Coleslaw is a popular salad made with cabbage and dressing. It is crunchy, fresh, and tasty. Sweet coleslaw is a favorite for many people. It has a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe will help you make sweet coleslaw at home easily.
What is Sweet Coleslaw?
Sweet coleslaw is a type of coleslaw that has sugar or sweet ingredients in the dressing. It is not too sour or spicy. The sweetness makes it pleasant for many meals. You can eat it as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.
Ingredients for Sweet Coleslaw
Here is a simple list of ingredients you need:
- 1 bag of coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- Salt to taste
- Optional: ½ green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
Follow these steps to make sweet coleslaw:
- Prepare the cabbage: If you use fresh cabbage, shred it finely. If you have a bagged coleslaw mix, open the bag and dry it well using paper towels. This removes extra water and keeps the salad crunchy.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, celery seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, put the coleslaw mix and sliced green bell pepper (if you want). Pour the dressing over the cabbage.
- Mix well: Use a large spoon to toss the cabbage and dressing together. Make sure every piece of cabbage is coated with dressing.
- Chill the coleslaw: Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least one hour. This step helps the flavors mix and the cabbage soften just a little.
- Serve: After chilling, stir the coleslaw again. Taste and add a little more salt or sugar if you want. Serve cold.
Tips to Make Perfect Sweet Coleslaw
Follow these tips for the best coleslaw:
- Salt and drain cabbage: Salting cabbage before mixing helps remove water. This keeps the coleslaw from becoming soggy.
- Don’t over dress: Add dressing slowly. Taste as you go. Too much dressing hides the fresh cabbage taste.
- Remove the core: If you use whole cabbage, cut out the hard core. It can be bitter and hard to chew.
- Dry bagged cabbage: Bagged cabbage often has moisture. Pat it dry before mixing.
- Chill the salad: Let the salad rest in the fridge. This helps the flavors mix and makes it tastier.
Why is KFC Coleslaw So Sweet?
Many people love KFC coleslaw. It is very sweet but still fresh and crunchy. Here is why:
- It uses buttermilk in the dressing, adding a tangy taste.
- Mayonnaise is used but not too much.
- Onions add extra flavor.
- The balance of sweet and sour is perfect.
- The dressing is saucy but not too creamy.
You can try to copy this by adding a little buttermilk or onion to your sweet coleslaw.
Table: Sweet Coleslaw Ingredients and Roles
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) | 1 bag (about 14 oz) | Main vegetable, crunchy texture |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Creates creamy dressing |
| White sugar | ¼ cup | Adds sweetness |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tablespoons | Adds tangy flavor |
| Celery seeds | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor |
| Salt | To taste | Balances flavors |
| Green bell pepper (optional) | ½, thinly sliced | Adds crunch and color |
Variations of Sweet Coleslaw
You can change this recipe in many ways:
- Add fruit: Try small apple pieces or pineapple chunks for extra sweetness.
- Use different vinegar: White vinegar or lemon juice can work instead of apple cider vinegar.
- Make it creamy: Add a little buttermilk or sour cream to the dressing.
- Add crunch: Add nuts like sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.
- Make it spicy: Add a small pinch of black pepper or chili flakes.