Pickled Beet Cole Slaw: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic

The first time I tasted pickled beet cole slaw was at a summer potluck in Wisconsin. I remember the explosion of colors – the vibrant greens of the cabbage, the deep magenta of the beets, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It was unlike any coleslaw I’d ever had, and I was immediately hooked. The earthiness of the beets paired perfectly with the sweet onion and crunchy cabbage, creating a refreshing and unforgettable side dish that epitomized summer in the Midwest.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup green cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup sweet onion, chopped (Walla Walla is best, if available)
• ½ cup sweet red pepper, diced small
• ½ cup pickled beet, chopped small
• 1 tablespoon pickle beet juice
• 3 tablespoons no-fat mayonnaise
• Salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped green cabbage, sweet onion, diced red pepper, and chopped pickled beets. Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the pickle beet juice, no-fat mayonnaise, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
4. Mix well to ensure all the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
5. Refrigerate the cole slaw for at least half an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for developing the best taste.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Choosing Your Onion: Walla Walla sweet onions are fantastic in this recipe because of their mild flavor, which doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. If you can’t find Walla Walla onions, Vidalia onions are a good substitute. Other sweet onion varieties will also work well.
• Beet Juice Intensity: If you prefer a more pronounced beet flavor and a deeper pink color, add a bit more pickle beet juice to the dressing. Start with a teaspoon at a time to control the intensity.
• Homemade Pickled Beets: For the freshest flavor, consider making your own pickled beets. This will allow you to control the sweetness and acidity of the beets, resulting in a more personalized coleslaw.
• Mayonnaise Alternatives: While the recipe calls for no-fat mayonnaise, you can use regular mayonnaise for a richer flavor. For a vegan version, substitute with a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This cole slaw is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day in advance, and the flavors will only improve as they meld together in the refrigerator.
• Preventing a Soggy Slaw: To prevent the cole slaw from becoming soggy, avoid adding the dressing until just before serving. If you’re making it ahead, store the dressed and undressed components separately and combine them right before serving.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick. This will add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Pickled Beet Cole Slaw chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or vegetarian entrees. It pairs particularly well with barbecue, burgers, and roasted chicken. The vibrant color also makes it a visually appealing addition to any plate.

Store any leftover cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Be aware that the color may bleed slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious. Due to the mayonnaise content, it’s not recommended to leave the cole slaw at room temperature for more than two hours. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will become soggy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	87.6 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	34 g	39%
Total Fat	3.8 g	5%
Saturated Fat	0.6 g	2%
Cholesterol	2.9 mg	0%
Sodium	158.8 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	13.1 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2.2 g	9%
Sugars	7.6 g	30%
Protein	1.2 g	2%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Creamy Dill Version: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill to the dressing for a refreshing herbal twist.
• Spicy Jalapeño: Dice a small jalapeño pepper and add it to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Apple Cider Vinaigrette: Instead of pickle beet juice and mayonnaise, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for a lighter, tangy dressing.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts: Substitute half of the green cabbage with shaved Brussels sprouts for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Vegan Option: Replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are also vegan-friendly.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time, but freshly chopped cabbage will generally have a better texture and flavor.

Q: How can I make this cole slaw sweeter?

A: You can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a touch more sweetness. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.

Q: Can I use golden beets instead of pickled beets?

A: Yes, you can use golden beets, but keep in mind that they have a slightly milder flavor than red beets. You may also need to add a touch of vinegar to the dressing to compensate for the lack of pickling liquid.

Q: How long will this cole slaw last in the refrigerator?

A: Properly stored in an airtight container, this cole slaw will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this cole slaw?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like shredded carrots, chopped celery, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Final Thoughts

This Pickled Beet Cole Slaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will awaken your taste buds. The combination of sweet, tangy, and earthy notes makes it a truly unique and memorable culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the vibrant colors, and create a batch of this delicious cole slaw. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And, most importantly, share it with friends and family and enjoy the delightful flavors together!