Classic coleslaw recipes
Classic coleslaw is a beloved American side dish that marries crisp cabbage and sweet carrots with a creamy dressing, making it a refreshing companion for everything from barbecues to holiday dinners. The texture is crunchier than you might expect, offering a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy dressing. It’s hard to beat the classic combination of flavors in a perfectly seasoned coleslaw that enhances any meal—whether it’s served next to grilled meats or simply enjoyed on its own.
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I vividly remember the first time I experimented with my own coleslaw recipe. I had invited a few friends over for a casual cookout, and every barbecue needs its sides, right? With a bit of ingenuity and some staples from the fridge, I created a coleslaw that not only impressed but quickly became a request for every gathering. There’s something special about nurturing flavors to meld together while giving guests a colorful, crunchy addition to their plates. This classic coleslaw recipe is straightforward, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to wow your crowd!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this coleslaw up in just 15 minutes, plus a little chill time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The balance of sweet and tangy in every bite is simply delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors of green cabbage and vibrant carrots make for a cheerful dish.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just as a crunch on weeknight dinners.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 small head cabbage, finely shredded: Green cabbage gives the classic taste and is crunchy. Feel free to mix in some purple cabbage for color.
- 2 large carrots, grated: Freshly grated carrots add a natural sweetness and vibrant color. Avoid pre-grated ones for the best flavor.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Opt for high-quality mayonnaise for the richest, creamiest dressing. Greek yogurt is a great low-fat alternative, but will change the flavor slightly.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This tangy addition brightens the salad. If you prefer a stronger taste, consider substituting with white wine vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the dressing. Adjust to your taste—some people like it sweeter!
- 1 teaspoon celery seed: A classic seasoning that provides an aromatic touch; don’t skip it!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your coleslaw.
How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes
Clean the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Finely shred the rest, aiming for pieces small enough to be enjoyed in a bite. The finer the cabbage, the easier it is to mix and enjoy.
Grate the Carrots: Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Combine them with the shredded cabbage in a large bowl. Their sweetness complements the cabbage perfectly!
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, plus salt and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth. This step is crucial as it ensures the flavors meld together beautifully.
Taste & Adjust: Take a moment to taste the dressing. Adjust seasoning by adding more sugar for sweetness or an extra teaspoon of vinegar for brightness—this is where you make it perfectly suited to your taste!
Combine Vegetables and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots in the large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until lightly coated. This ensures every piece is touched by that velvety dressing!
Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld deliciously, making each bite better.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, and the flavors will deepen over time. However, the texture might soften a bit. You can’t really reheat coleslaw, but if you want to refresh it, give it a good stir before serving, adding a pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar to enliven the flavor!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Aim for finely shredded cabbage, as coarse pieces could create a less enjoyable eating experience.
- Always use cold ingredients for your dressing to help keep the coleslaw crisp.
- If you’re making this ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain the crunch.
- Experiment with adding extras like sliced green onions, apple slices, or dried cranberries for a twist!
- Taste as you go! Adjust sweetness or acidity based on your personal preference.
Classic coleslaw is not only a wonderful stand-alone dish but also enhances so many meals. This recipe encourages creativity and personal touches, whether through using different vinegars or adding your favorite spices. It’s a fantastic canvas that can surprise with its versatility. So, don’t hesitate to experiment—make this fantastic dish your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make coleslaw a day ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, coleslaw tastes even better after a day of marinating in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just remember to hold off on adding the dressing until you’re close to serving, if you want to keep the cabbage crisp.
What can I add for extra crunch?
You can add nuts like pecans or almonds, or even sunflower seeds. They provide texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy dressing. Just toss them in right before serving to maintain their crunch!
How do I make it vegan?
To create a vegan version of classic coleslaw, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise, or use a blended silken tofu as a base. Adjust the vinegar and sugar to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I freeze leftover coleslaw?
While it’s possible to freeze coleslaw, the texture may change when thawed, leading to a mushy consistency. If you must freeze it, do so for a maximum of three months, and plan to use it in dishes where texture is less critical, like soups or casseroles.
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📖 Recipe Card
Classic coleslaw recipes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic coleslaw recipe features a delightful blend of finely shredded cabbage and freshly grated carrots, dressed in a creamy mixture that’s perfect for any meal or gathering. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, it’s a go-to for a quick, enjoyable side dish that complements numerous dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage and finely shred the remaining parts.
- Peel and grate the carrots, then mix them with the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
Notes
For added flavor, let the coleslaw sit for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Feel free to adjust the sugar according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
