Coleslaw pairs well with almost any savory dish and is a delightfully crunchy and healthful side dish. It gives your dinner a refreshing touch, whether you pair it with hot jack potatoes, fried chicken, or BBQ pork.
However, there are instances when you have leftover delicious accompaniment and are unsure of how to keep it. So, can you freeze coleslaw?
Yes, if the dressing is vinegar-based rather than mayonnaise-based, you can freeze coleslaw for up to six months.
My goal is to free you from waste and concern so you may always enjoy coleslaw at its finest. Continue reading to learn more.
Contents
What is Coleslaw?
A crisp salad with a flavorful dressing, coleslaw is a refreshing dish that combines shredded cabbage and carrots for a satisfying crunch. There are many different types of coleslaws. Some have a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, while others are lighter and use vinegar or even mustard for a tangy twist.
Its light, crisp nature counterbalances heavier dishes, making it a simple yet adaptable side dish that’s popular at picnics, barbecues, and as a compliment to diverse entrees. Because of its ubiquity across various cuisines and civilizations, coleslaw is a favorite around the world.
Types of Coleslaw
Mayonnaise-Based Coleslaw:
Coleslaw made with mayonnaise can be frozen, but it’s vital to remember that after thawing, the mayonnaise may split and turn gritty. This may cause the coleslaw’s texture to slightly change. This kind is best eaten after thoroughly combining the ingredients after thawing, if you decide to freeze it.
Vinegar or Mustard-Based Coleslaw:
Coleslaws frozen with dressings based on mustard or vinegar keep longer in the freezer. They are less prone to separation and textural changes because the dressing doesn’t contain dairy or eggs. After thawing, certain varieties keep their flavor and texture better.
How to Freeze Coleslaw
A crisp, sweet, and tangy side dish is coleslaw. It is simple to prepare and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, including hamburgers and barbecue. This meal works well when prepared in large quantities and brought to gatherings or parties.
It does not, however, keep very well in the refrigerator. It would expire in three to five days at most. You might be wondering if you can make it ahead of time. Or if you’ve prepared too much and how to store it for later because of its limited shelf life.
Coleslaw with Vinegar Dressing
You can freeze the coleslaw with the vinegar dressing if you’ve already finished making it.
- Make your favorite recipe for coleslaw.
- Once it’s thawed, determine the amount you’ll need to use and portion it into those sizes.
- Spoon your cole slaw into an airtight jar or freezer bag. Make sure there’s only a tiny gap—no more than an inch or two—between the top of the coleslaw and the freezer bag or container lid. As a result, it is exposed to less air.
- Carefully remove any remaining air from your freezer bag before zipping it up. Alternatively, if you’ve used an airtight container, make sure the lid is firmly in place.
- Next, write the date on the exterior of the bag or container using a pen or marker.
- Place the bag or container inside your freezer.
Coleslaw Mix Without Dressing
You can store the coleslaw mix alone if you’d rather not add dressing—perhaps you have a favorite mayonnaise-based dressing that keeps better in the freezer.
It should be noted that although raw cabbage can be frozen, the texture will quickly degrade. Therefore, it’s preferable to freeze for no longer than about a month if you’re freezing this technique. Otherwise, when you thaw the cole slaw, it won’t be as crisp.
- Prepare your preferred coleslaw mixture, omitting the dressing.
- Once it’s thawed, determine how much you’ll need and separate it into those sizes.
- Place the mixture into a freezer bag or an airtight container. Squeeze out any extra air from a freezer bag before zipping it up.
- Try to fill the airtight container with enough coleslaw mix so that the lid is barely visible above the mixture, if using one.
- Put the bag or container in the freezer after writing the date on it.
Can You Freeze Coleslaw in a Bag?
Your coleslaw can be frozen in a lunchbox or other freezer-safe bag. I prefer to use bags since it makes the crucial step of pressing out the air easier.
When ready, transfer your coleslaw or shredded vegetables into freezer bags with labels already on them. It’s a good idea to write on the bag before you fill them! Next, include the contents and the date.
How to Defrost Coleslaw?
There are several methods for defrosting cole slaw. Depending on your available time and equipment, you can select the appropriate approach.
It might be best to run cold water over it if you need to cook something quickly. Simply put the frozen coleslaw in a strainer or colander and give it a few minutes of cold water treatment.
Is there any longer that you have before using the coleslaw? It can be refrigerated for the entire night to gradually defrost. A dish of cold water can also be used to hold the frozen coleslaw. Until the water thaws, keep changing it every thirty minutes.
Whichever way you choose, make sure to remove any extra water before using your coleslaw. Use the coleslaw within a day or two of defrosting it. To taste and appreciate your tasty salad even more, you can also add vinegar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Top Freezing Tips
- Make careful to freeze your coleslaw or coleslaw mixture as soon as possible. Freezing it as soon as it is created can help seal in the quality and freshness because it does not keep well in the refrigerator.
- Coleslaws with mayonnaise paste will not freeze properly because the mayonnaise will separate. Thus, freeze the coleslaw mixture alone or combine it with a vinegar dressing.
- The crunchier the coleslaw gets over time, the longer it’s kept in the freezer. That’s why it’s preferable to freeze it for a shorter period of time.
Conclusion
Coleslaw does not keep well in the refrigerator for extended periods, so freeze it right away. You will know that the taste, texture, and overall quality are optimized if you follow this procedure. Its shelf life can be increased by freezing. However, refrigeration is the best way to keep its flavor and crispness.
Must read: Can You Freeze Sourdough Bread?