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Classic Creamy Coleslaw

10 servings
Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Slaws

Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Prep20 min
Cook0 min
Total20 min
Serves8
Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy Coleslaw

I still remember the first time I tasted a truly great coleslaw. It was at a family barbecue, and my aunt had brought a big bowl of her famous creamy coleslaw. I was immediately hooked by the combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and tangy dressing.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with different coleslaw recipes, trying to recreate the magic of my aunt's dish. And after years of trial and error, I finally landed on a recipe that I think is even better than the original.

This Classic Creamy Coleslaw recipe is a staple in my household, and I make it for every picnic, barbecue, and family gathering. It's easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion. The key to a great coleslaw is to use the freshest ingredients and to dress it just before serving, so the cabbage stays crunchy and the flavors stay bright.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a classic creamy coleslaw from scratch, using a combination of green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. I'll also share some tips and tricks for customizing the recipe to your taste, and for making it ahead of time.

So if you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make coleslaw recipe, you're in the right place. Let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
  • It's perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.
  • The coleslaw can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
  • It's a great way to use up leftover cabbage and carrots.
  • The dressing can be customized to your taste by adding more or less of any ingredient.
  • It's a healthy and delicious side dish that's low in calories and high in fiber.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great coleslaw is to use the freshest ingredients and to dress it just before serving, so the cabbage stays crunchy and the flavors stay bright. This recipe uses a combination of green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots, which provides a nice crunch and a pop of color.

The dressing is made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, which gives it a tangy and creamy flavor. The mayonnaise helps to bind the ingredients together, while the apple cider vinegar adds a nice acidity and the Dijon mustard provides a touch of spice.

By dressing the coleslaw just before serving, we can ensure that the cabbage stays crunchy and the flavors stay bright. This is because the acidity in the dressing helps to break down the cell walls of the cabbage, making it softer and more prone to losing its crunch.

Overall, this recipe works because it uses fresh ingredients, a tangy and creamy dressing, and a simple but effective technique for preparing the coleslaw.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Classic Creamy Coleslaw recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. You'll also need some salt and pepper to taste.

When shopping for the ingredients, look for fresh and crisp cabbage and carrots. You can also use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time on preparation.

  • 2 lbs (900g) green cabbage, cored and shreddedLook for fresh and crisp cabbage with no signs of wilting or browning. You can also use pre-shredded cabbage to save time on preparation.
  • 1 lb (450g) red cabbage, cored and shreddedRed cabbage adds a nice pop of color to the coleslaw and a slightly sweeter flavor than green cabbage.
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and gratedCarrots add a nice crunch and sweetness to the coleslaw. Look for fresh and firm carrots with no signs of softening or browning.
  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaiseMayonnaise helps to bind the ingredients together and adds a creamy texture to the coleslaw. Look for a high-quality mayonnaise with no added sugars or preservatives.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegarApple cider vinegar adds a nice acidity and flavor to the coleslaw. Look for a high-quality apple cider vinegar with no added sugars or preservatives.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a touch of spice and flavor to the coleslaw. Look for a high-quality Dijon mustard with no added sugars or preservatives.
  • 1 tsp saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a touch of savory flavor to the coleslaw.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick and flavor to the coleslaw. Look for freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a nice freshness and flavor to the coleslaw. Look for fresh and curly parsley with no signs of wilting or browning.
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dillDill adds a nice flavor and aroma to the coleslaw. Look for fresh and fragrant dill with no signs of wilting or browning.
Ingredients for Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlCutting boardChef's knifeGraterMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Classic Creamy Coleslaw

  1. 1
    In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots.
  2. 2
    In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. 3
    Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the cabbage is well coated.
  4. 4
    Sprinkle the chopped parsley and dill over the top of the coleslaw and toss again to combine.
  5. 5
    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. 6
    Just before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  7. 7
    Serve the coleslaw chilled, garnished with additional parsley and dill if desired.
  8. 8
    To make the coleslaw ahead of time, prepare the dressing and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Then, just before serving, pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
  9. 9
    To customize the recipe, try adding some diced onions, bell peppers, or celery to the coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
  10. 10
    You can also add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the coleslaw for an extra burst of flavor.
  11. 11
    For a lighter version of the coleslaw, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.
  12. 12
    To make the coleslaw more substantial, try adding some cooked chicken, bacon, or nuts to the mixture.

