Seasonal Eating - Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe (2024)

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Seasonal Eating - Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe (1)

This slaw/salad made from your winter cabbage is perfect on its own for lunch or we top tacos with it or even serve it beside proteins with a legume of some kind. You could also easily add in Quinoa to this and have your protein added into it. It is extremely versatile

I did a story a few weeks back about the next month or so of winter and spring as we go through the ups and downs between the seasons. In it I talked about not eating lettuce this time of year or packaged greens.

This is a huge part of making the choice to eat seasonally. I plan to write more on this as you guys asked, but greens in the store this year are usually lacking nutrients because of the distance they traveled to get to you and they typically have been grown in mass so the care that is intended to be given to them has been either automated or they have been bread to no longer need it.

Needless to say your greens in plastic containers and bags are not what they should be so instead, choosing other things to make “salad” out of that are far more available and in-season in your area is the better choice.

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Winter Cabbage Slaw – A Twist on Salad

By choosing to eat seasonal/local we can get a higher density of nutrients in our diet meaning we can spend less. Though typically buying in season vegetables is cheaper in general. So forget the regular salad you eat with tomatoes and spring mix and instead let’s enjoy some new takes on salad. What do you think?

Just because this salad doesn’t have lettuce, does not mean it isn’t a salad. I am calling it a slaw because it is more or less a slaw, but it is FULL of raw veggies. Nothing is cooked and it is high in all the things you need to fend off colds, flu, and other ailments this time of year. Isn’t it amazing how the seasons give us what we need to be our best? I find it fascinating.

Anyways, this slaw/salad is perfect on its own for lunch or we top tacos with it or even serve it beside proteins with a legume of some kind. You could also easily add in Quinoa to this and have your protein added into it. It is extremely versatile and can be mixed with various veggies in nearly any season as well. I love recipes like this because they are simply launching points for us to find a way to eat what is available to us.

How to Make Winter Cabbage Slaw

Seasonal Eating - Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe (2)

Ingredients Needed

1/2 of a medium to large red cabbage (you can use a green or napa in place if you cannot find red)

3 medium carrots

1 daikon radish (or any type of radish that is available to you)

1 Fennel Bulb (can be replaced with turnip or eliminated completely if not available)

1 handful chopped Cilantro (if not available try another herb that is available or use the feathery tops of the fennel)

1/2 mild or sweet onion

Dressing Ingredients:

1/4 cup rice vinegar (could also use white wine vinegar or apple cider)

1/8 cup olive oil

1 tbsp local honey

salt and pepper to taste

*zest of a lime or lemon or any in-season citrus

Add on options: a few dashes of a hot sauce like Cholula or a splash of Toasted sesame oil*I want to make a note here that citrus is not local for us. We do purchase it though because lemons and limes are an essential part of a diet for us. We use them sparingly and with a lot of intention and most often when they are in-season in the citrus states which is the winter. We try to keep our purchasing of all food within the US and our awareness of what is abundant in the US at certain times of year.

Equipment Needed:

Grater

Zester

Mandolin

Bowl

Weck jar or ball jar for dressing

Knife

Cutting board

Serving utensils

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Wash and open the cabbage head. Cut into a chunk you can run on a mandolin. Shave the cabbage on the mandolin down as far as you can. Watch your fingers though! Add all of this into a bowl you plan to mix everything in.

2. Grate carrots and radishes into the same bowl with the cabbage.

3. Mandolin red onion and fennel into the bowl with the cabbage as well.

4. Chop the cilantro and drop in bowl

5. Toss everything together for the first big mix

6. Place all dressing ingredients into a jar you can place a top on to. Shake vigorously and taste. Add salt and pepper or vinegar as needed.

7. When ready to serve, pour dressing onto slaw a little at a time mixing and checking flavor. Once at the right place the dish is ready to serve.

Seasonal Eating - Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe (3)

We are big fans of this slaw and I have found it really cures those cravings for crunchy veggies in the dead of winter. I love how colorful it is and good for you. It also is a little different each time we make it depending on what is available to us at the moment.

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Seasonal Eating - Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe (4)

Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe

  • Author: Megan Gilger
  • Prep Time: 10-15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 Minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Description

Here is a delicious slaw recipe to help you clean out the cabbage drawer in your refrigerator. It’s simple, healthy, tasty food that will warm you.

