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Freezer Slaw

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Cool, crisp, refreshing and flavorful, this delicious freezer slaw recipe is sure to become a regular!  It’s the perfect summer make-ahead side dish because you keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to use it.  Make a double batch while you’re at it, this freezer slaw is superbly convenient to have on hand for a ready-to-go side dish!

freezer slaw recipe coleslaw cider vinegar sugar peppers

What is Freezer Slaw?

I’m not sure where or when freezer slaw originated, but the concept has been around for decades.  This oldie but goodie comes by way of request from one of our readers who recalled her grandmother making it years ago and was looking for a recipe.

This delicious freezer slaw is the perfect make-ahead dish! You simply toss the ingredients together, put them in a ziplock bag and put it in the freezer where it will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, you just pull a bag of it out of the freezer, let it thaw and serve. It’s super convenient!

This freezer slaw is excellent eaten plain as well as on hot dogs, burgers, wraps and sandwiches.

Cool, crisp, refreshing and flavorful, this freezer slaw is sure to be a hit!

Freezer Slaw Recipe

Let’s get started!

Place all the veggies in a large bowl and toss.  Sprinkle the salt over them and let them sit for at least one hour to draw out the water.  Rinse and drain the veggies.

Prepare the cider dressing:  Place the dressing ingredients in a small saucepan and boil for one minute.  Let it cool just slightly, a couple of minutes.

place veggies in large bowl and prepare brine in pot

Pour the hot cider dressing over the veggies and stir to combine.  Let it cool completely.

Spoon the slaw into ziplock bags with most of the liquid (one batch fits perfectly in a gallon bag) and spread it out flat.

placing veggies and brine in bags

Lay the ziplock in the freezer.  It will keep up to 3 months.

To use it, simply take the bag out of the freezer and let it thaw.  Then place it in a bowl and serve.

freezer slaw recipe cider vinegar coleslaw sugar peppers

Enjoy!

freezer slaw recipe cider vinegar coleslaw sugar peppers

For more refreshing summer side dishes be sure to try our:

freezer slaw recipe coleslaw

Freezer Slaw

The perfect make-ahead dish, put it in freezer bags and freeze them for up to 3 months, then grab and thaw and serve!  Cool, crisp, flavorful and refreshing, it's sure to be a hit!
5 from 40 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 272 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 pounds shredded green cabbage
  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 large carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup finely diced onion
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • For the Dressing:
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cup cane sugar, see note (can substitute the equivalent alternative sweetener)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Place all the veggies in a large bowl and toss.  Sprinkle the salt over them and let them sit for at least one hour to draw out the water.  Rinse and drain the veggies.
  • To make the dressing, place all the dressing ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 minutes.  Let cool just slightly, a couple of minutes.  
  • Place the veggies in a large bowl and pour the hot dressing over them.  Stir to combine.  Let the slaw cool completely then spoon into a freezer bag with most of the liquid.  Lay the freezer bag flat in the freezer.  Will keep up to 3 months.  To use, remove the bag, thaw, and place in a bowl to serve.

Notes

*A good amount of sugar is needed to counter the acidity of the vinegar.  Keep in mind that much of the sugar won't be eaten, it will be left in the liquid at the bottom of the bowl.  However, feel free to reduce the sugar as your taste permits.

Nutrition

Calories: 272kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 2g
Keyword freezer slaw
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet August 13, 2018

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!

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Recipe Rating




5 from 40 votes (31 ratings without comment)

33 Comments

  1. Made this today and my sister and I love it. I might cut back on the sugar a little bit next time. But this is really good. Thank you for the recipe.

  2. Want to fix enough for 10 people but want to use already shredded cabbage and carrots u buy n bag, only I don’t know how’s much to fix tha

  3. I had a similar recipe in 1975. It was given to me by my m-i-l. I lost that copy in a house fire and I have looked long and hard for a replacement! Thank you SO MUCH !

  4. Have tried this many times and always good, especially for picnics as a lot of folks are scared of using Mayonnaise and letting it sit so perfect for picnics or whatever you are doing.

  5. We like sweet slaw and use miracle whip for some acidity and powdered sugar to cut down on the moisture. Do you have to use the cider vinegar?

    1. Hi Denise, prepared mustard has a different and stronger flavor than mustard seeds so if you don’t have mustard seeds I would just omit them – don’t substitute with prepared mustard. The slaw will still taste good without the mustard seeds. Yes, you can add celery. Happy cooking!