Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (2024)

Summer Slaw is a deli-style coleslaw recipe loaded with fresh summer ingredients of cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions in a creamy cole slaw dressing that is lighter than most slaw recipes. This slaw recipe was created after I tried my local deli’s summer slaw salad, it’s light and refreshing with a semi-sweet creamy dressing perfect for summer! Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (1) Slaw recipes are perfect for fish tacos, pulled pork, tacos, or Shrimp Tacos! You can enjoy this summer slaw recipe as a side salad or in your favorite summer sandwiches! For vinegar slaw (cabbage slaw without mayo) try our Cucumber Cabbage Salad.

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Summer Coleslaw

I was inspired to make this recipe for summer slaw after trying the deli version of this salad at my local grocery store. I experimented with a batch and wanted it to taste and look like theirs. With a successful trial, I would like to say this is very close to the store version. I really like that it’s not too sweet or too heavy–perfect for the summer months over all the BBQ grilled favorites!

Make ahead of time for potlucks or picnics and if in a rush just use a coleslaw mix as the base! It’s simple to make from scratch but if you own a food processor, chopping it that way makes it much quicker! Make this coleslaw in minutes and keep it refrigerated until serving.

Best Equipment For Making Coleslaw:

A food processor or rotary food grater is ideal for shredding cabbage. It is an easy way to make uniform cabbage pieces and stretch the servings. You can also use a mandoline, the large side of a box grater, or a sharp knife to cut the cabbage. Commercially made slaw is run through heavy-duty equipment however, a home cook can replicate the same effect using simple equipment.

  • Box Grater- is the best way to finely chop cabbage (use the big hole side.)
  • Food Processor- a quick alternative to grate a bunch of cabbage.
  • Mandoline Slicer– comes with different attachments and is very easy to use.

Ingredients:

Cold Summer Slaw is crunchy and fresh! Use an English cucumber and Roma tomatoes for best results, meaty tomatoes and cucumbers with lots of pulp can tend to get the salad super wet and runny.

  • Slaw:fresh green cabbage, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced scallions come together for a quick summer side!
  • Dressing:creamy dressing ingredients of mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, milk, and salt make the perfect tangy and mildly sweet topping.

Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (2)

How To Make Coleslaw:

  1. Chop cabbage. Finely grate the cabbage using a box grater or if you prefer longer shreds use a knife or mandoline. I like slaw on the finer side so I will use a food processor or box grater for the cabbage. You can also use a sharp knife to make thin shreds. Use a vegetable chopper to dice the cucumbers and tomatoes, the scallions can be sliced with a sharp knife.
  2. Make The Coleslaw Dressing: by whisking all the ingredients together.
  3. Combine the dressing with the cabbage mixture. Serve or refrigerate for at least one hour. Salad can be kept for up to 2 days.

Cabbage Salad Variations:

This coleslaw can be made with other vegetables!

  • Add 3-4 radishes for extra crunch.
  • Red cabbage slaw is a mixture of green cabbage and purple, use any cabbage coleslaw blend.
  • Different herbs can be added such as fresh cilantro, dill, or parsley.
  • Make an Asian slaw dressing for an Asian twist.
  • Grate a carrot using a box grater for additional color and sweetness.
  • Broccoli and cabbage can be mixed together for broccoli slaw.

How To Make Summer Slaw With Vinegar Dressing:

To make a perfectly balanced vinegar dressing with the perfect tang and touch of sweetness but without the mayo use, this vinaigrette dressing from my Cucumber Cabbage Salad. The key to this cabbage dressing is to use a lot of garlic and to mellow out the zing from the vinegar with sugar. For a healthier take on this dressing use a healthy oil and honey for the sugar in equal amounts.

What To Serve With Summer Slaw:

An Asian or Ramen Cabbage Salad isn’t the only way to make a delicious salad at home! This crisp green cabbage salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, steaks, or Boiled Baby Potatoes andBraised BBQ Ribs.It’s perfect for a bbq dish or chicken. Think of it as a classic coleslaw in a creamy dressing like KFC coleslaw, it’s delicious with fried chicken!

  • Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken (Monterey Chicken)orCreamy Spinach Chicken Casserole
  • Oven-Baked Potato WedgesorFrench Fries (Fast Food Style).
  • Pulled pork sandwiches or Juicy Burgers.

Q&A

Is Cabbage Good For You?

The benefits of cabbage are many. Cabbage is packed with Vitamin C and other nutrients. Aside from the benefits, it’s a cheap vegetable easily available to most people. It can be eaten raw like in this cabbage salad recipe or cooked down in a Cabbage Roll Casserole. There are so many ways to eat cabbage healthy!

How To Cut Cabbage For Salad?

