Olivia Carter
Freezer slaw is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy coleslaw all year round. Whether you have a surplus of cabbage from your garden or you simply love the refreshing crunch of slaw, freezing it is a great option to preserve its flavors and texture.
Freezing slaw not only allows you to enjoy this classic side dish whenever you want, but it also helps to extend its shelf life. By following a few simple steps, you can fix freezer slaw that will stay fresh and tasty for months.
To start, you will need to gather fresh cabbage, carrots, onion and other desired ingredients for your slaw. Shred the cabbage and carrots, finely chop the onion, and mix them together in a large bowl. Add any additional ingredients, such as celery seeds or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor of your slaw.
Next, prepare the dressing for your slaw. The dressing should be a combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Mix these ingredients together in a separate bowl until well blended. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Now it’s time to pack the slaw for freezing. Divide the slaw into portion-sized containers or freezer bags, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Press out any excess air and seal the containers tightly. Label each container with the date and contents for easy reference in the future.
Finally, place the containers in the freezer and allow the slaw to freeze completely. Freezer slaw can usually be stored for up to 6 months, but it is best to consume it within 3-4 months for the best quality. When you’re ready to enjoy your slaw, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Fixing freezer slaw is a simple and practical way to preserve the flavors and crunch of this classic side dish. With just a few steps, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of slaw anytime you want, whether it’s a hot summer day or a cozy winter evening.
Prepare Ingredients
Before you can start making freezer slaw, you will need to gather and prepare your ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Cabbage | 1 head |
| Carrots | 2 medium-sized |
| Green bell pepper | 1 |
Start by washing the cabbage and removing the outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into small, thin shreds using a knife or a food processor.
Peel the carrots and grate them using a grater or a food processor. You can choose to grate them finely or coarsely, depending on your preference.
Wash the green bell pepper and remove the stem, seeds, and membranes. Dice it into small pieces.
Once you have all the ingredients prepared, you are ready to move on to the next step in making freezer slaw.
Select Fresh Vegetables
When making freezer slaw, it is important to start with fresh and high-quality vegetables. Fresh vegetables not only taste better but also retain more of their nutrients, color, and crunch. Here are some tips for selecting the best vegetables for your freezer slaw:
1. Cabbage:
- Choose a firm and compact cabbage head without any soft spots or blemishes.
- Look for crisp and vibrant green outer leaves.
- Avoid cabbages with wilted or browned leaves.
2. Carrots:
- Opt for medium-sized carrots that are firm and free from any cracks or blemishes.
- Avoid carrots that are limp or rubbery.
- Look for bright orange color and smooth skin.
3. Bell Peppers:
- Choose bell peppers that are plump, firm, and glossy.
- Avoid peppers with shriveled or wrinkled skin.
- Look for vibrant colors, such as red, green, or yellow.
4. Onion:
- Select onions that are firm and free from any soft spots.
- Avoid onions with sprouts or moldy patches.
- Choose onions with dry and papery skins.
By selecting fresh vegetables, you can ensure that your freezer slaw will have the best flavor and texture. Remember to wash and dry the vegetables thoroughly before shredding or chopping them for the slaw.
Chop the Vegetables
Before you start making freezer slaw, you need to chop the vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces. The vegetables that are commonly used in freezer slaw include cabbage, carrots, onions, and green peppers.
Start by removing the outer leaves and core of the cabbage. Then, thinly slice the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline. Next, peel the carrots and grate them using a box grater or a food processor.
When it comes to onions and green peppers, you can chop them into small pieces using a knife. Make sure to remove the seeds and white pith from the green peppers before chopping them.
Once you have chopped all the vegetables, you can combine them in a large bowl and mix them together. This will ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the slaw.
Pro Tip:
If you want to save time, you can also use a food processor with a shredding or slicing attachment to chop the vegetables. This will help you achieve a consistent size and texture.
Why Chop the Vegetables?
Chopping the vegetables into small pieces allows them to absorb the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients more effectively. It also helps ensure that the slaw has a pleasant texture and is easy to eat. So take your time and chop the vegetables diligently.
Make the Dressing
To make the dressing for your freezer slaw, start by combining mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, and celery seed in a bowl. You can adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your liking, depending on your taste preferences. Stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add more sugar. Similarly, if you like a tangier dressing, add more vinegar. The mustard and celery seed add a nice flavor and texture to the dressing.
Once the dressing is mixed, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it needs more sweetness, add more sugar. If it needs more tanginess, add more vinegar. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the dressing.
Once you are satisfied with the taste of the dressing, pour it over the cabbage and vegetable mixture in your freezer slaw. Use a spatula or spoon to mix the dressing into the slaw thoroughly, ensuring that all the vegetables are coated.
After the dressing is mixed in, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the slaw for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the slaw to become crisp and refreshing.
