Name: Carolina BBQ Red Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 medium head of red cabbage, finely shredded; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp celery seeds; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Description

Carolina BBQ Red Slaw is a tangy and vibrant side dish featuring finely shredded red cabbage and a flavorful vinegar-based dressing. This crunchy slaw combines apple cider vinegar, ketchup, and a blend of spices to create a zesty complement for your favorite BBQ meals. Perfectly chilled and marinated to meld flavors, it offers a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 medium head of red cabbage, finely shredded
1 small onion, finely chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp celery seeds
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp lemon juice

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Instructions

Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the finely shredded red cabbage and chopped onion to create the base for the slaw.
Make the dressing: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together apple cider vinegar, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, celery seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
Cool and finish dressing: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the dressing to cool slightly. Then stir in the vegetable oil and lemon juice thoroughly to emulsify the dressing.
Combine slaw and dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and onion mixture. Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
Chill and marinate: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the slaw to chill.
Serve: Before serving, toss the slaw once more to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your favorite BBQ dishes.

Notes

For extra crunch, you can add thinly sliced carrots or green onions.
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for heat.
Make the slaw a day ahead to enhance flavor infusion.
This slaw keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Use fresh cabbage and onions for the best texture and flavor.