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Amish Coleslaw Recipe: Old Fashioned Creamy Slaw

Amish Coleslaw Recipe: Old Fashioned Creamy Slaw

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After having the pleasure of dining in an Amish home in Shipshewana, I couldn’t get the taste of their Amish Coleslaw out of my mind. The creamy, tangy slaw was the perfect complement to the hearty Amish meal, and a few weeks later, I found myself craving it again.

Amish Coleslaw Cover Image

This Amish Coleslaw Recipe brings together the best of that experience—combining fresh cabbage, crunchy carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor.

Imagine this slaw on a hot summer day, sitting next to pork sandwiches at a family picnic. The flavors only get better after sitting overnight, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time.

This recipe is a wonderful addition to any gathering, whether it’s a family reunion or a simple BBQ with friends.

So, let’s dive into this old-fashioned creamy slaw recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

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Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • 1 tsp mustard seed
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Plastic wrap for covering
  • green peppers, finely chopped, for garnish if desired
Amish Coleslaw prepare the cabbage by shredding

Amish Overnight Coleslaw Recipe Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the fresh shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots. If you like a bit more crunch, you can also add some finely chopped green peppers to the mix.

Make the Dressing: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, white sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, celery salt, and white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Mix the Coleslaw: Pour the cooled dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the vegetables are well coated. Add the sour cream and mix until everything is evenly combined.

Amish Coleslaw pour on the dressing

Marinate the Slaw: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the slaw to achieve that best flavor that gets your taste buds tingling.

Serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw another good stir and taste for seasoning. If needed, adjust with a little more salt or vinegar. Serve chilled, alongside pork sandwiches or your favorite picnic dishes.

This Amish Coleslaw Recipe is more than just a great side dish—it’s a connection to a simpler way of life and a reminder of those delightful meals shared in good company. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, BBQ, or family gathering, it’s sure to be a hit!

Amish Coleslaw use fresh ingredients

Tips for the Best Amish Slaw

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the cabbage and other vegetables, the more vibrant and crunchy your coleslaw will be.
  • Overnight is Best: While you can serve the coleslaw after a few hours, letting it sit overnight really deepens the flavors and makes it even more delicious.
  • Adjust to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter slaw, you can add a bit more sugar. For a tangier taste, increase the vinegar slightly.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Amish Coleslaw

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes, using a coleslaw mix from the grocery store is a great time-saver. Just make sure to adjust the dressing quantity based on the amount of coleslaw mix you use.

How long does Amish Coleslaw last?

Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.

Can I make this coleslaw without sour cream?

Yes, if you prefer a traditional vinegar-based dressing without cream, you can omit the sour cream. The slaw will still be tangy and delicious.

What can I serve this coleslaw with?

This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with pork sandwiches, fried chicken, or as a side at any traditional picnic treat. It’s also a great topping for pulled pork or BBQ sandwiches.

Can I make this recipe in advance for a picnic?

Absolutely! This Amish Coleslaw is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes best when it has had time to sit and let the flavors meld, making it ideal for picnics or potlucks.

Yield: 4 - 6 servings

Amish Coleslaw

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tsp celery seed
  • 1 tsp mustard seed
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • plastic wrap, for covering
  • green peppers, finely chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the fresh shredded cabbage, red bell pepper, and carrots.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, white sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, celery salt, and white vinegar.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  4. Pour the cooled dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the vegetables are well coated. Add the sour cream and mix until everything is evenly combined.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. Before serving, stir the coleslaw and taste for seasoning. If needed, adjust with more salt or vinegar.
  7. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 286Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 685mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 5gSugar: 42gProtein: 5g
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