The primary time I tasted my grandmother’s fridge coleslaw on a sweltering summer season afternoon in Missouri, I used to be shocked by how one thing so easy may style so complicated. Because the tangy dressing hit my palate, adopted by the satisfying crunch of contemporary 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 Totally different
After sampling numerous styles of coleslaw (a scrumptious analysis challenge I undertook final summer season), I’ve recognized the place many fashionable variations fall brief. Too usually, 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 special strategy with a vinegar-based dressing that:
- Protect the cabbage’s pure crunch
- Creates a shiny, tangy taste profile
- Improves with time as flavors meld
- Stays contemporary for as much as two weeks within the fridge
Selecting Your Cabbage
For these trying to elevate their coleslaw recreation, think about exploring completely different cabbage varieties:
- Inexperienced Cabbage – The basic alternative with a dense, white inside and delicate taste
- Crimson Cabbage – Provides lovely colour and a barely peppery style
- Savoy Cabbage – Options tender, crinkled leaves with a extra delicate texture
- Napa Cabbage – Gives a featherweight texture with a refined sweetness
Don’t hesitate to combine varieties for extra complicated taste and visible attraction. If you happen to want, you need to use a prepackaged coleslaw combine.
Substances for do-it-yourself coleslaw
Right here’s all the pieces 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 colour distinction to the slaw
- Onion – Supplies 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 – Supplies refined warmth and acts as an emulsifier within the dressing
- Celery seed – Contributes an earthy, barely bitter word that enhances the cabbage
Gear Wanted
- Massive mixing bowl
- Slicing board and sharp knife (or meals processor with shredding disc)
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Storage container with tight-fitting lid
How one can make fridge coleslaw
- Shred or chop cabbage, onions, and peppers.
- Sprinkle sugar on prime.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, oil, dry mustard, and celery seed in a saucepan. Carry to a boil.
- Toss dressing with cabbage combination.
- Cowl and refrigerate for not less than 6 hours.


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


Recipe Modifications
Dietary Diversifications
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Already naturally vegan
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free
- Low-sugar: Cut back sugar or substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia (regulate to style)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can exchange white vinegar for a fruitier taste
- Oil: Any impartial oil works properly (avocado, grapeseed, canola)
- Cabbage: Attempt a mixture of cabbage and kale or broccoli slaw for extra diet
Scaling Ideas
- Double batch: Double all components; works completely for big gatherings
- Half batch: Halve all components 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 extra dressing and add to style
- Too moist? Add extra contemporary, shredded cabbage to soak up extra dressing
Extra Coleslaw Recipes
Favourite Cabbage Recipes
Make sure to take a look at extra of my simple salad recipes and the perfect 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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Price
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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
-
Shred or chop cabbage, onions, and peppers. Sprinkle sugar on prime.
-
Mix dressing components 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 not less than 6 hours. Slaw will maintain for weeks with out dropping its freshness.
Vitamin
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