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!
I need to try this!! Never heard of this technique!!
Delicious recipe,instead of cane sugar, I’ll use erythritol, xylitol or sukrin as the sweetener.
This is a new one on me too. Can it be eaten on the same day you make it? I’m thinking of making a double batch and freezing half since most cabbages will make a lot.
Yes, it can be eaten the same day but I would let it chill for at least a couple of hours before eating to give the flavors time to develop. Enjoy! :)
This looks like a winner, excited to try it! Could you please tell us how much is one serving, a cup, 1/2 cup? Thanks!
Thanks, Abby! It’s about 1/2 cup.
I have a recipe that’s similar,but never thought it was freezable! Only difference is I use equal amounts of sugar and vinegar, but no water! I sometimes add some tarragon, or basil. Will certainly try this version.
Could other dressings be used? Or could it be frozen without dressing, or is the dressing a vital component for successful freezing?
Hi Lynne, the liquid is necessary for freezing and yes, you could use another non-dairy dressing.
Thank you :-)
I’ve never heard of freezer slaw! This is awesome.
This is a great idea! I always looking for an easy way out!
I love how easy this is! A great side dish to have just laying around when you need something in a pinch.
Such a great idea!
I absolutely love this idea! Such a time-saver!
Really loving this recipe. Going to be making it no doubt!
I love how easy this is!
I can’t belive I’ve never heard of this….brilliant!
Love this idea for parties that you can make it ahead of time, great job!