Tropical Jamaican Slaw Recipe

Jamaican Slaw

Introduction

Jamaican Slaw is a delightful, colorful dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. This slaw is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant salad. With a mix of crunchy cabbage, sweet pineapple, and zesty dressing, this slaw is sure to brighten up your table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Jamaican Slaw is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and refreshing dish. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even as a light lunch. The combination of flavors and textures—crisp cabbage, sweet pineapple, and tangy mustard—offers something for everyone. Plus, it is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify. You’ll love how it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an ideal accompaniment for any outdoor feast.

How to Make Jamaican Slaw

Making Jamaican Slaw is simple and quick. Just follow these easy steps to create a vibrant and tasty dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

4 heaped cups green cabbage (finely shredded)
2 cups shredded carrot (2 – 3 carrots)
1 1/2 cups diced pineapple (1cm / 1/2" cubes, fresh or canned in juice) (Note 1)
3/4 cup raisins (or sultanas)
3 tbsp yellow mustard (American or other) (Note 2)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp jalapeño (deseeded, finely minced)
1/4 cup green onion (finely chopped) (Note 3)
1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Dressing: Shake the dressing ingredients in a jar until combined.
Wilt: Place all the slaw ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss everything together. Let it sit for at least 1 hour to wilt.
Serve: Toss well again to coat everything in the juices and dressing that pooled at the bottom. Transfer to a bowl and serve!

How to Serve Jamaican Slaw

Jamaican Slaw can be served as a vibrant side dish next to grilled chicken, fish, or barbecued meats. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light, refreshing salad. Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of seeds for added crunch.

How to Store Jamaican Slaw

If you have leftovers, store Jamaican Slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the cabbage may lose some crunch, so it’s great to eat soon after it’s made.

Tips to Make Jamaican Slaw

Allow the slaw to wilt for at least 1 hour before serving. This enhances the flavors.
Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more or less pineapple or apple cider vinegar to taste.
For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Variation

You can easily customize Jamaican Slaw by adding other ingredients like bell peppers, jicama, or even a handful of chopped nuts for added texture. If you prefer a little heat, try adding more jalapeño or including a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cabbage?
Yes! While green cabbage is traditional, you can use red cabbage or a mix of both for a colorful twist.

2. Is Jamaican Slaw vegan?
Yes! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products.

3. Can I make this slaw in advance?
Absolutely! Jamaican Slaw is perfect for making ahead. Just keep it in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight to let the flavors meld.

Now you are ready to make a delicious Jamaican Slaw that will surely be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy!