Fresh, Sweet, and Tangy Southern Cabbage Slaw
Cabbage Slaw is a classic Southern side dish that combines crisp shredded cabbage, sweet peppers, onions, and a warm sweet-and-tangy dressing. The hot vinegar mixture lightly softens the vegetables while preserving their crunch, creating a refreshing accompaniment to fried chicken, barbecue, fish, and other Southern favorites.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this simple recipe celebrates the tradition of turning everyday garden vegetables into flavorful side dishes that bring color and freshness to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage (shredded)
- 1 green pepper (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2/3 cup cooking oil
- 1-1/4 cups vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
Serves: 4–6
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion.
- In a saucepan, combine the cooking oil, vinegar, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a brisk boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Return the dressing to a second boil, then immediately remove it from the heat.
- Carefully pour the hot dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss well to evenly coat the vegetables.
- Let the slaw cool before serving, or refrigerate for a few hours for even better flavor.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A crisp Southern slaw with a sweet and tangy homemade dressing.
- Perfect alongside barbecue, fried chicken, fish, or pulled pork.
- Even better after chilling for several hours.
- Great for cookouts, family dinners, potlucks, and holiday meals.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
