The primary time I tasted my grandmother’s fridge coleslaw on a sweltering summer time afternoon in Missouri, I used to be shocked by how one thing so easy might style so complicated. Because the tangy dressing hit my palate, adopted by the satisfying crunch of recent cabbage, I noticed this wasn’t the soggy, forgotten aspect dish I’d encountered at numerous picnics —one thing particular that improved with each passing day within the fridge.


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What Makes This Coleslaw Completely different
After sampling numerous types of coleslaw (a scrumptious analysis mission I undertook final summer time), I’ve recognized the place many trendy variations fall brief. Too typically, they drown in heavy mayonnaise dressing, leaving the cabbage swimming moderately than permitting it to soak up flavors and develop right into a cohesive dish.
This recipe takes a distinct strategy with a vinegar-based dressing that:
- Protect the cabbage’s pure crunch
- Creates a brilliant, tangy taste profile
- Improves with time as flavors meld
- Stays recent for as much as two weeks within the fridge
Selecting Your Cabbage
For these seeking to elevate their coleslaw recreation, think about exploring completely different cabbage varieties:
- Inexperienced Cabbage – The basic selection with a dense, white inside and gentle taste
- Crimson Cabbage – Provides lovely coloration and a barely peppery style
- Savoy Cabbage – Options tender, crinkled leaves with a extra delicate texture
- Napa Cabbage – Gives a featherweight texture with a delicate sweetness
Don’t hesitate to combine varieties for extra complicated taste and visible attraction. For those who desire, you should use a prepackaged coleslaw combine.
Substances for do-it-yourself coleslaw
Right here’s every part you’ll want for this make-ahead coleslaw:
- Cabbage – The star ingredient that gives crunch and serves because the canvas for the tangy dressing
- Crimson or inexperienced bell pepper – Provides a candy crunch and vibrant coloration distinction to the slaw
- Onion – Gives a pointy taste that mellows and sweetens because it marinates within the dressing
- Sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar and helps draw moisture from the greens
- White vinegar – Creates the tangy base of the dressing and acts as a pure preservative
- Salt – Enhances flavors and helps draw moisture from the cabbage, softening it barely
- Salad oil – Provides richness to the dressing and helps it cling to the greens
- Dry mustard – Gives delicate warmth and acts as an emulsifier within the dressing
- Celery seed – Contributes an earthy, barely bitter observe that enhances the cabbage
Tools Wanted
- Giant mixing bowl
- Reducing board and sharp knife (or meals processor with shredding disc)
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage container with tight-fitting lid
make fridge coleslaw
- Shred or chop cabbage, onions, and peppers.
- Sprinkle sugar on high.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, oil, dry mustard, and celery seed in a saucepan. Deliver to a boil.
- Toss dressing with cabbage combination.
- Cowl and refrigerate for at the very least 6 hours.


Storage and Make-Forward Ideas
This coleslaw’s best energy is its endurance. Not like mayonnaise-based or creamy variations that deteriorate shortly, this vinegar-dressed slaw improves with time:
- Stir often to redistribute the dressing
- Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge
- Stays recent for as much as 2 weeks
- Flavors deepen and meld whereas greens stay crisp


Recipe Modifications
Dietary Variations
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Already naturally vegan
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free
- Low-sugar: Cut back sugar or substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia (alter to style)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can exchange white vinegar for a fruitier taste
- Oil: Any impartial oil works effectively (avocado, grapeseed, canola)
- Cabbage: Attempt a mixture of cabbage and kale or broccoli slaw for extra diet
Scaling Ideas
- Double batch: Double all elements; works completely for big gatherings
- Half batch: Halve all elements for smaller households
Troubleshooting Ideas
- Too candy? Add a splash extra vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice
- Too tangy? Combine in a bit extra sugar or a drizzle of honey
- Too dry? Make a small quantity of further dressing and add to style
- Too moist? Add extra recent, shredded cabbage to soak up extra dressing
Extra Coleslaw Recipes
Favourite Cabbage Recipes
Remember to take a look at extra of my simple salad recipes and the very best aspect dish recipes right here on CopyKat.com!
This recipe is by Virginia McDowell. Jefferson Metropolis, Mo. 1987.
Coleslaw that Retains
You can also make coleslaw that stays crunchy and retains for weeks within the fridge.
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Servings: 6
Energy: 406kcal
Substances
- 2 kilos cabbage shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped crimson or inexperienced bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3/4 cup sugar
Cole Slaw Dressing
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup salad oil
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
Directions
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Shred or chop cabbage, onions, and peppers. Sprinkle sugar on high.
-
Mix dressing elements and produce to boil. Enable the dressing to chill to room temperature then toss the dressing with the cabbage combination.
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Cowl and refrigerate for at the very least 6 hours. Slaw will preserve for weeks with out shedding its freshness.
Diet
Energy: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 2g | Fats: 28g | Saturated Fats: 2g | Ldl cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 417mg | Potassium: 317mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 67.3mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg