Ah, Carolina Red Slaw! This tangy, refreshing dish is a true Southern staple that never fails to bring a smile to my face. I remember the first time I had it at a roadside barbecue joint during a family road trip. The savory flavors and the perfect crunch paired beautifully with some smoky pulled pork. Ever since, I’ve wanted to bring that sweet Southern charm into my own kitchen, and let me tell you, I’ve had a blast tweaking the recipe to make it my own!
What I love most about Carolina Red Slaw is that it’s a cinch to make, yet it packs a punch of flavor. It’s also a fantastic side that complements everything from grilled meats to veggie burgers. Plus, if you’re like me and you’re always on the lookout for simple recipes to impress friends at a cookout, this slaw will be the star of the table!
What’s in Carolina Red Slaw?
Let me walk you through the ingredients that make this slaw sing!
Green Cabbage: The base of our slaw, cabbage is crisp and crunchy. I suggest using fresh green cabbage for its vibrant color and texture.
Red Pepper: This adds a brilliant pop of color and a hint of sweetness. Look for firm, fresh red peppers for the best flavor!
Carrots: Grated or shredded, carrots bring an added crunch and a touch of natural sweetness to the slaw.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy superstar brings that zesty flavor we all adore in coleslaw. I personally love using a good quality organic apple cider vinegar for its robust taste.
Sugar: Just a pinch does wonders in balancing the acidity of the vinegar, making everything taste delightful.
Mustard: A dollop of your favorite yellow mustard gives the slaw a nice tang. I like to use spicy brown mustard for an extra kick!
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate the flavors and tie everything together.
Is Carolina Red Slaw Good for You?
Absolutely! Carolina Red Slaw brings a lot to the table.
Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, making it great for digestion. It’s also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Carrots are another healthy addition, rich in beta-carotene, which is good for your vision and immune system.
But, we do need to chat about the dressing. While sugar and apple cider vinegar add a delightful sweetness and tang, they do increase the overall calorie count. A sprinkle of sugar goes a long way, so feel free to adjust according to your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients List
– 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
– 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
– 1 cup diced red pepper
– ½ cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
– 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or spicy brown mustard)
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 6 people.
How to Make Carolina Red Slaw?
1. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, and diced red pepper. Toss everything together so it’s all mixed well.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preferences for sweetness.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Cover and let the slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
5. When you’re ready to serve, give it a final toss and enjoy that vibrant slaw with your favorite grilled dishes!
Southern Twists and Serving Suggestions
Carolina Red Slaw is super versatile! You can toss in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or swap out sugar for honey for a more natural sweetness. If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to mix in a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt—voila, Southern-style slaw!
I love serving this alongside grilled meats, but it also works wonders on sandwiches or as a topping for tacos. The crunch and zing it adds are just phenomenal!
I hope you give this Carolina Red Slaw a try! It’s not just food; it’s a taste of Southern hospitality that you can share with your family and friends. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—drop me a comment or snap a pic if you post about it! Happy cooking!