Ingredients

1/2 of a medium to large red cabbage (you can use a green or napa in place if you cannot find red)
3 medium carrots
1 daikon radish (or any type of radish that is available to you)
1 Fennel Bulb (can be replaced with turnip or eliminated completely if not available)
1 handful chopped Cilantro (if not available try another herb that is available or use the feathery tops of the fennel)
1/2 mild or sweet onion

Dressing for Slaw:
1/4 cup rice vinegar (could also use white wine vinegar or apple cider)
1/8 cup olive oil
1 tbsp local honey
salt and pepper to taste
*zest of a lime or lemon or any in-season citrus
Add on options: a few dashes of a hot sauce like Cholula or a splash of Toasted sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Wash and open the cabbage head. Cut into a chunk you can run on a mandolin. Shave the cabbage on the mandolin down as far as you can. Watch your fingers though! Add all of this into a bowl you plan to mix everything in.
  2. Grate carrots and radishes into the same bowl with the cabbage.
  3. Mandolin red onion and fennel into the bowl with the cabbage as well.
  4. Chop the cilantro and drop in bowl.
  5. Toss everything together for the first big mix
  6. Place all dressing ingredients into a jar you can place a top on to. Shake vigorously and taste. Add salt and pepper or vinegar as needed.
  7. When ready to serve, pour dressing onto slaw a little at a time mixing and checking flavor. Once at the right place the dish is ready to serve.

Loved this Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe? Check out our other recipes below —

Seasonal Eating - Winter Cabbage Slaw Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw? ›

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

How to make coleslaw Mary Berry? ›

Meanwhile, to make the coleslaw, measure the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard and garlic into a large bowl. Mix and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the cabbage, carrots, celery and spring onions and toss to coat everything well. Spoon into a serving bowl.

Why is it coleslaw and not cold slaw? ›

However cold your coleslaw may be, you are wise to spell it coleslaw. The word comes from a Dutch word (koolsla) that combines the Dutch words kool, meaning "cabbage," and sla, meaning "salad." Etymology is the main course.

Why is coleslaw now called slaw? ›

According to the OED, they said “slaw” slightly before they said “coleslaw”, but “cold slaw” was first (by folk etymology of Dutch koolsla). On 29 December 1972 at an Internationa Salad and Finger Food Convention on the Isle of Mauritus.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

Is it better to make coleslaw the day before? ›

Store coleslaw in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. You can make this coleslaw ahead of time to help blend the flavors, but the dressing will become thin over time as liquid releases from the cabbage. Whisking in extra mayonnaise can help fluff up the dressing before serving.

When should you not eat coleslaw? ›

Assuming that you're storing your coleslaw in the refrigerator — and haven't taken it out for a stretch of time and put it back in — coleslaw can safely last up to five days. However, it's important to remember that this is the maximum amount of time it should be kept.

Why does my coleslaw turn pink? ›

Red cabbage, red radishes, and red onions have pigments that bleed into the slaw and turn it pink after several hours. Red cabbage can also stain plastic bowls. Red cabbage slaws also look bleached out after several hours. As a result, leftovers of slaws with these ingredients can look funny.

Why is coleslaw called John 14? ›

So familiar and faithful are we to this culinary combo that coleslaw is often referred to as John 14 – because, like the 14th chapter of the Gospel according to John, the cabbage salad is always present at important ceremonies. But just because we give food biblical names doesn't make it good for us.

Do you grate or chop cabbage for coleslaw? ›

It is all about what you like as any cut of cabbage makes good cole slaw. Shredded cabbage is the finest cut you can make either by very very finely slicing the leaves or by using a grater, like a box graters largest holes. You could also use a mandolin on a very fine setting.

What country is coleslaw from? ›

The dish was initially created in the Netherlands. In fact, the term coleslaw originates from the Dutch expression koosla, which means “cabbage salad.” Recipes similar to coleslaw have been found and used in American homes from as early as 1770.

Is cabbage and coleslaw the same thing? ›

Most people refer to sliced or shredded raw cabbage coated with mayo- or vinegar-based dressing as coleslaw (or just slaw). It may also contain lemon juice, onions, shredded carrots, slivered almonds, and even fruit.

Do you shred cabbage for coleslaw? ›

It is all about what you like as any cut of cabbage makes good cole slaw. Shredded cabbage is the finest cut you can make either by very very finely slicing the leaves or by using a grater, like a box graters largest holes. You could also use a mandolin on a very fine setting.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

What is coleslaw called in America? ›

US. noun. a salad made of shredded raw cabbage, often mixed with salad dressing and seasoning. : also cole slaw.

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