Vinegar-Based Carolina Slaw

Vinegar-Based Carolina Slaw

1 10 servings
This delicious Carolina coleslaw is made with a sweet and tangy vinegar dressing. The slaw is perfect for pulled pork or chicken barbecue.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cabbage

    finely shredded

  • 1 medium bell pepper

    finely chopped

  • 1 medium sweet onion

    finely chopped

  • 2 medium carrots

    grated or julienned

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

    or as desired

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil

    such as corn oil, grapeseed, safflower, peanut, or canola

  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup vinegar

    white or apple cider

Directions

  1. 1

    Cut a slice off the stem end of the cabbage and set it, the flat stem end down, on a cutting board.

  2. 2

    With a sharp chef's knife, slice the cabbage into quarters, slicing from top to bottom.

  3. 3

    Cut the core out of each quarter.

  4. 4

    Slice each cabbage wedge crosswise or lengthwise into thin strips, depending on how long you want the shreds. If desired, chop the shreds for a finer coleslaw. The shreds should be quite thin (around 1/8 inch) for coleslaw, thicker (1/4 to 1/2 inch) for soups and other recipes.

  5. 5

    Gather the ingredients.

  6. 6

    In a large serving bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped bell pepper, onions, and the grated or julienne carrots.

  7. 7

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, salt, oil, dry mustard, celery seed, pepper, and vinegar. Bring to a boil.

  8. 8

    Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved.

  9. 9

    Remove from the heat and cool slightly, then pour over the vegetables and toss well.

  10. 10

    Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw until thoroughly chilled, at least 1 hour.

  11. 11

    Serve and enjoy.

Vinegar-Based Carolina Slaw

Vinegar-Based Carolina Slaw

4.2(404)85 min1 10 servings

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Based on 404 ratings

thespruceeats.com
4.2(404 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving that signature tangy crunch to perfect your barbecue spread? This Vinegar-Based Carolina Slaw delivers authentic, vibrant flavor, designed to cut through rich, smoky meats and elevate any meal. It’s the essential side dish you’ll want at every cookout.

What truly sets this Carolina slaw apart is its bright, sweet-and-tangy vinegar dressing. Unlike creamy counterparts, this version offers a refreshingly light yet incredibly flavorful experience, making it an ideal complement for heavier dishes. The meticulous balance of sweet sugar, savory salt, and aromatic celery seeds ensures every bite is perfectly harmonious.

Prepare for a slaw that is wonderfully crisp, invigorating, and bursting with a delightful interplay of sweet and sour notes. Each forkful combines finely shredded cabbage, crunchy bell pepper, sweet onion, and tender carrots, all generously coated in a zesty, flavorful dressing. This slaw is designed to be straightforward to prepare, allowing the fresh, high-quality ingredients to shine and create a truly satisfying experience.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the amount of granulated sugar to your personal preference for a sweeter or more tangy result. If you don't have a bell pepper, you can simply omit it, though it does add a nice textural contrast. Feel free to use either white vinegar for a sharp, clean tang or apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier, milder acidity.

This vibrant slaw is the quintessential partner for classic barbecue dishes, particularly rich pulled pork or tender chicken barbecue. Serve it chilled alongside your favorite grilled entrees for a perfectly balanced and unforgettable backyard feast.

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