Nine Day Coleslaw
When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing bowl of Nine Day Coleslaw to brighten up any meal. I remember the first time I made this coleslaw—it was a family barbecue, and I was tasked with bringing a side dish. I wanted something crisp, tangy, and, most importantly, something that wouldn’t wilt away in the heat. That’s when I stumbled upon the Nine Day Coleslaw. The idea that it could last for nine days in the fridge was simply too tempting to resist. As I tossed together crunchy cabbage, vibrant bell peppers, and a zesty dressing, I could already envision it pairing perfectly with grilled chicken and corn on the cob. Little did I know, this dish would become a staple for future gatherings and a favorite among family and friends. The beauty of this coleslaw is not just its longevity; it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it a versatile companion to almost any main dish. You can whip it up in no time, and its flavors only deepen as it sits. So, whether you’re hosting a picnic or just craving a hearty side, this Nine Day Coleslaw is sure to make an appearance!
Recipe Snapshot
10 mins
5 mins
5 mins
Easy
150 kcal
1 g
Keto, Whole30, Vegan
7 g
Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan
What You’ll Enjoy About This Nine Day Coleslaw
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the reasons I adore Nine Day Coleslaw is its incredible shelf life. Unlike many salads that wilt after a day, this coleslaw stays crunchy and fresh for up to nine days in the fridge. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Imagine opening your fridge to find a vibrant bowl of coleslaw ready to complement any meal!
Versatile and Adaptable
This recipe is a canvas for creativity. You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Want a little kick? Add some diced jalapeños. Prefer a sweeter version? Toss in some raisins or apples. The base of cabbage and bell pepper allows for endless variations, making it a go-to recipe you can adapt time and again.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredients in Nine Day Coleslaw are straightforward yet flavorful. You’ll use everyday staples like cabbage, green bell pepper, and a simple dressing made from vinegar, oil, and sugar. The dressing beautifully balances sweet and tangy, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. The addition of mustard seeds gives it a unique twist that sets it apart from other coleslaws.
Ideal for Any Occasion
This coleslaw is perfect for any gathering—barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or even as a side dish during family dinners. Its bright colors and refreshing taste make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults. I love serving it alongside grilled meats or as part of a larger spread, and it always gets rave reviews!
Easy to Make
If you’re worried about complicated recipes taking up your time, fear not! The Nine Day Coleslaw is incredibly easy to prepare. In just a few simple steps, you can have a large bowl of coleslaw ready to go. It’s a great way to get your family involved in cooking—kids can help with mixing and tossing the ingredients.
Health Benefits
Finally, not only is this coleslaw delicious, but it also packs a nutritious punch. With fresh vegetables like cabbage and bell peppers, you’re getting a wealth of vitamins and minerals in every bite. Cabbage is particularly known for its health benefits, including being high in fiber and low in calories. So, you can feel good about enjoying this dish!
What Goes Into Nine Day Coleslaw
The philosophy behind the ingredients in Nine Day Coleslaw is all about simplicity and balance. The combination of fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing creates a dish that is not only delicious but also healthy. The star players are the coleslaw mix and green bell pepper, which provide crunch and color, while the dressing made of sugar, white vinegar, and vegetable oil brings everything together in harmony.
- 1 (16-oz) package coleslaw mix: This is the foundation of our coleslaw, providing a crunchy texture and a blend of different cabbages.
- ½ green bell pepper, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that complements the coleslaw mix.
- ⅓ cup sugar: Balances the tanginess of the dressing and enhances the overall flavor of the coleslaw.
- ⅓ cup white vinegar: Provides that necessary acidity, bringing brightness and helping to tenderize the vegetables.
- ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil: Works to emulsify the dressing, ensuring that it coats the vegetables evenly.
- 1 tsp whole mustard seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and a hint of spice, making the flavor more complex.
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Cook Nine Day Coleslaw
Making Nine Day Coleslaw is a breeze, and I’m thrilled to share how easy it is to whip up this refreshing dish. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a crunchy, tasty coleslaw ready to go. Let’s get started!
