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Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

This Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar is a classic, tangy side dish featuring thinly sliced green cabbage, shredded carrots, and onions tossed with a warm, flavorful vinegar-based dressing. The dressing, made with distilled vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and Dijon mustard, is simmered and then whisked with olive oil to create a perfectly balanced, slightly sweet and sharp taste. After pouring the hot dressing over the vegetables, the coleslaw is refrigerated to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a crisp, refreshing salad ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a complement to any meal.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 5 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced yellow onion until evenly combined.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, celery seed, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and distilled vinegar. Bring this mixture to a low simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Incorporate the Olive Oil: Slowly whisk the olive oil into the warm vinegar mixture to emulsify the dressing. Once combined, bring the mixture to a boil and cook for one minute to meld the flavors.
  4. Combine Dressing and Vegetables: Immediately pour the hot dressing over the prepared vegetables. Toss the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the warm dressing.
  5. Chill the Coleslaw: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to become tender yet crisp.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  • This coleslaw improves with time and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar amounts to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy coleslaw.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for a more vibrant taste.
  • Celery seed adds a subtle but essential flavor characteristic of classic coleslaw.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American