If there’s one dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face, it’s Classic Coleslaw. Crisp, vibrant cabbage and carrots all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing: it’s the simple side that can instantly jazz up everything from backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners. This luscious mix of crunch and zest deserves a spot at every table, and trust me, once you master this Classic Coleslaw recipe, you might never go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Coleslaw is all about balance; just a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients come together to create the ultimate creamy-crisp bite. Each item in this recipe has a starring role, from providing color and crunch to building that crave-able tang.
- Green cabbage: The sturdy base of your Classic Coleslaw; look for firm, tight heads for the best crunch.
- Purple cabbage: Adds an irresistible pop of color and a subtle hint of peppery sweetness.
- Carrots: Bring vibrant orange color and a tender crunch that plays beautifully off the cabbages.
- Mayonnaise: The backbone of the creamy dressing—use a good-quality mayo for a silky, rich finish.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds the perfect tart bite that brightens the whole dish and balances the creaminess.
- Dijon mustard: A touch of tang and a hint of sharpness make the dressing complex and lively.
- Sugar: Just enough to mellow out the vinegar and complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Celery seed: This tiny ingredient packs big flavor, giving that unmistakable Classic Coleslaw taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for popping all the other flavors and letting each ingredient shine.
How to Make Classic Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
First things first—shred your green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. You can do this quickly with a food processor, a box grater, or even a sharp knife. Make sure all your veggies are evenly cut for that classic balance of texture. Once everything’s shredded, toss all the veggies together in a spacious mixing bowl so they’re ready for the tasty dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine your mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seed, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Whisk until totally smooth—don’t rush this step! The creamy dressing should be luscious and well-blended, as it’s going to wrap every shred of cabbage in flavor.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour the velvety dressing right over your mountain of shredded cabbage and carrots. Use salad tongs or two large forks to gently toss until everything’s thoroughly coated. This step is so satisfying, watching the dressing transform those simple veggies into the legendary Classic Coleslaw we all know and love.
Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap (or transfer to an airtight container) and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This short rest allows the flavors to mingle and mellow out, plus it helps the veggies absorb some of the creamy dressing, giving you unmatched flavor in every forkful.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Just before you’re ready to set the table, give your Classic Coleslaw a quick toss to reactivate that dressing and fluff everything back up. Taste one last time and adjust the salt or pepper if needed, then bring out your beautiful bowl of coleslaw—guaranteed to steal the show!
How to Serve Classic Coleslaw
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra celery seeds, or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper makes a stunning garnish for this Classic Coleslaw. These simple touches add color and a dash of extra flavor that feels restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Classic Coleslaw is a must at summer cookouts, but it’s just as irresistible alongside crispy fried chicken, grilled burgers, or tangy barbecue ribs. Just scoop a generous helping onto your plate and you’ll see how it brightens and complements hearty, savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using Classic Coleslaw as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, loaded hot dogs, or barbecue chicken tacos. For potlucks, serve it in clear jars for a grab-and-go presentation, or layer it in a trifle dish to show off those gorgeous colors at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Classic Coleslaw to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay perfectly fresh for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen, making leftovers a real treat.
Freezing
Freezing coleslaw isn’t recommended, since the creamy dressing can separate and the cabbage will lose its delightful crunch once thawed. This one’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
No need to reheat Classic Coleslaw—this one is made to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. Just toss leftovers well before serving to revive the dressing and keep the slaw lively.
FAQs
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own veggies?
Absolutely! Bagged slaw mix can be a real time-saver. Just substitute it for the green and purple cabbage and carrots, then whip up the homemade dressing for amazing Classic Coleslaw in minutes.
How can I lighten up the dressing?
Swap all or some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter twist. It’s creamy and rich, but with less fat and an extra protein boost—perfect for a modern Classic Coleslaw.
Should I salt the cabbage ahead of time to keep the slaw crunchy?
If you prefer extra crunch, you can toss the shredded cabbage lightly with salt and let it drain in a colander for 20 minutes, then pat dry before mixing. For most, mixing and chilling as in this recipe keeps the salad crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to make Classic Coleslaw ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and shred your veggies a day ahead, keeping them separate until you’re ready to serve. Toss together an hour before serving for the freshest texture.
Can I add extra vegetables or fruits?
Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, green onions, or even a handful of chopped apples or raisins can add exciting variety. Classic Coleslaw is wonderfully versatile and always open to fun twists.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that brings color, crunch, and irresistible flavor to any meal, this Classic Coleslaw will easily become your go-to. Give it a try and see how quickly it disappears from your table—it’s truly a must-have for every home cook. Enjoy!
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Classic Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Classic Coleslaw recipe is a perfect balance of crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a versatile side dish that complements a wide range of main courses.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 6 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Coleslaw: In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Give it a good toss before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.
- This coleslaw pairs perfectly with barbecue, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
