Family gatherings around the grill often involve laughter, the smell of delicious food wafting through the air, and waiting impatiently for the feast to begin. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to put together sides while your loved ones are eagerly awaiting their meal, you know how stressful that can be. Enter the Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw for Large BBQ Crowds a lifesaver that not only tastes great but can help ease the chaos of a busy BBQ day.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw for Large BBQ Crowds

Let’s be honest, we all want meals that are quick to prepare, taste fantastic, and leave fewer dishes to clean. This recipe checks all those boxes and more. First off, it’s family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Bright colors and crunchy textures make this slaw irresistible. Plus, it’s flexible; you can mix things up based on what you have in your fridge.

The best part? You can prepare this slaw ahead of time and store it in the freezer. Just imagine, you’re hosting a summer barbecue, and instead of rushing around at the last minute, you’re unfurling a delicious slaw that’s bursting with flavor. Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw turns meal prep into a breeze, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your family and friends, and less time in the kitchen.

How to Make Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw for the Easy Way

“If it smells this good halfway through, you know dinner’s gonna be great.”

Making this slaw is simpler than you might think. The process involves combining fresh vegetables with a zesty vinaigrette, allowing the flavors to meld, and packing it away for future use. You’ll know you’re on the right track when the aroma of apple cider vinegar and sugar fills your kitchen, invoking memories of picnics and potlucks. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this refreshing slaw, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 large head green cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

No need for fancy products here. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand, or can easily grab them at your local grocery store. Don’t hesitate to use what you have in your fridge. Perhaps a little bit of jalapeño for some heat or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added crunch!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s get down to business with the step-by-step instructions on how to make this slaw.

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Sprinkle the salt over the vegetables and toss them gently. Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the salt to draw out moisture.
3. After 30 minutes, squeeze out any extra moisture from the vegetables. This will help your slaw maintain its crunch.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Pour the dressing over the drained vegetables and toss everything together. Make sure each piece gets a nice coating of the dressing.
6. Transfer the slaw into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to eliminate any air pockets.
7. Freeze for later use. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good toss again before serving.

Feel free to adjust the quantity based on the number of guests you’re expecting. You’ve got this!

Serving Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw for Large BBQ Crowds at the Table

Serving this slaw is incredibly versatile. You can set it out family-style in a large bowl, giving everyone the chance to help themselves. It works perfectly as a side dish next to barbecued meats or as a component of a colorful meal-prep box. You might even think about serving it on game-night platters alongside dips and snacks.

Consider complementing the slaw with some grilled chicken, or even pulled pork for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with sweet and tangy barbecue sauces, but you can also drizzle a little more apple cider vinaigrette over it just before serving to bring the flavors to life.

Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them is straightforward. Place any uneaten slaw in airtight containers to keep it fresh. If you’ve frozen it, make sure to thaw your slaw in the refrigerator. Be cautious about not microwaving it; the oven is a better option for maintaining its crunch.

If you happen to have any other BBQ leftovers, you can mix them in with your slaw for a delicious twist. However, it’s best to serve it immediately after thawing for the best texture which keeps your family or guests coming back for more.

Quick Tips & Shortcuts

As a seasoned dad in the kitchen, I’ve picked up a few handy tips along the way:

• Use a food processor to shred the cabbage quickly. It makes life way easier.
• Feel free to swap out the green cabbage for purple for a pop of color. It’s still delicious!
• Save time by prepping the vegetables a day in advance and combining them with the dressing right before your BBQ starts.
• Make sure to taste the dressing before pouring it over. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to match your preference.

Variations That Work

What’s great about Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw is how easy it is to customize. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not:

• Add 1/2 cup of diced apples or pears for a sweet crunch.
• Throw in some sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
• Substitute the apple cider vinegar with lime juice for a zesty twist.
• Toss in other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added color and texture.

You really can’t go wrong with finding new ways to bring this dish to life.

FAQs About Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw for Large BBQ Crowds

A Final Bite

As you venture into this delightful recipe, remember that cooking should feel comforting, not stressful. Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw for Large BBQ Crowds is all about celebrating good food and great company. If your family licks the pan clean, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Enjoy those moments around the table, and make sure to keep this recipe handy for your next gathering.

If you’re also looking to elevate your BBQ spread, check out this crispy oven pulled pork recipe for a match made in heaven!

Lazy Make-Ahead Freezer Slaw

A refreshing, make-ahead slaw perfect for barbecues, combining fresh vegetables with a zesty vinaigrette, and ideal for serving a large crowd.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American, BBQ

Servings 12 servings

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Slaw Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, shredded
• 2 pieces carrots, grated
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp salt

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.
• Sprinkle the salt over the vegetables and toss them gently. Let this mixture sit for 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, squeeze out any extra moisture from the vegetables.

Making the Dressing

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and black pepper until well combined.
• Pour the dressing over the drained vegetables and toss everything together.

Storing the Slaw

• Transfer the slaw into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to eliminate any air pockets.
• Freeze for later use. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Notes

This slaw can be customized with additional ingredients like diced apples, jalapeños, or different vegetables. Taste the dressing before pouring over the slaw to adjust sweetness to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSodium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6g

Keyword BBQ Slaw, Freezer Slaw, Make-Ahead Slaw, Summer Sides, Vegetable Slaw

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!