Once the slaw has chilled, it is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite meals, or use it as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. The freezer slaw will stay fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator, making it a convenient and delicious option for meal prep.
Mix Vinegar and Sugar
To prepare the flavorful dressing for the freezer slaw, start by mixing vinegar and sugar together. This combination adds a tangy and sweet taste to the slaw. Use a bowl or a jar to combine the vinegar and sugar.
For a classic taste, you can use white vinegar and granulated sugar. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can opt for apple cider vinegar and brown sugar.
Depending on your preference, you can adjust the vinegar-to-sugar ratio. A good starting point is to use 1 part vinegar to 2 parts sugar. You can increase or decrease the sugar amount to suit your taste.
Stir the vinegar and sugar mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step ensures that the slaw dressing will have a smooth consistency. If you notice any granules of sugar, continue stirring until they dissolve.
Once the vinegar and sugar are well combined, the dressing is ready to be used on the freezer slaw. Pour the mixture over the shredded vegetables and toss until the slaw is evenly coated.
Add Mayonnaise and Mustard
Once you have thawed the freezer slaw, it’s time to add some delicious flavors. Start by adding mayonnaise and mustard to the slaw mixture. This will give it a creamy and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the crisp vegetables.
To add the mayonnaise and mustard, simply mix them together in a small bowl until well combined. Then, pour the mixture over the slaw and toss well to ensure all the vegetables are coated.
You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard according to your taste preferences. If you like a creamier slaw, add more mayonnaise. If you prefer a tangier slaw, add more mustard. Feel free to experiment and find the perfect balance of flavors for you.
Once you’ve added the mayonnaise and mustard, cover the slaw mixture and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also give the slaw a chance to become even more chilled and refreshing.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Thawed freezer slaw |
1. Mix mayonnaise and mustard together in a small bowl. 2. Pour the mixture over the slaw and toss well to coat. 3. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard according to taste. 4. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. |
Combine Vegetables and Dressing
Once the vegetables are cut and shredded, it’s time to combine them with the dressing. To do this, simply place the vegetables in a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top.
If you’re using a homemade dressing, make sure to whisk it together first to ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. If you’re using a store-bought dressing, give it a good shake before pouring it over the vegetables.
Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss the vegetables and dressing together, making sure that everything is evenly coated. You want every piece of vegetable to be flavorful and coated in dressing.
Once everything is well combined, you can also add any additional seasonings or spices to enhance the flavor. Some popular additions include salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs.
If you prefer a creamier slaw, you can also mix in some sour cream or mayonnaise. Just be aware that this may slightly change the taste and texture of the slaw.
Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want the slaw to be well balanced and delicious.
Once everything is mixed together, you can transfer the slaw to airtight containers or freezer bags for storage. Make sure to label and date the containers, so you know when you made the slaw.
The slaw can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Add Dressing to Chopped Vegetables
Now that you have your chopped vegetables ready, it’s time to add the delicious dressing! The dressing will not only add flavor but also help preserve the vegetables, ensuring they stay fresh in the freezer for a long time.
There are many dressing options you can choose from, depending on your personal preference. One popular choice is a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. This vinaigrette adds a zesty kick to the slaw and complements the crunchy vegetables perfectly.
To make the dressing, simply whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your liking.
Step 1: Combine Dressing and Vegetables
Once the dressing is ready, add it to the bowl of chopped vegetables. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the vegetables and dressing together, ensuring that all the veggies are coated in the dressing evenly.
Step 2: Let the Flavors Marinate
After combining the dressing and vegetables, let the flavors marinate for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the vegetables to absorb the dressing and enhance the overall taste of the slaw.
Alternatively, you can cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for a few hours or overnight. This will intensify the flavors and make the slaw even more delicious.
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Now that your dressing is mixed with the chopped vegetables, you’re ready to move on to the next step: Freezing the slaw. Keep reading to learn how to properly freeze the slaw to ensure it stays fresh and tasty!
FAQ
What is freezer slaw?
Freezer slaw is a type of coleslaw that is made in advance and stored in the freezer. It is typically made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing.
Why would someone want to freeze coleslaw?
Freezing coleslaw can be convenient for meal prepping or when you have a surplus of fresh vegetables that you want to preserve. It allows you to have ready-to-eat coleslaw on hand whenever you need it.
How do I fix freezer slaw that has become watery after thawing?
If your freezer slaw has become watery after thawing, there are a few ways to fix it. You can drain the excess liquid, squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables, and then mix in some fresh shredded cabbage to absorb some of the liquid.
Can you add mayonnaise to freezer slaw?
It is not recommended to add mayonnaise to freezer slaw. Mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when frozen and thawed. It is best to stick to vinegar-based dressings or other non-creamy dressings when making freezer slaw.
