Pickled Coleslaw – My Vegetarian Roots
Introduction
Pickled Coleslaw is a crisp, tangy, and refreshing side that elevates any meal with its vibrant color and bold flavor. Unlike traditional creamy coleslaws, this recipe uses a quick pickling technique that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while imparting a zingy finish. Whether you’re topping tacos, complementing your barbecue, or building a lighter lunch bowl, this recipe will become your go-to for adding a bright vegetarian crunch any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love Pickled Coleslaw – My Vegetarian Roots
The beauty of Pickled Coleslaw lies in its simplicity and punchy taste. Quick-pickling draws out lively flavors in minutes, offering a lighter, dairy-free version of this classic side dish. It’s vegan-friendly, endlessly customizable, and perfect for dietary-conscious gatherings—making it a crowd-pleaser and a meal-prep favorite. Each bite offers a unique balance of crispness and acidity, harmonizing beautifully with everything from sandwiches to grain bowls.
Crafting the Perfect Pickling Marinade
At the heart of pickled coleslaw is a simple but dynamic marinade. Apple cider vinegar provides tang, while a touch of sugar balances with subtle sweetness. Toasted mustard seeds, freshly ground pepper, and a hint of garlic add delicious complexity. Letting the vegetables sit in this brine for just 30 minutes infuses them with flavor, yielding a colorful, bright slaw with just the right amount of pucker.
Assembling Your Pickled Coleslaw
Start by finely shredding your cabbage, carrots, and onions for an even, delicate texture. Toss your veggies with the homemade pickling liquid until well coated, then let the flavors develop. The result? A perfectly crunchy slaw, ready to be served as a topping or a stunning side.
Serving Suggestions
Pickled Coleslaw shines in tacos, grain bowls, veggie burgers, and hearty sandwiches. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables or plant-based proteins. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or parsley for added freshness. For an extra pop of flavor, sprinkle with toasted seeds or sliced jalapeños.
Nutritional Information and Servings
This Pickled Coleslaw recipe yields about 6 servings, with each serving delivering roughly 60-80 calories depending on the vegetables and amount of sugar used. It’s high in fiber, low in fat, and loaded with vitamins C and K—making it a nutritious addition to your table.
Pickled Coleslaw – My Vegetarian Roots (Recap)
For a zesty, crisp, and healthy side that packs a punch, this easy pickled coleslaw delivers on all fronts. Its versatility and bold flavor profile will make it a regular feature in your vegetarian recipe rotation.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and healthy meal planning.
Instructions
- Combine apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, garlic, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Heat over low until sugar and salt dissolve—about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss together green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and red onion.
- Pour the slightly cooled pickling marinade over the shredded vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat.
- Cover and let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for even more flavor). Toss again before serving.
- Garnish with fresh chopped herbs if desired, and enjoy as a side or a topping for your favorite vegetarian dishes.
Weekly Meal Planning
This vibrant Pickled Coleslaw is meal-prep friendly and keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for your weekly plant-based plans. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your meal calendar and auto-generate shopping lists that intelligently collect all required ingredients.
Planning Benefits:
– Combines ingredient amounts across all your recipes, so you buy exactly what you need
– Simplifies your shopping by grouping items by store section
– Prevents double purchases and forgotten essentials
– Makes plant-based meal prep stress-free and streamlined
Pro tip: When scheduling multiple vegetarian dishes, plan your week to see ingredient overlaps. Shared veggies (like cabbage or carrots) are tallied across recipes, minimizing waste and saving money!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 30-40 minutes (including pickling time)
