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Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Joshua Bousel
Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

You wouldn't guess this full-flavored slaw has a minimal dressing made mostly of vinegar and sugar. [Photographs: Joshua Bousel]

Simplicity rules in this slaw, where equal amounts of cider vinegar and sugar create a straightforward sweet-and-tangy flavor that's incredibly versatile, not to mention delicious.

Why this recipe works:

  • A sugar-and-salt mixture purges the cabbage of excess moisture, leaving it tender, but still crunchy and well seasoned.
  • An equal amount of vinegar and sugar gives this slaw a tangy and sweet character.
  • Celery seeds add a light celery flavor and some pleasing texture.

Adapted from Peace, Love, and Barbecue by Mike and Amy Mills.

Read more: 5 Delicious Coleslaw Variations

  • Yield:Serves 10-12
  • Active time: 30 minutes
  • Total time:35 minutes
  • Rated: 4

Ingredients

  • For the Dressing:
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic (about 1 medium clove)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  •  
  • For the Slaw:
  • 1 large head green cabbage (about 3 1/2 pounds), finely shredded on a mandoline or by hand
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and grated on the large holes of a box grater
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely sliced on a mandoline or by hand
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup kosher salt

Directions

  1. 1.

    For the Dressing: Whisk together vinegar, sugar, oil, garlic, black pepper, and celery seeds in small bowl.

  2. 2.

    For the Slaw: Combine cabbage, carrot, and onion in a large bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and salt and toss to combine. Let stand five minutes, then transfer to a large colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.

  3. 3.

    Transfer vegetables to a salad spinner and spin dry. Alternatively, transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet lined with a triple layer of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and blot mixture dry with more towels. Return to large bowl.

  4. 4.

    Pour dressing over vegetables and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and/or sugar.

This Recipe Appears In
5 Delicious Coleslaw Variations

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