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Carolina BBQ Red Slaw Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Description

Carolina BBQ Red Slaw is a tangy and vibrant vinegar-based coleslaw made with finely shredded green cabbage and a zesty dressing of ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce. This refreshing side dish is perfect for complementing pulled pork sandwiches and other Southern-style barbecue favorites. The slaw is easy to prepare with no cooking required, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully when chilled.


Ingredients

Scale

Slaw

  • 6 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Texas Pete)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white sugar, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, celery seed (if using), and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  2. Combine Cabbage and Dressing: Place the finely shredded green cabbage in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage, then toss thoroughly to ensure all the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing.
  3. Chill to Develop Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the slaw for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
  4. Serve: Before serving, stir the slaw again to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish to barbecue or sandwiches.

Notes

  • This vinegar-based slaw pairs excellently with pulled pork sandwiches and Carolina-style BBQ.
  • Can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge for optimal flavor.
  • To add more heat, increase the hot sauce quantity or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.