Coleslaw is a classic side dish. It is crunchy, creamy, and fresh. This easy coleslaw recipe is perfect for any meal. It goes well with BBQ, sandwiches, or just as a light snack.
What Makes a Great Coleslaw?
A good coleslaw has fresh vegetables and a tasty dressing. The vegetables should be crunchy but not too hard. The dressing should be creamy but not heavy. It must have a nice balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Key Components For Great Coleslaw:
- Fresh Vegetables: Green cabbage and purple cabbage add color and crunch. Carrots add sweetness and a bright orange color. Some people like to add red onion for a sharp bite.
- Texture: Thinly slice the vegetables for the best eating experience. A mandoline slicer can help you cut very thin slices quickly.
- Water Removal: Salting the cabbage and letting it sit removes extra water. This keeps the coleslaw from being watery.
- Balanced Dressing: Use mayonnaise for creaminess. Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. A little sugar balances the sour taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds flavor. Optional celery seed adds depth.
- Flavor Add-ins (Optional): Fresh parsley or dill can add freshness. Raisins or nuts bring a nice surprise texture and taste.
- Resting: Let the coleslaw sit for at least 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely.
Ingredients for Easy Coleslaw
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Green cabbage (shredded) | 4 cups |
| Purple cabbage (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Carrots (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (for cabbage) |
| Optional: Celery seed | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Easy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prepare Vegetables: Shred the green and purple cabbage. Shred the carrots too. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- Salt the Cabbage: Put the shredded cabbage in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well. Let it sit for 10 minutes. This draws out extra water.
- Drain Water: After 10 minutes, squeeze the cabbage to remove water. Use your hands or a clean towel.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and celery seed if using.
- Combine: Add the drained cabbage and carrots to the dressing. Mix well so every piece is coated.
- Rest: Cover the bowl and let the coleslaw rest in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. This helps flavors blend.
- Serve: Add chopped fresh parsley before serving for extra freshness.
Tips for Perfect Coleslaw Every Time
- Use fresh vegetables. Old cabbage can be soft and watery.
- Thin slices work best. Thick pieces do not mix well with dressing.
- Do not skip salting the cabbage. It removes water and keeps salad crunchy.
- Taste the dressing. Adjust sugar or vinegar to your liking.
- Use fresh black pepper. It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Let the salad rest. It tastes better after sitting a while.
- Try optional add-ins. Celery seed or fresh herbs add nice flavor.
Why Make Coleslaw at Home?
Store-bought coleslaw can have preservatives or too much sugar. Homemade coleslaw is fresh and tastes better. You control the ingredients and can adjust flavors.
This easy recipe takes only 15 minutes. It is healthy and delicious. You can make it for family dinners or picnics.
Variations to Try
You can change this recipe to suit your taste:
- Vinegar-only: Use less mayonnaise and more vinegar for a tangy taste.
- Sweet and creamy: Add a little honey or more sugar.
- Crunchy nuts: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for texture.
- Fruity twist: Add small pieces of apple or raisins.