Refreshing California Slaw
This vibrant and delicious California Slaw has quickly become a favorite of mine, even as someone who wasn't particularly fond of coleslaw. The recipe, sourced from a diabetic cooking class, strikes a perfect balance between crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a refreshing side dish for any occasion. With a variety of colorful ingredients, including green and red cabbage, fresh peppers, and carrots, this slaw not only looks great on the plate but also packs a nutritious punch. The use of a liquid sugar substitute ensures that it remains diabetic-friendly while still delivering a satisfying sweetness. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or simply as a healthy addition to your meal prep.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded cabbage
1 cup (raw)
shredded red cabbage
1 cup (raw)
shredded carrot
1/2 cup (raw)
chopped green pepper
1/2 cup (raw)
chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup (raw)
chopped onion
1/4 cup (raw)
minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons (fresh)
vinegar
1/4 cup (liquid)
oil-free Italian dressing
1/4 cup (liquid)
Splenda sugar substitute
8 teaspoons (as needed)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrot, chopped green pepper, chopped sweet red pepper, chopped onion, and minced parsley. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the vegetables, then set aside.
2
In a small jar, combine vinegar, oil-free Italian dressing, Splenda sugar substitute, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well combined and smooth.
3
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss the vegetables to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the slaw to chill for at least 30 minutes, so the flavors can meld together.
5
Once chilled, stir the coleslaw lightly again before serving. Use a slotted spoon to serve, allowing excess dressing to drain off.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing California Slaw?
Refreshing California Slaw is a vibrant, vegetable-based side dish featuring a mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, and peppers tossed in a tangy, oil-free Italian dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics?
Yes, this recipe was sourced from a diabetic cooking class and uses a sugar substitute (Splenda) to ensure it remains diabetic-friendly.
What vegetables are included in this slaw?
The slaw includes shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green peppers, sweet red peppers, and chopped onions.
What kind of dressing is used in California Slaw?
The dressing is a homemade blend of vinegar, oil-free Italian dressing, Splenda sugar substitute, salt, and pepper.
How long should the slaw chill before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
Does this recipe contain mayonnaise?
No, this is a vinegar-based slaw that uses oil-free Italian dressing instead of mayonnaise, making it lighter and more refreshing.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients required to make this Refreshing California Slaw.
Can I use real sugar instead of Splenda?
While the recipe specifies 8 teaspoons of Splenda for a diabetic-friendly version, you could substitute with sugar if dietary restrictions are not a concern.
Why is a slotted spoon recommended for serving?
Using a slotted spoon allows any excess dressing to drain off, preventing the slaw from being too soggy on the plate.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with nutritious vegetables, uses oil-free dressing, and avoids refined sugars, making it a healthy side dish option.
What type of peppers are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for a half-cup each of chopped green pepper and sweet red pepper for color and crunch.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine the vinegar, Italian dressing, sugar substitute, salt, and pepper in a small jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously until smooth.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1.5 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley to add flavor and color.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely. Because it is a vinegar-based slaw, it holds up well in the refrigerator and the flavors improve over time.
What occasions is this slaw best for?
It is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed (vegetables, vinegar, oil-free Italian dressing, and Splenda), this recipe is vegan-friendly.
How much cabbage is needed?
You will need 1 cup of shredded green cabbage and 1 cup of shredded red cabbage.
How much salt and pepper is added?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Should the vegetables be raw?
Yes, all the vegetables—cabbage, carrots, peppers, and onions—should be prepared raw to maintain their crisp texture.
What is the best way to mix the slaw?
Combine the vegetables in a large bowl first to ensure even distribution, then pour the dressing over and gently toss.
Can I use bottled vinegar?
Yes, 1/4 cup of liquid vinegar is required for the dressing base.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
How do I ensure the dressing is well combined?
The instructions recommend shaking the dressing ingredients in a sealed jar vigorously until the mixture is smooth.
What type of Italian dressing should I buy?
To follow the recipe exactly and keep it low-fat, look for an 'oil-free' Italian dressing variety.
How much carrot is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded carrots.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick recipe' since it primarily involves chopping and mixing, with only a short 30-minute chill time.
What makes the slaw colorful?
The combination of red and green cabbage, orange carrots, and green and red peppers creates a very vibrant and colorful dish.
Do I need to stir it again after chilling?
Yes, the instructions suggest stirring the coleslaw lightly one more time just before serving.
Can I use a liquid sugar substitute other than Splenda?
The recipe specifies Splenda, but you can use other sugar substitutes as long as you adjust for the equivalent sweetness of 8 teaspoons.
What is the primary flavor profile of this slaw?
It has a tangy and refreshing flavor profile with a slight sweetness and a crisp vegetable texture.