Classic coleslaw has a special place in my heart and on my dinner table! There’s just something about that crunchy cabbage paired with a tangy, creamy dressing that makes it the perfect side dish for any occasion. I remember summer barbecues at my grandparents’ house, where my grandma would whip up a big bowl of coleslaw. It was always the first dish to disappear! Whether you’re grilling burgers or having a picnic, this salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to bring it to every gathering. With its fresh flavors and delightful crunch, classic coleslaw is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of good times and great food!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious classic coleslaw! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded – Look for a firm head with vibrant leaves; this will be the base of your salad.
- 1 large carrot, grated – This adds a lovely sweetness and color. Don’t skip on the grating; it really helps meld the flavors!
- 1 cup mayonnaise – A creamy dressing is essential! I like to use a good quality mayo for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – This adds that tangy kick that makes coleslaw so refreshing!
- 1 tablespoon sugar – Just a bit to balance the acidity; adjust according to your taste!
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors, so don’t forget it!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best, giving it a nice little zing.
These ingredients come together to create a crunchy, creamy masterpiece that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Classic Coleslaw
Making classic coleslaw is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every crunchy bite! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fresh, tangy salad ready to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large bowl and combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot. I like to use my hands to really mix them up—don’t be shy!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Make sure it’s nice and creamy. It’s the dressing that brings everything to life!
- Now, pour that luscious dressing over your cabbage and carrot mixture. This is where the magic happens! Toss everything together until every piece of cabbage and carrot is coated evenly. It’s super satisfying!
- Once mixed, cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, trust me—don’t skip this step!
- When you’re ready to serve, give it another quick toss. If it seems a bit thick, you can add a splash of vinegar or a dollop of mayo to loosen it up. And voilà, your classic coleslaw is ready to shine!
Pro tip: If you want to avoid soggy coleslaw, make sure to drain any excess liquid that may form while it chills. This way, you’ll have the perfect crunchy texture to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to classic coleslaw, it’s not just about the taste; it’s good to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, with all that crunch and creaminess, you’re definitely treating yourself to a delightful and satisfying side dish! Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this classic coleslaw in just about 15 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of crunchy cabbage and sweet, tangy dressing creates a flavor explosion that complements a variety of main dishes.
- Versatile Side Dish: Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos, coleslaw fits in perfectly with just about any meal.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste! Add some diced apples, nuts, or even a bit of spice if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually gets better as it sits, so you can prepare it in advance and let those flavors meld together in the fridge.
- Healthy Crunch: Packed with veggies, it’s a great way to add some crunch and nutrition to your plate without feeling guilty.
Trust me, once you start making this classic coleslaw, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. It’s just that good!
Tips for Success
To make sure your classic coleslaw turns out absolutely perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that I’ve picked up along the way!
- Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the coleslaw rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to mingle and develop. I promise, it makes a huge difference in taste!
- Adjust to Your Taste: If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, feel free to add a touch more sugar. Conversely, if you like it tangier, a splash more apple cider vinegar can do wonders!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Get creative! You can add diced bell peppers for a pop of color, or even some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor. The options are endless!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots are essential for the best texture. If you can, opt for organic veggies—they often pack more flavor!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dressing with the veggies, be gentle! You want to coat everything evenly without bruising the cabbage. A light toss will do the trick!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the cabbage will get. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering classic coleslaw! Enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Variations of Classic Coleslaw
One of the best things about classic coleslaw is how versatile it is! Once you’ve got the base down, feel free to get creative and add your own twist. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll absolutely love:
- Crunchy Apple Coleslaw: Add diced apples or shredded apple to your coleslaw for a sweet and crunchy twist. The tartness of Granny Smith apples pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing!
- Spicy Jalapeño Coleslaw: For those who like a kick, finely chop some jalapeños and toss them in. It adds a delightful heat that complements the cool creaminess of the dressing.
- Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Swap out the mayonnaise for a sesame dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss in some chopped scallions and shredded cabbage for a refreshing twist!
- Broccoli Slaw: Mix in some shredded broccoli stems or even use broccoli slaw mix instead of cabbage. It gives a nice crunch and an extra dose of nutrition!
- Herbed Coleslaw: Stir in fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or parsley for a burst of flavor. The herbs will elevate the dish and make it feel even fresher.
- Nutty Coleslaw: Add a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for an extra crunch and richness. It adds a fantastic texture contrast!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of coleslaw is that it’s all about your personal taste. So go ahead, experiment, and make it your own! You might just discover a new favorite version!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your classic coleslaw all prepped and ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite options that enhance the flavors of your coleslaw and create a delicious meal:
- Grilled Meats: Think juicy burgers, smoky ribs, or tender grilled chicken. The tangy crunch of coleslaw is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of grilled meats!
- Sandwiches: Whether it’s pulled pork, fried chicken, or a classic deli sandwich, coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that takes your sandwich to the next level.
- Fish Tacos: Top your fish tacos with a generous scoop of coleslaw for an added layer of texture and flavor. The creaminess complements the fish beautifully!
- Hot Dogs: There’s nothing quite like a classic hot dog topped with a pile of coleslaw! It adds a delightful crunch and a hint of tanginess that’s simply irresistible.
- BBQ Dishes: Serve it alongside BBQ chicken or brisket for a classic Southern meal. The coleslaw helps balance the sweetness of BBQ sauce with its crispness.
- Picnic Favorites: Coleslaw is a must-have at any picnic! Pair it with fried chicken, potato salad, or a fresh pasta salad for a delightful spread.
These pairings not only complement the flavors of classic coleslaw but also create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. So go ahead, serve it up with your favorite dishes, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic coleslaw properly is super important to keep that crunchy texture and fresh flavor! Here’s how to make sure it lasts as long as possible while still tasting amazing.
First off, if you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. This helps prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge from seeping in. I usually use a glass container because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb any flavors.
You can store classic coleslaw in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that as time goes on, the cabbage will start to soften a bit due to the dressing. That said, it still tastes fantastic, so don’t worry if it gets a little softer!
When you’re ready to enjoy your coleslaw again, there’s no need to reheat it—it’s best served chilled. I like to give it a quick stir to refresh the flavors, and if it seems a bit dry, you can add a splash of vinegar or a bit more mayo to bring it back to life. And voilà! You’ve got a delicious side ready to go!
So remember, proper storage is key, and you’ll be able to savor that classic coleslaw for days after you make it. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!
Print
Classic Coleslaw: 5 Steps to Perfect, Crunchy Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy salad made with cabbage and a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture.
- Toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sugar amount according to your taste.
- For extra crunch, add sliced radishes.
- Coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: classic coleslaw
