Packed full of nutritious zucchini, peppers, celery, onions and a ton of flavor, Zucchini Slaw is a unique and zesty side. It's so incredibly delicious, it just might make you forget all about traditional cabbage coleslaw!
When zucchini is abundant and in season, it's hard to resist not shredding it into something amazingly tasty, like Cheesy Rice Zucchini Casserole--am I right?
Mixed with a simple vinaigrette, that includes white wine vinegar, celery seed, salt, pepper, and a touch of mayonnaise, this zucchini slaw recipe is another great option that delivers an incredibly flavorful, sweet and zesty taste.
Zucchini coleslaw will totally rock your next cookout--guaranteed. It provides a vibrant pop of color to any summer plate, and is the perfect side to so many grilled proteins and sandwiches, including grilled steak, chicken, and hamburgers. It also makes an excellent topping for hot dogs (goodbye, relish!).
With its peppy, zesty, flavor, it's sure to elevate any meal.
Jump to:
👪Why you'll love it
| Easy coleslaw recipe- 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. Customizable- Craving more of a creamy slaw? Add more mayo (which makes it extra special for sandwiches). Not a big onion fan? Make it without. Craving more color? Use an orange or yellow bell pepper. Heck, you can even add some shredded carrots! Have fun with this recipe! Hydrating and nutritious- Zucchini is packed full of vitamins and water, making this a healthier option over traditional coleslaw. |
🥘Ingredients
For a complete list of ingredients with measurements, see the printable recipe card below
- zucchini- freshly grated for best taste (see FAQ below for drainage tips)
- red & green pepper- finely dice for maximum flavor; the red pepper offers a touch of sweetness and color pop
- celery & red onion- finely chopped for added flavor
- celery seed, black pepper & sea salt- seasonings for the vinaigrette
- sugar- cuts the vinegar's acidity and adds sweetness
- white wine vinegar- the vinaigrette's main base; also serves as a preservative
- mayonnaise, to taste- add just before serving to individual bowls for best results
🔪Instructions
For more detailed instructions, see the printable recipe card below
- 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.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
- Stir before serving and enjoy!
Hint: Allow zucchini slaw to marinate for a minimum of two hours before serving. It tastes so much better this way. Also know that the longer it sits in the fridge, the more of a relish it becomes!
📖Variations
Deluxe- Add shredded yellow squash and shredded carrots to the slaw
Extra zesty- Add cayenne pepper for some extra pep and heat
🍽Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- grater
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- mixing spoon or wooden salad spoons
- slotted spoon (for serving)
🍶Storage
Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days. Use a slotted spoon when serving to help control the juices!
💭Top 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). 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.
🗨️FAQ
That typically isn't necessary. Most of the nutrients are in the skin, so it's best to shred the entire zucchini to get the most nutritional benefits.
Generously salt it and let it sit on paper towels in a colander to drain for at least 30 minutes. I sometimes take this step when making this slaw--especially if I plan on keeping it for more than a few days.
Yes! It's packed with fiber, potassium and antioxidants, which are all good nutrients for the heart!
🥄Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
🍴Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Zucchini Slaw:
📋Recipe
Zucchini Slaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups grated zucchini
- 1 cup diced red pepper
- 1 cup diced green pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped celery
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- Mayonnaise, to taste--just before serving optional
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini, dice the peppers, and finely chop the onion and celery. Then add these contents to a large glass bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the seasonings, sugar and white wine vinegar. Gently mix until well blended.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
- Stir before serving.
- Refrigerate and enjoy within 3 days.
Barbara K. says
Another great idea for zucchini and as alternative to cabbage.
Kitchen Ready Betty says
Thank you! This one is packed full of vitamins!