My Grandmother's Simple Cabbage Salad Is Better Than Any Coleslaw You've Ever Tasted (2024)

You only need four ingredients to make it, too.

Published on April 15, 2022

My Grandmother's Simple Cabbage Salad Is Better Than Any Coleslaw You've Ever Tasted (1)

We all remember some foods from our childhoods more fondly than others. And while it's been at least 40 years since she served it to me, my grandmother's cabbage salad is one I love so much that I continue to make it exactly the same way she did.

Most people refer to sliced or shredded raw cabbage coated with mayo- or vinegar-based dressing as coleslaw (or just slaw). It may also contain lemon juice, onions, shredded carrots, slivered almonds, and even fruit. None of these would stand with my grandmother, Gonnie. Gonnie always called her take on coleslaw "cabbage salad," and I believe that's because the dish is, well, cabbage.

While her exact portions are lost to history, everyone who has tasted my take on this family classic agrees that it tastes just like Gonnie's. And that's the best compliment anyone could give me. But it's something you can adjust to your own taste as long as the ingredients remain the same. Otherwise, Gonnie's ghost will come after you!

Start with a big chunk of plain green cabbage. I usually use ¼ of a medium head, which serves two with some left for the next day. Remove any tough or discolored leaves from the outside. Cut out the core from the bottom. Though Gonnie used a box grater, and you can as well, I use the food processor to give the cabbage a finely-chopped texture.

Place the cabbage in a large bowl and add your favorite mayonnaise. She was team Hellman's all the way, and I am, too. I add 1 tbsp. of mayonnaise at a time until the cabbage is lightly coated but not drowning. Then I add a pinch of salt.

Now, we come to the secret ingredient: whole celery seeds. Compared to celery salt, celery seeds taste fresher, have no salt, and bring both a fun bit of texture and a pop of celery flavor to the salad. Start with 1 tbsp. and add more if you like. Mix thoroughly and taste. Adjust the mayo, salt, and celery seed.

That's it. No onion. No lemon juice. No carrots. No red cabbage. This simple, unadorned salad tastes clean and fresh. So, if you love cabbage, this salad will make you smile. I could eat it every day. And every time I make it, I remember Gonnie and the times she would make a small batch, just for me, and we would eat it together. Yep, food can take you back.

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My Grandmother's Simple Cabbage Salad Is Better Than Any Coleslaw You've Ever Tasted (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw? ›

While cabbage salad often consists only of one vegetable seasoned and dressed, coleslaw can include a few other ingredients like shredded veggies, fruits, or seasonings to give some variety to the dish. While both feature cabbage as the star of the show, the different dressings set the two apart.

What is a salad made of cabbage called? ›

Coleslaw (from the Dutch term koolsla meaning 'cabbage salad'), also known as cole slaw or simply as slaw, is a side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing or condiment, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise.

Is raw cabbage coleslaw good for you? ›

Fresh, raw, seasonal cabbage can be quite the health hero. It is a cruciferous vegetable (along with broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale and garden cress) and is rich in fibre, folates and vitamins C, E and K.

Can you eat cabbage raw in salad? ›

In addition to its long shelf life, cabbage is high in fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin-C. When treated properly, cabbage is also delicious! It's the crunch at the heart of this healthy Asian cabbage salad with almonds. If you've never tried a raw cabbage salad before, this recipe is an excellent gateway.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

Is coleslaw healthy or unhealthy Why? ›

Improves Gut Health

Coleslaw salad is rich in fiber because of the presence of raw cabbage. The RDA of fiber for an adult is 30g per day. It can become challenging to consume this much amount of fiber per day. However, 120 g portion of cabbage is sufficient to meet 10% of daily fiber needs.

Is it okay to eat cabbage every day? ›

It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet.

What is the old name for cabbage? ›

Earlier in Middle English it was referred to as caboche (late 14c.). Where did cabbage originate? The cole family -- cabbage, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower – is also known by the scientific name, Brassica oleracea, and descends from a common wild ancestor that still exists.

How long does cabbage salad last in the fridge? ›

The great thing about a cabbage salad, especially one without mayo, is that it can be even better the next day. Simply store it in your fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days. If crunch is your number one priority, store the salad and dressing separately.

What is the healthiest way to eat cabbage? ›

Although you get different nutrients if you cook or ferment it, raw red cabbage in particular might give you the best nutritional boost per serving. Slice it very thinly and leave it for about 10 minutes to help bring out the fullest, most complex flavors. Then add it to salads or sandwiches or turn it into coleslaw.

Is coleslaw good for your bowels? ›

The high fiber content in cabbage and other vegetables can aid in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the probiotics found in fermented versions of cole slaw, such as sauerkraut, can promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improve overall gut health.

Which is better for you coleslaw or potato salad? ›

Both typically harbor a ton of mayo, but coleslaw is nearly always the smarter choice, thanks mainly to its primary ingredient. “Cabbage is going to be a lot lower in calories than potatoes are,” says Amy Goodson, R.D., a Dallas-based sports dietitian.

Can cabbage lower blood pressure? ›

The antioxidants in cabbage help reduce inflammation, which is linked to heart disease. Cabbage also contains something called anthocyanins. Several studies have found these compounds can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Which is healthier, lettuce or cabbage? ›

Which should you choose? If you're looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage. Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce.

How long does cabbage last in the fridge? ›

Try to minimize any bruising of your cabbages. Any kind of cell damage makes the cabbage go by more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content. If cabbage is properly stored, it can last from 3 weeks to up to 2 months in your refrigerator. In optimum root cellar conditions, it can even last longer.

Why is coleslaw now called slaw? ›

Whatever the reason for the formation, people familiar with the food item began tinkering with its name. For instance, the Latin-based cole was substituted for cold and the spelling variant slaugh was used with cold or cole. The name was also chopped to slaw or slaugh.

What is cabbage slaw made of? ›

For the Slaw Mix: Combine cabbage, onion, carrot, and parsley in a large bowl, leaving plenty of room to toss (you may have to use 2 large bowls if your bowls are not large enough). Sprinkle with sugar and salt and toss to combine.

Do you shred cabbage for coleslaw? ›

Slice Into Thin Shreds. Keeping the wedge flat against the cutting board, slice lengthwise for shorter shreds (as pictured) or crosswise for longer shreds. (Make a finer shred for coleslaw and sauerkraut and a thicker shred for soups and stir fries.) Repeat with each wedge.

What is the difference between red slaw and white slaw? ›

Red slaw is different from traditional coleslaw in that it does not use mayonnaise as an ingredient, allowing it to be stored for longer periods without refrigeration and making it more suitable for outdoor serving. It is made with green cabbage, vinegar, water and ketchup, and a variety of spices and seasoning.

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