You should not be sleeping on this creamy coleslaw recipe if you’ve been looking for a side dish that will elevate your main dish. This recipe is simple yet delicious. The combination of crunchy cabbage and carrots with the creamy dressing is a perfect side dish for any meal.
Creamy Coleslaw
Today, we’re diving into the world of coleslaw – that scrumptious and versatile side dish we all know and love.
coleslaw is a salad made primarily of shredded cabbage, usually mixed with carrots (and sometimes, other veggies), and tossed with a tangy dressing.
It is a classic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, gatherings, get-togethers, and picnics. It is a side dish you can never go wrong with, and it gives the extra oomph to the dish you are pairing it with. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Some people prefer a creamy, mayo-based dressing, while others opt for a lighter, vinegar-based version. The beauty of coleslaw is that it’s incredibly customizable – you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
What do you find in a coleslaw?
Coleslaw, slaw, or cabbage salad (whatever you choose to call it) is usually made from shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and dressing mixture.
The dressing is where the savory and zesty part of the dish comes from. It is made with a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds as well as salt and pepper to taste. Each ingredient contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.
Coleslaw Ingredients include:
- Shredded cabbage: We use green and purple cabbage
- Grated carrots
Ingredients for coleslaw dressing
- Mayonnaise: This is important to make the cream
- Sour cream: for additional zest
- Apple cider vinegar: to give it that needed zest
- Dijon mustard: for that additional flavor
- Honey: to add in the necessary sweetness
- Celery seeds: they give the dressing a unique flavor
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to prepare coleslaw
Homemade coleslaw is prepared in just three steps!
- Shred: Shred the cabbage and grate the carrot in a large bowl.
- Mix: In a different bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Combine: Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage-carrot mixture and stir until completely coated. Store in the refrigerator before serving.
Creative Variations
Let’s explore some fun twists to keep your coleslaw game fresh and exciting:
- KFC-Style Coleslaw: For a coleslaw that rivals the famous fast-food version, try adding a few tablespoons of buttermilk to your mayo-based dressing. This will give it that signature tangy flavor we all love.
- Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Swap out the mayo for a sesame oil and rice vinegar dressing, and add a handful of chopped cilantro, some sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an Asian-fusion twist.
- Spicy Coleslaw: Spice things up by adding a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing. This version pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and tacos.
- Apple and Walnut Coleslaw: Add some sweetness and crunch by tossing in thinly sliced apples and chopped walnuts. This variation is perfect for fall gatherings and adds a touch of sophistication to your coleslaw.
- Vegan Coleslaw: Swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative or use a combination of olive oil and lemon juice to create a light and zesty dressing that everyone can enjoy!
Tips:
- Use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of cabbage (green and red) as we did for a more colorful and exciting coleslaw.
- Taste the coleslaw as you go, adding more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.
- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld.
- Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins and dressings
Frequently Asked Questions
What to serve creamy coleslaw with?
Coleslaw can be served with a variety of foods, such as Nigerian fried rice, Nigerian Jollof rice, barbecue, fried chicken, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers. It is also often paired with Southern-style foods like cornbread, macaroni, and cheese, or black-eyed peas. Coleslaw can also be used as a topping for hot dogs or as a side dish for grilled vegetables.
How does coleslaw taste?
Coleslaw is complex in flavors and has a depth to its taste. It’s creamy, has a crunch to it while also being savory and zesty due to the addition of vinegar and sour cream.
What is the creamy coleslaw dressing made of?
Coleslaw dressing ingredients depend on the recipe being used. However, for this recipe, the combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds as well as salt and pepper are used to make the coleslaw dressing. Other recipes can decide to add in lemon juice for the zest but vinegar and sour cream does the work here.
Storage Tips
How long does creamy coleslaw last?
If you store coleslaw in an airtight container, it can last for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. However, factors like the freshness of your ingredients, and the type of dressing can affect how long your coleslaw might last.
How to store creamy coleslaw
If properly stored in an airtight container, coleslaw can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Make sure it is properly covered and stored so that it doesn’t get contaminated by other dishes in the fridge. Make sure to always check for spoilage and consume as soon as you can for fresh quality.
Other related recipes
- How To Make Amazing Fruit Salad
- Summertime Tomato Mozzarella Salad
- Easy Healthy Salmon Salad Recipe
- Classic Creamy Potato Salad – Potluck Delight
- Classic Summer Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Black Eyed Peas Salad with simple vinaigrette dressing
- Avocado Chimichurri Chicken Salad
How To Make Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage finely shredded
- 1 cup carrot grated
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds optional
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure to use fresh ingredients, especially for the veggies, to get that nice crunchy texture.
- Taste the coleslaw as you go, adding more salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.
- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving so that the flavors can meld.
Nutrition
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