Vinegar Cole Slaw

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: American

Vinegar Cole Slaw offers a tangy, sweet, and crunchy side with vibrant flavors, perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing salad with bold tastes.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Celery Seed
  • 1 head Cabbage
  • 1 large Bell Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 to 3 Carrots
  • 1 Onion

Instructions

  1. Chop the cabbage, bell pepper, carrots, and onion.
  2. Boil vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard, pepper, and salt for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the chopped vegetables.
  4. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.
  5. Keep covered; it will keep for several days.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier slaw, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you're short on time, pre-shredded coleslaw mix can be a great shortcut. Adding diced apples or raisins can introduce a nice sweetness, making it reminiscent of Apple Coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions

Vinegar coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for barbecued meats, sandwiches, or fried foods. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Christmas Cranberry Salad for a festive meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a refreshing crunch. Consider topping tacos with the slaw for an added zing, or enjoy it as a light lunch with some crusty bread.

Storage & Reheating

Store the vinegar coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, so it often tastes even better the next day. There's no need to reheat; simply serve it cold or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vinegar Cole Slaw contains roughly 102 calories, with 4g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (126% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2063mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).

102 kcal 5% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 19.7g 7% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 13.3g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2063.4mg 90% DV
Potassium 580.6mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 516.6mcg 57% DV
Vitamin C 113.5mg 100% DV
Calcium 142.9mg 11% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 vinegar coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator in a covered container. The coleslaw will remain crisp while soaking in the tangy dressing, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for gatherings or picnics.

What can I use instead of sugar?

If you're looking for alternatives to sugar, try using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Each of these options will provide sweetness while adding their own unique flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly, as these sweeteners can be sweeter than granulated sugar.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

Yes, this vinegar coleslaw is naturally vegan! All the ingredients used, such as vegetables, vinegar, and sugar, are plant-based. Feel free to add additional vegan-friendly ingredients, like nuts or seeds, for extra texture and flavor, making it a versatile dish that fits into a vegan diet.

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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