To chop cabbage for a salad you’ll want to thinly slice the cabbage using a mandoline slicer, food processor, box grater, or sharp knife. To easily grip the head of the cabbage when slicing, cut the cabbage in half with the core intact. Then work with half of the head to shred for either method of cutting. (Note: a food processor will require smaller chunks of cabbage to process.)

Do You Cook Cabbage Salad?

You do not need to cook green cabbage to prepare this cabbage salad recipe. You can eat green cabbage raw and it’s actually the main ingredient in coleslaw recipes. However, if you wish to make cabbage soft then simply soften the cabbage in the dressing for at least 1 hour.

What Kind of Cabbage to Use?

The most popular variety of cabbage is green cabbage. It is a heavy round head of cabbage with tightly packed leaves. The outer leaves typically have medium to light green leaves and sometimes pale areas closer to the center. You want a head of cabbage with tightly packed leaves. Green cabbage is ideal, however red cabbage can be used as well. Romaine lettuce, Napa, or Savoy cabbage are tender varieties and will wilt too soon once tossed in the dressing. This raw cabbage recipe is best with densely packed cabbage leaves.

How To Store?

Store summer slaw in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind fresh cucumbers and tomatoes won’t be that fresh in a coleslaw after day 3 so to retain a crunchy cabbage salad keep the dressing separately from the cabbage mixture and dice up the veggies the day of serving. To wilt, the slaw let the cabbage sit in the dressing for at least 1 hour. This cabbage salad will not freeze well and is best fresh.

BEST Cabbage Salad Tips:

  1. Use pre-shredded green cabbage or a coleslaw mix for an easy shortcut.
  2. If serving this salad at a potluck or summer event, try to keep this cool under the sun by placing the bowl of salad in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled.
  3. When shredding the cabbage always keep the core intact, it helps the cabbage from falling apart when slicing.
  4. To make ahead salad and keep slaw crunchy prep the dressing separately from the cabbage and keep it in the fridge until the next day.

More Easy Sides To Make:

Need more than just cole slaw recipes? Here are some summer salads and sides for all the upcoming parties, picnics, and potlucks.

  • Cucumber Cabbage Salad
  • Bologna Cabbage Salad
  • Cabbage Salad with Oil and Vinegar Dressing
  • Braised Cabbage { Тушеная капуста }

How To Make Summer Slaw:

Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (7)

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Summer Slaw Recipe

Summer Slawis a deli-style cole slaw recipe loaded with fresh summer ingredients of cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, and green onions in a creamy cole slaw dressing that is lighter than most slaw recipes. This slaw recipe was created after I tried my local deli's summer slaw salad, it's light and refreshing with a semi-sweet creamy dressing perfect for summer!

Equipment

  • 1 large mixing bowl

  • 1 box grater or knife to shred the cabbage

  • 1 vegetable chopper (or dice veggies with a knife)

Ingredients

Summer Slaw Ingredients:

  • 1 small cabbage (about 2 pounds finely shredded)

  • 1 tomato (diced)

  • 1/2 English cucumber (diced)

  • 3 sprigs of scallions (sliced)

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • 3 tbsp sugar

  • 3 tbsp milk

  • 2 tbsp vinegar

  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

Directions:

  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (8)

    In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and scallions. Set aside.

  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (9)

    To make the dressing whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.

  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (10)

    Pour dressing over the slaw and toss everything together. Keep refrigerated and stir before serving.

Notes

  • Notes: This side dish can be served immediately or refrigerated in the dressing for up to 2 days. It softens as it sits in the dressing.
  • Vinaigrette Coleslaw Dressing:omit the creamy dressing and add

Nutrition per serving

Serving: 1servingCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 269mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 185IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg

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Categories

  • Copycat Recipes
  • Gluten-Free
  • Salads
  • Side Dishes

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33 comments

  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (11)

    • Irene B.

    Forgot to add to my comment, that I added the scallions too.

    • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (12)

    • Irene B.

    You hit the nail on the head. This duplicated my favorite Summer Slaw from Stop and Shop. I used the mandoline and my chef knife for the cabbage, cucumber, chopped my own cherry tomatoes up, added some chopped carrots grated finely, For the dressing, I use Vegenaise and Swerve for sugar as I can’t use regular sugar. Used everything else you said except salt. This is fantastic. Thank you.

    • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (13)

    • Jill Lowell

    My husband loves Hannaford’s (east coast) Summer Slaw. It’s out of our budget at over $5lb. He says this isn’t exactly the same, but he loved it! It came in at just under $2lb, so I’d call that a win considering it is fresh, homemade and delish. Thanks for the recipe!

    • Reply
    • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (14)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Wonderful, Jill!

      • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (15)

    • G1

    Nice taste. I liked the addition of cucumber to the salad. I omitted the tomato.

    • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (16)

    • Patti

    I LOVE this recipe! Safeway has their “Summer Slaw” salad in the deli, but it is seasonal. My husband and I fell in love with it. When I realized it was a “seasonal” recipe at the Safeway Deli, I went in search of a copycat recipe and here you are!

    In lieu of the head of cabbage, I did use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots.

    I also love the feature on the recipe that allows for the change in number of servings and adjusts the quantity of the ingredients accordingly.

    I have fixed this a few times now; it’s a keeper!

    Great recipe! Thanks!

    • Reply
    • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (17)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Wonderful, Patti so glad you’re using our serving adjustments!

      • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (18)

    • Jeannie PALERMO

    I tried this today in the deli at my local grocery store. Got home and googled the ingredients. Thank you very much for the recipe. I will make it for New Years Day, because my husband will eat coleslaw, but will not eat cooked cabbage.
    Jeannie

    • Reply
    • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (19)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      I’m so glad you found this recipe, Jeannie! I hope you love it!

      • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (20)

    • Terry Warner-Hurst

    I’m going to try it. Sounds good but I can’t have sugar. Can you use a sugar substitute like Splenda? If so, how much.

    • Reply
    • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (21)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Hi Terry, it’s safe to use a one-to-one ratio with Splenda to Granulated sugar for this recipe.

      • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (22)

    • Charlie

    This was so good! This is one of the best slaw recipes I’ve tried and tasted. Thank you for sharing it.

    • Reply
    • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (23)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Wow, what a great review! Thank you for the feedback, Charlie!

      • Reply
  • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (24)

    • Debbie

    What kind of vinegar?

    • Reply
    • Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (25)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Hi Debbie, it would white distilled vinegar.

      • Reply

Show more

Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking (2024)

FAQs

Summer Slaw Recipe (Deli Coleslaw) - Alyona’s Cooking? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

What is the difference Cole slaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

How do you spice up store bought Cole coleslaw? ›

Want a little spice? Maybe a little cayenne pepper. Try adding pickle juice from sweet gherkins and just a sprinkling more of sugar to offset the vinegar. The other types of pickles like dill and bread and butter, don't work very well, but sweet gherkins have the vinegar, sugar, and pickling spices….

How far in advance should you dress coleslaw? ›

Then you add vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. A bit of salt and pepper finishes off a classic, creamy, tangy dressing. When should you dress coleslaw? For the ideal coleslaw, add dressing to coleslaw no more than 30 minutes before serving.

What is Amish coleslaw made of? ›

Old Fashioned Amish Vinegar Coleslaw

Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

How do you doctor up store-bought coleslaw? ›

It's sweet and sour, so thin the mayo with vinegar, white, apple cider or rice wine are the best choices. Sugar or agave nectar are good choices of sweeteners. Flavor wise, chopped pickle relish, celery seeds, a touch of Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and sour cream are all common.

Why does my coleslaw taste weird? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

Should you wash bagged coleslaw? ›

Bagged or ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce

If the product is not labeled "washed," "triple washed," or "ready-to-eat," it must be washed before eating.

Is it best to make coleslaw the night before? ›

Yes, you can make coleslaw in advance. Making it a day before your event is a good idea, as the flavors will continue to meld and develop as it sits. That makes it perfect as a make-ahead potluck recipe.

What is in Mary Brown's coleslaw? ›

Mary Brown's shreds fresh cabbage and carrots in house, and tops it with a creamy dressing. The freshly shredded veggies give you a light yet satisfying crunch while the dressing gives you the tanginess you're looking for.

What is the difference between Eastern and Western coleslaw? ›

Unlike Lexington style, Eastern style contains no tomatoes. It is purely vinegar and pepper which is used to season after cooking. The coleslaw is also different, swapping out the red for a white mayonnaise-based sauce.

What ethnicity is coleslaw? ›

The dish was initially created in the Netherlands. In fact, the term coleslaw originates from the Dutch expression koosla, which means “cabbage salad.” Recipes similar to coleslaw have been found and used in American homes from as early as 1770.

Is cabbage slaw the same as cole slaw? ›

Coleslaw (from the Dutch term koolsla meaning 'cabbage salad'), also known as cole slaw, or simply as slaw, is a side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing or condiment, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise. This dish originated in the Netherlands in the 18th century.

Is it Cole or coleslaw? ›

Cole is not a common term; to those unfamiliar with it, cold as part of a name for a salad usually served cold would be considered correct. However, coleslaw is the proper name for the salad made from a cole crop plant.

Is cabbage slaw and coleslaw the same? ›

Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

When did coleslaw become slaw? ›

According to the OED, they said “slaw” slightly before they said “coleslaw”, but “cold slaw” was first (by folk etymology of Dutch koolsla). On 29 December 1972 at an Internationa Salad and Finger Food Convention on the Isle of Mauritus. The motion was raised in Committee by the Rumannian Slaw Association.

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