Easy Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe: A Tangy and Refreshing Side Dish

Vinegar coleslaw, with its refreshing and tangy flavor, is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or just about any casual meal. Unlike the creamy versions that are loaded with mayo, this vinegar-based coleslaw offers a lighter alternative, allowing the fresh crunch of cabbage and vegetables to shine through. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple and easy-to-follow vinegar coleslaw recipe, including helpful tips, serving ideas, storage instructions, and a nutrition breakdown. Let’s get started!

What Is Vinegar Coleslaw?

Vinegar coleslaw is a variation of traditional coleslaw that replaces creamy mayonnaise dressing with a tangy vinegar-based dressing. This gives the salad a zesty kick while keeping the texture light and crisp. With a simple combination of cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful vinegar dressing, this dish can be served alongside anything from fried chicken to grilled sausages or pulled pork.

Ingredients for Vinegar Coleslaw

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic vinegar coleslaw:

1 small head of green cabbage (finely shredded)
1 large carrot (julienned or grated)
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a different flavor)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional but recommended)
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
1/4 cup water (adjust if you want a thinner dressing)

Instructions to Make Vinegar Coleslaw

Step 1: Start by preparing your vegetables. Shred the cabbage finely, either using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Grate or julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion (if you’re using it).

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrot, and red onion. Toss them together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed (if using), salt, pepper, and water. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. The dressing should be tangy and slightly sweet.

Step 4: Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss everything together until well combined. Make sure all the cabbage and carrots are coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Let the coleslaw sit for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. For best results, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Recipe Notes

Customize Your Coleslaw: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, green onions, or even some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
Add Protein: This coleslaw can be turned into a light main dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crumbled feta cheese for a protein-packed option.
For a Spicier Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Lighter Option: Reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon for a slightly lighter dressing.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
Resting Time: 15-30 minutes
Total Time: 25-45 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people

Vinegar coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos or burgers. It’s versatile and easy to make, making it an ideal dish for family meals or entertaining.

How to Serve Vinegar Coleslaw

Vinegar coleslaw can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

As a Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats like burgers, hot dogs, or ribs for a classic BBQ spread.
Topping for Sandwiches or Wraps: Add a fresh crunch to pulled pork sandwiches or wraps.
On Tacos: Use it as a topping for fish tacos or barbacoa for an extra crunch.
As a Salad: Serve it as a light, healthy salad with a grilled chicken breast or alongside a main dish.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Mandoline slicer or sharp knife: For finely shredding the cabbage and slicing the vegetables.
Large mixing bowl: To combine the coleslaw and dressing.
Small bowl or whisk: For preparing the vinegar dressing.
Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate measurement of the ingredients.

Storage

How to Store: If you have any leftovers, you can store vinegar coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The vinegar-based dressing helps preserve the freshness of the vegetables, but over time, the coleslaw may become slightly softer.
Can You Freeze It? It’s best not to freeze vinegar coleslaw, as the cabbage will lose its crispness and texture once thawed.

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

Cabbage texture: Make sure you shred the cabbage finely for the best texture. If you prefer a little more bite, you can go for a coarser shred, but the finer the cabbage, the better it will absorb the dressing and the more it will resemble the coleslaw you find at classic BBQs.
Balancing flavors: If the vinegar flavor is too strong for your taste, you can balance it by adding a bit more sugar. Just be sure to taste and adjust as needed, since everyone’s preference for sweet and tangy is different.
Vinegar variety: If you prefer a less sharp flavor, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar. It has a gentler, sweeter tang that can work nicely for a milder coleslaw.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Each serving of vinegar coleslaw (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

Calories: 80-90
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

This makes vinegar coleslaw a light, low-calorie option for anyone looking for a healthy side dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

FAQs About Vinegar Coleslaw

Yes, you can make it ahead of time! The coleslaw actually tastes better after sitting for a bit as the flavors have time to develop. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar is the most common choice, you can also experiment with white vinegar or rice vinegar for a different flavor profile.

For a spicy twist, try adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Yes! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, celery, or even fresh herbs for more color and flavor.

Conclusion

This vinegar-based coleslaw recipe is a simple, tangy alternative to the creamy versions we all know and love. With its crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and zesty dressing, it’s the perfect side dish for BBQs, sandwiches, and any meal that needs a light, refreshing crunch. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, store, and customize to your taste.

Whether you like it extra tangy or with a touch more sweetness, this recipe gives you the freedom to adjust to your preferences. So, give it a try next time you’re in the mood for a fresh and vibrant coleslaw – you won’t regret it!