Picture a plate filled with colors and textures from a vibrant summer garden. This quick Italian slaw brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. It mixes fresh veggies’ crunch with zesty Italian dressing that excites your taste buds.
If you love cooking or just need a simple dish, this recipe is ideal. It shows you can easily make a healthy, tasty side that wows your family and friends. Eating will feel like a luxurious escape to a sunny paradise.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Italian Slaw Recipe
Italian slaw is a bright and cool side dish rooted in Mediterranean food. It’s made of fresh vegetables like cabbage, peppers, and carrots, cut into thin strips. These veggies are mixed with a light, sour dressing. A lot of Italian flavors, like vinegary dressings, and the smell of basil and oregano, go into making it special.
Homemade Italian slaw is loved for how yummy and flexible it is. You can have it for lunch with friends outside, take it on a picnic, or serve it at a fancy dinner. It goes well with many main dishes, including grills, roasts, and pasta.
Italian slaw is not just tasty; it’s good for you. Eating this dish means getting lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The dressing makes it tasty but light on calories. So, it’s a great add-on for a healthy diet that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Making your own homemade Italian slaw is easy and fun. You need fresh produce and a few basics from your pantry. It’s a great way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients You Will Need
Creating a tasty Italian slaw needs the right ingredients. Using fresh, top-quality items will make your slaw taste great. It will also have a nice texture.
Fresh Vegetables
Start with crisp, fresh vegetables for a perfect mediterranean slaw. You should pick veggies like cabbage, carrots, and red onion. They make your slaw both colorful and crunchy. Be sure to choose produce that feels firm and looks fresh. This step will improve your dish’s overall taste and feel.
Italian Dressing
A good Italian dressing gives your slaw a burst of flavor. It’s made from top-grade extra virgin olive oil, wine vinegar, and various herbs and spices. When you mix these, you get a tangy yet savory dressing. It pairs well with the fresh veggies.
Optional Add-Ins
For a unique twist, add optional ingredients. Think of including olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or parmesan cheese. These extras let you tweak the dish to suit your taste or diet. It makes your meal plan more flexible.
Italian Slaw Recipe Instructions
Making your homemade Italian slaw is simple. Start by cutting your veggies just right. Use a knife or mandoline to slice cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers thinly.
For the dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. This dressing will make your veggies tasty.
Now, mix the dressing with the veggies. Toss with tongs to coat everything. You can chill it for an hour to blend the flavors. This makes your homemade Italian slaw even better.
These steps help you make a tasty side dish. Enjoy the zesty Italian slaw with any meal!
Tips for Serving and Storing
Enjoy your quick Italian slaw at its best by following these tips. Use them when making it a side dish or saving it for later. They’ll help keep this dish delightful.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Italian slaw with grilled meats for a full meal. It’s great with chicken or steak. It also goes well on sandwiches, adding a nice crunch to rich fillings. Or, have it alone as a light lunch on a warm day.
Add fresh basil, parsley, or mint on top to make it look and taste better. This adds more flavor and makes the dish stand out.
Storing the Slaw
To keep your quick Italian slaw fresh and crunchy, use an airtight container. For the best taste, choose glass or BPA-free plastic. Keep it in the fridge and try to eat it within three days. Don’t forget to stir it before serving for an even and tasty mix.
Italian Slaw Recipe
This Italian-inspired slaw combines crisp vegetables with a zesty dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any meal. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, offering a delightful crunch in every bite.
6
servings15
minutes120
kcalIngredients
3 cups shredded green cabbage
2 cups shredded red cabbage
1 cup julienned carrots
1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
1 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups shredded green cabbage, 2 cups shredded red cabbage, 1 cup julienned carrots, 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup thinly sliced yellow bell pepper, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup sliced black olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and toss again to combine.
- Cover the slaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your Italian slaw as a refreshing side dish.
Conclusion
The traditional Italian slaw recipe brings together vibrant flavors and crisp textures. It’s a delightful addition to any meal. It’s easy to make for anyone interested in cooking. By making your own, you get a fresh, healthy side dish. Plus, you can adjust it to fit your tastes.
Making your own Italian slaw lets you use the best ingredients. You can also change the taste to fit what you like. If you prefer it tangy or want extra veggies, this recipe can adjust. After you learn the basic recipe, try new things. Add twists that fit special moments or your personal preferences.
We hope you try making this homemade Italian slaw. It’s simple but full of flavor. It can easily become a favorite in your cooking. Whether for family dinners of big events, this slaw adds an Italian charm to your meal. So, get started, try new things, and make this classic dish your own.
FAQ
What is Italian slaw?
Italian slaw is a cool salad with crisp veggies. It uses a zesty Italian dressing. This dish goes well with many foods.
How is Italian slaw different from traditional coleslaw?
Italian slaw stands out from coleslaw. It swaps creamy dressing for a light, herbal Italian one. This change makes it a healthier, more lively option for salads.
What vegetables are used in Italian slaw?
Ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and red onion give Italian slaw its signature crunch. You can also toss in bell pepper or cucumbers. This adds variety to the salad.
How do you make Italian slaw dressing?
The dressing includes top-notch olive oil, wine vinegar, and spices. Herbs like oregano and basil, along with garlic, make it tasty. The dressing brings out the best in the veggies.
Can I add other ingredients to my Italian slaw?
Yes, you can mix in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or parmesan. These extras give Italian slaw different tastes and textures. Italian slaw is flexible and can fit various preferences.
Is Italian slaw healthy?
Italian slaw is a great healthy choice. It’s full of raw veggies which are good for you. The dressing, with its olive oil, adds to its nutritious value.
How long does it take to prepare Italian slaw?
Making Italian slaw only takes 15-20 minutes. It’s quick and simple, perfect for any meal or to welcome guests fast.
How should I serve Italian slaw?
Italian slaw pairs well with various foods. Try it with grilled meats or in sandwiches. Also, it makes a great light lunch. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs.
How do I store leftover Italian slaw?
Put any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge and eat it within 2-3 days. Remember to toss the salad to mix in the dressing well again.
Can I make Italian slaw ahead of time?
You can make Italian slaw early. Letting it chill a few hours can really improve the taste. But, don’t prepare it too long in advance to keep the veggies crunchy.