Coleslaw is a classic side dish that brings freshness and crunch to any meal. The creamy dressing perfectly balances the crisp vegetables, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Imagine biting into that first forkful of creamy coleslaw, with its tangy sweetness and vibrant textures dancing on your palate. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish never fails to brighten the table and warm the heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy coleslaw is quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy days
- The flavor profile combines tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements that everyone adores
- Its vibrant colors make it a stunning addition to any meal
- Versatile enough to pair with grilled meats or serve as a stand-alone dish at picnics
I remember the first time I made this creamy coleslaw for a family gathering—everyone raved about it, and my aunt even asked for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green Cabbage: Use fresh, firm heads of cabbage for the best crunch and flavor.
- Carrots: Grate them finely for sweetness; they add color and texture.
- Mayonnaise: Choose a good-quality mayo for creaminess; it’s the base of our dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds tang; opt for organic if possible for better flavor.
- Sugar: Just a hint of sugar balances the acidity in the dressing beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
- Celery Seed (optional): Adds an earthy note; use sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Vegetables: Start by washing your cabbage and carrots thoroughly. Chop half a head of green cabbage into thin strips and grate two medium-sized carrots until they resemble colorful confetti.
Create the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of mayonnaise with two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Add two tablespoons of sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, mix the chopped cabbage and grated carrots together. Pour the dressing over your veggies and stir gently until everything is well-coated.
Chill Before Serving: Cover your coleslaw with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle beautifully.
Serve Up & Enjoy!: Give your coleslaw another quick stir before serving it alongside your favorite grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. Watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
This creamy coleslaw recipe is not only straightforward but also leaves plenty of room for creativity—feel free to add diced apples or raisins if you’re feeling adventurous!
You Must Know
- Creamy coleslaw is a staple for summer barbecues and picnics
- The crunch of fresh cabbage combined with the tangy dressing creates a refreshing flavor that’s hard to resist
- Perfect as a side dish or even as a topping on sandwiches, it’s versatile and delightful!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve creamy coleslaw perfection, prepare your veggies first, then mix the dressing while they chill for the best flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add diced apples or shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color, making your coleslaw uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store your creamy coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy it cold; reheating isn’t recommended.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a vibrant coleslaw, use fresh ingredients and let it sit for at least an hour before serving
- This allows flavors to meld beautifully
- Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or honey based on personal preference
- Don’t forget to taste test before serving!
Creating creamy coleslaw always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights over who makes the best recipe. Spoiler: it’s mine!
FAQ
How long can I store creamy coleslaw?
You can store creamy coleslaw in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make creamy coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it a day in advance to enhance flavor.
What type of cabbage is best for coleslaw?
Green cabbage works best, but red cabbage adds beautiful color and crunch.
Creamy Coleslaw
- Total Time: 18 minute
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for any occasion. With its balance of tangy and sweet flavors, crunchy vegetables, and a rich dressing, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Easy to prepare, this vibrant dish is a must-have for summer barbecues, picnics, or cozy dinners at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables by washing and shredding the cabbage and grating the carrots.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots. Pour the dressing over the veggies and stir gently until well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For extra sweetness and texture, consider adding diced apples or raisins. Letting the coleslaw sit for an hour before serving enhances the flavor profile.