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!
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy!
For more refreshing summer side dishes be sure to try our:
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Chicken Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Classic Potato Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Pea Salad
- German Potato Salad
- Waldorf Salad
- Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
- Watermelon Salad
- Greek Wheat Berry Salad
- Italian Barley Salad
- Curried Couscous Salad
- Thai Quinoa Salad
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Freezer Slaw
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
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet August 13, 2018
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!
What is a good substitute for mustard seed?
Hi Donna, there’s no substitute that will taste similar to mustard seed. I would simply omit it. Or, if you’d like to go for a different flavor profile, you could use some caraway or cumin seed but only if you like the flavor of those spices and I would only add 1/4 teaspoon of either because they have a strong flavor.
Love the flavour. Tastes like bread and butter pickles. This recipe says 6 servings, but that would be if that is the only thing that they are eating for 2 days. The reality is closer to 14-18 servings as a side dish.
Thank you, Carolyn, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Use on Brats, sandwiches etc . That’s what I had it out for at a party people took as side and put on brats they loved it
Awesome, Mar, terrific idea and I’m so glad it was a hit, thank you!
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.
Thank you so much, Maratha, I’m happy that you both enjoyed it!
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
Need this recipe for 100 people..1/2 cup servings. Help please.
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 !
You’re welcome, Chris, I’m so glad you finally found what you were looking for!
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.
Thank you, Carolyn, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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?
Could I use mustard instead of the seeds in the dressing and add diced celery to the salad? thanks
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!
Thanks so much! Making freezer meals for Mom and wanted more variety for side dishes.
I’ve never tried slaw with peppers before. Sounds amazing! Thanks for the recipe
I definitely need to give this a try! Such a perfect side!