Begin by pouring the coleslaw mix into a large mixing bowl. It should look fresh and colorful, with shades of green, purple, and white. This is where the magic begins! You can even taste a small piece to see the crunchiness for yourself.
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Next, take the green bell pepper and chop it into small pieces. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll integrate into the slaw. Add it to the bowl and mix it gently with the slaw. The combination of colors will be stunning!
Now, grab a saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the sugar, white vinegar, vegetable oil, mustard seeds, and the salt. Stir the mixture while heating until the sugar has completely dissolved. You want to see the sugar melting away and the mixture bubbling just slightly.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the dressing to cool for just a couple of minutes. It doesn’t need to cool completely, but you don’t want it scalding hot.
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Now, pour the warm dressing over the coleslaw mix and green bell pepper in the large bowl. The heat from the dressing will slightly wilt the vegetables, making them even more delicious.
Using a pair of tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together gently. Ensure that every piece of coleslaw mix is coated in that tasty dressing. The colors should blend beautifully, and the smell will be enticing!
Finally, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw. This is an important step! Letting it sit allows the flavors to meld together. You can keep it for up to nine days, but I doubt it will last that long once you taste it!
Things Worth Knowing
- Storage: This coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container for up to nine days in the fridge. The flavors only get better!
- Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots, diced apples, or even nuts for added texture.
- Serving Temperature: While it can be served cold, letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving can enhance the flavors.
- Ingredient Quality: The fresher the coleslaw mix and bell pepper, the better the coleslaw will taste. Always choose vibrant, crisp vegetables.
Ways to Adapt This Recipe
There’s so much you can do with the Nine Day Coleslaw recipe to make it your own. Here are some tips to help you customize this dish:
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Sweeten It: Toss in some raisins or chopped apples for added sweetness and texture.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can use agave syrup instead of sugar for a healthier twist.
- Herbal Twist: Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a refreshing burst of flavor!
- Storage: Store your coleslaw in a tightly sealed container to keep it fresh longer. Avoid metal containers, as they might react with the vinegar.
- Freezing: This coleslaw is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the vegetables once thawed.
- Pairing: Serve with grilled chicken, burgers, or as a filling in tacos for a crunchy contrast.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Nine Day Coleslaw, there are plenty of creative ways to do so. Here’s how you can elevate your coleslaw experience:
- Picnics: This is the perfect dish for outdoor gatherings! Pack it in a cooler to keep it fresh, and enjoy it alongside some sandwiches and fruit.
- Barbecues: Pair it with grilled meats like chicken or burgers. The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw is a fantastic contrast to smoky barbecue flavors.
- Potlucks: Make a big batch to share at your next potluck. It’s sure to be a hit and can feed a crowd!
- Burgers: Use the coleslaw as a topping for burgers to add a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.
- Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, pair it with corn on the cob and watermelon for a refreshing meal. In the fall, it goes well with roasted veggies.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for nearly a week, getting tastier as the flavors meld!
FAQ
Conclusion
The Nine Day Coleslaw is truly a delightful dish that brings a perfect balance of crunchy vegetables and a sweet-tangy dressing to your table. With its impressive longevity and versatility, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved staple at gatherings. I encourage you to try making it yourself and enjoy the vibrant flavors that will surely brighten any meal. You won’t regret adding this refreshing coleslaw to your recipe collection!
Nine Day Coleslaw
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 1 16-oz package coleslaw mix
- ½ cup green bell pepper chopped
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ⅓ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 tsp whole mustard seeds
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Pour slaw mix and chopped bell pepper into a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, oil, mustard seeds, and salt. Heat dressing just until the sugar has dissolved and pour over slaw.
- Refrigerate up to 9 days.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can pour the dressing over the slaw mix hot or let it cool off first; either way is fine.
- Tip 2: Feel free to add thinly sliced onions to the coleslaw mix for extra flavor; Vidalia sweet onions work great!
