Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

When I think about classic summer picnics, my mind instantly jumps to old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar. Memories of warm days spent outdoors, bowls of crisp coleslaw nestled among BBQ chicken and potato salad flood my thoughts. The tangy, slightly sweet dressing perfectly complements the crunch of fresh vegetables.

Coleslaw has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. Each bite transports me back to barbeques at my grandparents’ house, where laughter filled the air, and everyone gathered around the table. I often helped mix the dressing, feeling the joy of contributing to our meal.

This old-fashioned coleslaw captures the essence of family gatherings and casual dinners alike. The bright flavors and textures create a dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. From potlucks to weeknight dinners, this coleslaw brings a delightful crunch to your plate.

Let’s dive into making this timeless recipe. Embrace the vibrant colors and flavors, and get ready to create your own memories around the table with old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar.

Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

Fundamentals

Old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar relies on simple ingredients that pack a punch. The foundation of this dish includes crisp green cabbage, crunchy carrots, and sweet onion. Each component adds its personality, making this coleslaw a textural delight.

Green cabbage serves as the main ingredient. Its crispness holds up beautifully in the dressing, making it ideal for serving a crowd. Shredded carrots provide a hint of sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing the visual appeal. Lastly, thinly sliced yellow onion adds a kick that balances the dish perfectly.

The dressing plays an essential role in this recipe. A harmonious blend of sugar, celery seed, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, distilled vinegar, and olive oil creates a tangy and slightly sweet experience. Together, these elements elevate the coleslaw from an ordinary side dish to a must-have at your next meal.

Preparation/Setup

To get started, gather all the ingredients for your old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar. Having everything at hand ensures a smooth and efficient preparation process. Follow these steps to set yourself up for success.

1. Shred the Vegetables: Begin by thinly slicing the green cabbage. Aim for delicate strips for the best texture. Next, shred the carrots and finely slice the yellow onion. Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the Dressing: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, celery seed, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and distilled vinegar. Once combined, bring this mixture to a low simmer. The warming enhances the flavors, making every bite taste amazing.

3. Combine Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the olive oil to the dressing, whisking continuously to create a smooth blend. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, cooking it for one minute. This step infuses the dressing with flavor and warms the vegetables when poured over them.

4. Toss and Chill: Pour the hot dressing over the bowl of vegetables and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a coleslaw that is bursting with goodness.

Ingredients

• 5 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup carrots (shredded)
• 1/2 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup distilled vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil

Directions

1. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced onion.

2. In a small saucepan, whisk together all dressing ingredients except the olive oil. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.

3. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and bring the mixture to a boil, cooking for one minute.

4. Pour the hot dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

Delicious Variations on Old Fashioned Coleslaw

Technique

To achieve the perfect old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar, pay attention to your cutting technique. Thinly slicing the cabbage and onions ensures they mingle well with the other ingredients. Using a sharp knife or mandoline can help you achieve those perfect thin slices.

Ensure you mix the vegetables gently to avoid bruising them. A light hand preserves the crisp texture that makes coleslaw so enjoyable. Tossing the ingredients together with care creates a visually appealing and delicious dish everyone will love.

Tips & Tricks

1. Balance the Flavors: If you find the dressing too sweet, add a touch more vinegar to brighten it up. If too tangy, a bit more sugar can help to balance flavors. Tasting as you go will help you find that perfect balance.

2. Freshness Matters: Use the freshest produce possible. Crisp cabbage and bright carrots make a huge difference in texture and flavor. Freshness is key to excellent coleslaw.

3. Experiment with Add-Ins: While maintaining the classic flavor is delightful, don’t hesitate to experiment. Consider adding chopped bell peppers for color and crunch or even some chopped herbs for a fresh twist.

Perfecting Your Old Fashioned Coleslaw

Perfecting Results

The key to perfecting your old-fashioned coleslaw lies in understanding how flavors evolve. Allowing the coleslaw to rest in the refrigerator enhances melding flavors, creating a cohesive dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Taste after the initial two hours to check for flavor development. If you’re preparing it for an event, consider making it the night before to let it reach its full potential.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your coleslaw seems overly watery, you might not have properly drained the vegetables. To avoid excess moisture, consider salting the cabbage before mixing. Allow the salt to draw out excess water for about 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

You can also play with vinegar levels if desired. Use apple cider vinegar for a fruity touch, or even add some lemon juice for additional zest. Each tweak allows you to customize the classic recipe to suit your palate.

Presenting Your Coleslaw Creation

Serving & Presentation

When ready to serve, consider the presentation to entice guests. A beautiful bowl with fresh parsley or other herbs can elevate the dish’s appearance, making it an appealing centerpiece.

Spoon the coleslaw into an attractive serving dish, letting the vibrant colors showcase their beauty. If serving at a party, consider using a clear bowl to show off the layers of color and texture.

Pairings & Storage

Old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar complements a variety of dishes, elevating any barbecue or summer meal. Pair it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even a simple sandwich.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy it within three to four days for the best flavor. Remember, the longer it sits, the more the dressing will soften the veggies, so factor that into when you’ll serve it next.

Conclusion

Old-fashioned coleslaw with vinegar isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and family traditions. Its blend of crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing brings joy to every meal. Each bite captures the essence of summer gatherings filled with laughter and love. Creating this classic recipe allows you to share delicious memories with those you cherish most. Enjoy making your own old-fashioned coleslaw, and relish the memories it brings to your table.

Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic summer picnic side dish featuring crisp vegetables and a tangy, slightly sweet dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup carrots (shredded)
• 1/2 yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup distilled vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss together the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced onion.
2. In a small saucepan, whisk together all dressing ingredients except the olive oil. Bring the mixture to a low simmer.
3. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and bring the mixture to a boil, cooking for one minute.
4. Pour the hot dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.

Notes

For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill for at least two hours. This allows the flavors to meld properly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: coleslaw, summer side dish, vinegar dressing, BBQ side, picnic food