is ideal for making ahead. In fact, letting it sit for 12 hours enhances the flavors. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What is the best way to chop the vegetables?

For the best texture, use a sharp knife or a mandoline to achieve thin, even slices of cabbage, bell pepper, onion, and celery. Uniform pieces ensure that all vegetables absorb the dressing equally, leading to a more flavorful slaw.

Can I customize the vegetables in this slaw?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite crunchy vegetables, such as jicama, cucumbers, or even broccoli slaw for a unique twist. Just ensure that the total volume remains similar to maintain the balance of flavors.

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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