Expert Tips

  • Use fresh and crisp cabbage and carrots for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don't overdress the coleslaw, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.
  • Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste, and add more or less of any ingredient to customize the recipe.
  • Try using different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique flavor.
  • Add some grated ginger or garlic to the dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Use a variety of colors, such as red cabbage and carrots, to make the coleslaw more visually appealing.
  • Make the coleslaw ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for the best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using wilted or browned cabbage, which can make the coleslaw soggy and unappetizing.
  • Overdressing the coleslaw, which can make it soggy and unappetizing.
  • Not adjusting the seasoning, which can make the coleslaw taste bland or unbalanced.
  • Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the coleslaw.
  • Not refrigerating the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, which can make the flavors meld together and the cabbage stay crunchy.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Add some diced onions, bell peppers, or celery to the coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
  • Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the coleslaw.
  • Add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the coleslaw for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Try using different types of vinegar, such as white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique flavor.
  • Add some cooked chicken, bacon, or nuts to the coleslaw for a more substantial side dish.
  • Use a variety of colors, such as red cabbage and carrots, to make the coleslaw more visually appealing.
  • Make the coleslaw ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for the best flavor.

What to Serve With Classic Creamy Coleslaw

This Classic Creamy Coleslaw is perfect for serving as a side dish at picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings. It's also a great accompaniment to grilled meats, such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken.

Try serving the coleslaw with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack or light lunch. You can also use it as a topping for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

Grilled meats, such as burgers, hot dogs, and chickenCrusty bread or crackersSalads, sandwiches, or wrapsPicnics, barbecues, and family gatherings

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the coleslaw, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also make the coleslaw ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before serving.

To freeze the coleslaw, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the coleslaw in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before serving.

To reheat the coleslaw, simply let it come to room temperature or heat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be careful not to overheat the coleslaw, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.

Overall, this Classic Creamy Coleslaw is a versatile and delicious side dish that can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cabbage is best for coleslaw?

Green cabbage is the most common type of cabbage used for coleslaw, but you can also use red cabbage or a combination of both for a more colorful and flavorful coleslaw.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time on preparation. Just be sure to check the ingredient list to make sure it doesn't contain any added preservatives or sugars.

How long can I store the coleslaw in the refrigerator?

You can store the coleslaw in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. After that, the coleslaw may start to lose its crunch and flavor.

Can I freeze the coleslaw?

Yes, you can freeze the coleslaw for up to 3 months. Simply transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.

How do I reheat the coleslaw?

You can reheat the coleslaw by letting it come to room temperature or heating it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Be careful not to overheat the coleslaw, as this can make it soggy and unappetizing.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding or substituting different ingredients. Try adding some diced onions, bell peppers, or celery to the coleslaw for added flavor and texture.

Is the coleslaw healthy?

Yes, the coleslaw is a healthy side dish option. It's low in calories and high in fiber, and it's made with fresh and nutritious ingredients.

Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the coleslaw ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe
Recipe Card
Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Learn to make a delicious Classic Creamy Coleslaw from scratch with this easy and seasonal salad recipe, perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.

Prep20 min
Cook0 min
Total20 min
Serves8
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (900g) green cabbage, cored and shredded
  • 1 lb (450g) red cabbage, cored and shredded
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the cabbage is well coated.
  4. Sprinkle the chopped parsley and dill over the top of the coleslaw and toss again to combine.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Just before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve the coleslaw chilled, garnished with additional parsley and dill if desired.
  8. To make the coleslaw ahead of time, prepare the dressing and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Then, just before serving, pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
  9. To customize the recipe, try adding some diced onions, bell peppers, or celery to the coleslaw for added flavor and texture.
  10. You can also add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to the coleslaw for an extra burst of flavor.
  11. For a lighter version of the coleslaw, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.
  12. To make the coleslaw more substantial, try adding some cooked chicken, bacon, or nuts to the mixture.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

120Calories
2gProtein
25gCarbs
7gFat