Zucchini Slaw

Think cabbage gets to have all the fun in coleslaw? Think again! Zucchini Slaw has just showed up to the fixings table! Filled with zucchini, peppers, celery and more, this is one unique, zesty slaw that you don't want to miss!

Why We Love It

When it's summer cookout season, it's hard not to find us grilling on the weekend. Hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, steak--you name it--we're most likely making it! One of the reasons we like to grill so much (besides that awesome, charred flavor that just can't be beat) is all the fixings! There's rarely a barbecued meal on our plate that isn't accompanied by some kind of cheese, condiment, salad or all three!

Don't get me wrong: I LOVE cabbage based coleslaw. It certainly has a place on my plate for many sandwiches. But sometimes it's fun to change things up a bit. Enter Zucchini Slaw. When zucchini is abundant and in season, it's hard to resist shredding it into something amazing! That's when the idea of using it in a slaw was born, and once that idea flourished, the kitchen creativity set in! Peppers, celery and onions too?--Why not? Put this all together with some vinegar and seasonings and you have yourself one of the tastiest slaws around! Flavorful, sweet and zesty, Zucchini Slaw's robust flavor is hard to beat!

If you love Zucchini, check out Creamy Avocado Zucchini Salad--another great side for cookouts!

Why You'll Love It

This one bowl salad is easy to make! Simply shred some zucchini (which is easy to do because it's so water based), dice up some peppers, onion and celery, and mix with a few other pantry staples you most likely already have on hand. After Zucchini Slaw marinates in the fridge for a few hours, it's ready to be devoured!

This slaw is also open to customization. Craving more of a creamy slaw? Add some mayo (which makes it extra special for sandwiches). Not a big onion fan? Make it without (I often do because it's already so flavorful). Craving more color? Use an orange or yellow bell pepper instead of the green. Heck, you can even add some shredded carrots! Have fun with this one!

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: The longer Zucchini Slaw marinates in the fridge, the more of a relish it becomes--which makes a great topper for hot dogs!

Looking for another delicious slaw with some Mexican flavor? Check out Mexican Rainbow Coleslaw!

Zucchini Slaw Ingredients

• 4 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup diced red pepper
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• Mayonnaise, to taste--just before serving (optional)

How to make Zucchini Slaw

You'll want to gather the following equipment:

• large mixing bowl
• grater
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• cutting board
• chef's knife
• mixing spoon or wooden salad spoons
• slotted spoon (for serving)

Before starting:

• Grate the zucchini
• Dice the red and green peppers
• Finely chop the celery and onion

Place the shredded zucchini, peppers, celery and onion in a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Add the seasonings, sugar and white wine vinegar. Mix until well blended.

Then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors. I strongly encourage you not to skip this step! Zucchini Slaw tastes so much better after it's had a chance to marinate!

Stir before serving and enjoy!

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: For a creamier slaw, stir in some mayonnaise (just before serving) to taste. Mayonnaise should be added to individual serving bowls (not the main serving bowl). Not only does this give guests the option to make it creamy if they choose, it also helps with leftovers. This is a very "juicy" slaw--especially the longer it sits. Adding mayo to the entire serving bowl won't look as aesthetically pleasing. It will also eventually get very diluted.

Zucchini Slaw goes really well with burgers and many other cookout faves! Which one will you like it with best?

Zucchini Slaw Leftovers?

Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days. Keep in mind that the longer this sits, the waterier it gets. Use a slotted spoon when serving to help control the juices!