Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that’s perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and any occasion where you want a cool and crunchy accompaniment to your meal. This simple recipe features a creamy dressing that’s tangy and slightly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

What is Coleslaw?

Coleslaw is essentially a salad made primarily from shredded cabbage. It often includes other vegetables like carrots and sometimes even red onions or bell peppers. The key element is the creamy dressing, which usually includes mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings like mustard and paprika.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and comes together quickly.

Versatile: You can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more or less cabbage, include different vegetables, or experiment with different seasonings.

Perfect Side Dish: Coleslaw pairs well with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken and burgers to fish and even pulled pork.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the coleslaw a day or two in advance, which is a huge time-saver for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients:

1 large head of green cabbage, shredded

2 large carrots, shredded

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

Shred the cabbage and carrots using a mandoline slicer, food processor, or the large holes of a box grater.

If using, finely chop the red onion.

2. Make the Dressing:

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.

3. Combine:

Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion (if using) to the bowl with the dressing.

Toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly with the dressing.

4. Chill:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips and Variations:

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a bit of heat.

Add Some Crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or toasted sunflower seeds for extra texture.

Get Creative with Veggies: Experiment with different vegetables like jicama, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced radishes.

Make it Low-Calorie: Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of sugar.

For a Tangier Flavor: Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar to taste.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve coleslaw as a side dish to grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, fish tacos, and more.

Enjoy it on sandwiches or wraps.

Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos.

Troubleshooting:

If the coleslaw is too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the dressing and toss to combine.

If the coleslaw is too watery: Let it sit in a colander for a few minutes to drain off excess liquid.

Conclusion

Coleslaw is a simple yet refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and customize to your liking. This recipe provides a basic foundation, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dietary advice.

Keywords: Coleslaw recipe, easy coleslaw, side dish, summer recipes, barbecue recipes, potluck recipes, healthy recipes, easy side dishes, quick recipes, vegetable recipes, cabbage recipes, carrot recipes

I hope this article is helpful for your SEO purposes!