Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish for your next BBQ or potluck? Look no further than this classic recipe for old fashioned coleslaw with vinegar!

Made with a simple blend of cabbage and carrots, diced green pepper, and sliced onion, this coleslaw is dressed with a tangy and slightly sweet mixture of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Perfectly crisp and refreshing, this coleslaw is the perfect complement to any summer meal.

Looking for more bbq sides? Try my Potato Salad, Mediterranean Salad, and Veggie Pasta Salad.

Looking for the perfect main dish to serve with this coleslaw? Try my Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs, Grilled Cheeseburgers, Grilled Chicken Thighs, and Italian Cabbage.

Why You'll Love this Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

• Easy to make: This recipe requires only a few simple ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes.
• Refreshing and flavorful: The tangy blend of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices gives this coleslaw a refreshing and flavorful taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
• Versatile: This coleslaw is a versatile side dish that can be served with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers and hot dogs.
• Customizable: This recipe can be customized to your liking by adding additional vegetables or adjusting the amount of dressing.
• Can be made ahead: This coleslaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Cost-effective: This recipe is an affordable option for feeding a crowd, as it uses simple and inexpensive ingredients.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.

• Coleslaw mix with cabbage and carrots: This is the base of the coleslaw and provides the crunch and texture. You can use thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots if coleslaw mix is not available.
• Green pepper: Adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor and a pop of color. You can substitute with red or yellow pepper or omit if you don't like peppers.
• Onion: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor. You can substitute with red onion or omit if you don't like onions.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and richness to the dressing. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier option.
• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a tangy and acidic flavor. You can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice for a milder flavor.
• White sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of vinegar. You can substitute with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the coleslaw. You can adjust the amount to taste.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor. You can substitute with white pepper for a milder flavor.

How to make Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in the recipe card.

To make this old fashioned coleslaw with vinegar, start by placing the coleslaw mix, diced green pepper, and sliced onion in a mixing bowl.

In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, white sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Pour the dressing mixture over the coleslaw mix and vegetables, making sure to coat everything thoroughly. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix everything together until the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the coleslaw.

Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften slightly.

When you're ready to serve, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and serve cold. You can garnish with additional sliced onions or green peppers, if desired.

Note: This recipe is very easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to make the coleslaw more or less tangy, or add additional vegetables like shredded carrots or sliced celery for added flavor and texture.

Variations

• Creamy Coleslaw with Vinegar: To make a creamier version of this coleslaw, add ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture along with the mayonnaise.
• Spicy Coleslaw with Vinegar: For a spicier version, add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the dressing mixture. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Asian Coleslaw with Vinegar: To give this coleslaw an Asian twist, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil to the dressing mixture. Top with chopped cilantro, peanuts, and sliced scallions for added flavor and crunch.
• Sweet and Sour Coleslaw with Vinegar: Add ¼ cup of pineapple juice and 1 tablespoon of honey to the dressing mixture for a sweet and sour flavor. You can also add diced pineapple or raisins for added sweetness.
• Apple Coleslaw with Vinegar: Add 1 cup of diced apples to the coleslaw mix for a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

FAQ's

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this coleslaw up to 1 day in advance. Simply store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of vinegar in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or even rice vinegar for a different flavor.

Can I use a different type of sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can use honey, agave, or maple syrup instead of white sugar.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of coleslaw mix?

Yes, you can thinly slice cabbage and shred carrots instead of using pre-made coleslaw mix.

How long will this coleslaw last in the refrigerator?

This coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can use a vegan mayonnaise substitute and omit the sugar (or use a vegan sugar substitute) to make this recipe vegan.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the coleslaw?

You can adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar in the recipe to suit your taste. Add more sugar for a sweeter coleslaw or more vinegar for a tangier coleslaw.

Tips

• Mix the dressing thoroughly: To ensure the best flavor, make sure to mix the dressing ingredients together until well combined. This will help to evenly coat the vegetables.
• Let it chill: Coleslaw tastes best when it has had time to chill in the refrigerator. Plan ahead and make the coleslaw at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Use fresh ingredients: While pre-made coleslaw mix can save time, using fresh vegetables will give your coleslaw a brighter, crunchier taste. Shred the cabbage and carrots yourself for best results.
• Customize to your liking: This recipe is very customizable. Experiment with different vinegars, sugars, and even hot sauce to find the flavor combination that you love.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk or water.
• Garnish for extra flavor: Top your coleslaw with chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley, nuts like toasted almonds or pecans, or even crispy bacon for an extra burst of flavor.
• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What to pair with with Old Fashioned Coleslaw with Vinegar?

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Grilled Cheeseburgers

Grilled Chicken Thighs

Other BBQ Side Dishes You'll Love

Potato Salad

Mediterranean Salad

Veggie Pasta Salad

Did You Make this Recipe?

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