Crunchy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe: A Fresh Take on Classic

Crisp cabbage and vibrant coleslaw recipe dance together in a symphony of flavor that transforms ordinary side dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Fresh vegetables crunch with every bite, promising a delightful blend of tangy and creamy textures.

Creamy dressing coats each shredded vegetable with remarkable precision.

Summer barbecues and picnics find their perfect companion in this classic side dish.

Homemade coleslaw beats store-bought versions by miles, delivering a personalized touch that elevates any meal.

The secret lies in using the freshest ingredients and balancing sweet and acidic notes.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that will become your go-to summer staple.

Easy Instructions For Best Coleslaw

• Veggie Prep

Slice crisp cabbage into delicate ribbons and grate vibrant carrots. The key is creating thin, uniform pieces that will soak up all the delicious dressing goodness.

• Creamy Dressing Magic

Whip together a zesty blend of tangy mayo, bright apple cider vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in some sugar and a whisper of celery seed for an extra flavor punch that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Flavor Fusion

Drizzle the luscious dressing over your vegetable medley. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each shred gets perfectly coated. The goal is a harmonious mix where no single bite is left behind.

• Chill and Delight

Let your coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This downtime allows all those magnificent flavors to mingle and get to know each other, creating a symphony of taste that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ways To Change Up Best Coleslaw

• Creamy Coleslaw Secrets: Pro Tips and Delicious Twists
• Crunch Control: Pat shredded cabbage and carrots dry with paper towels to prevent watery coleslaw and maintain a crisp texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare coleslaw up to 2 days in advance, as the flavors develop and become more delicious when chilled overnight.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap mayonnaise with vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that's equally creamy and tangy.
• Spice It Up: Add a kick by mixing in finely chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra zest.
• Protein Power: Transform your coleslaw into a complete meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.

How To Dish Out Best Coleslaw

• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Serve this zesty coleslaw alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches for a classic summer meal that screams backyard barbecue.
• Southern Style Sidekick: Complement fried chicken, barbecue ribs, or crispy fish with this creamy coleslaw to add a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast to rich, hearty main dishes.
• Holiday Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing coleslaw to family gatherings, church socials, or community cookouts where its vibrant colors and creamy texture will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Gourmet Sandwich Topper: Layer this coleslaw inside pulled pork sandwiches, on top of grilled chicken wraps, or as a zesty garnish for deli-style sandwiches to elevate your lunch game.

Store And Prep Best Coleslaw With Ease

• Flavor Development: Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving, allowing the ingredients to blend and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store in an airtight container, which keeps the coleslaw fresh and crisp for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial growth.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, mixing them just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent wilting.
• Smart Serving Tips: Drain any excess liquid before serving to ensure a perfect texture. Consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley right before serving for an extra flavor boost.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Best Coleslaw

• Cabbage: Provides a crunchy base with a fresh, slightly peppery flavor, choose a firm head with bright green or white leaves.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, select bright orange carrots that feel heavy and firm.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a smooth, rich base that binds the coleslaw together, opt for a high-quality, full-bodied brand.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and helps balance the richness, look for raw, unfiltered varieties for deeper flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing, choose a smooth, well-balanced mustard.
• Sugar: Softens the vinegar's sharpness and enhances overall flavor, use white or brown sugar depending on preference.

• Celery Seed: Offers a subtle, earthy undertone with a hint of pepper, select fresh seeds for maximum flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Elevate and round out the entire dish's taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

Must-Have Tools For Best Coleslaw

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing vegetables.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing components smoothly.
• Grater: Helps shred carrots into fine, uniform pieces.
• Sharp knife: Useful for slicing cabbage into thin shreds.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and sugar amounts.

Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy coleslaw with a zesty twist brings summer picnic memories to life. Fresh cabbage, crisp carrots, and tangy dressing combine for a classic side that you’ll crave at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups (300 g / 10.6 oz) green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) carrots, grated or julienned
• ½ cup (120 mL / 4 fl oz) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp celery seed
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Combine shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a large mixing bowl, tossing thoroughly to create an even, colorful base for the coleslaw.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seed, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and fully integrated.
3. Fusion and Marination: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently folding to coat every strand completely. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Final Touch: Give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving to revive its texture and ensure an even distribution of the creamy dressing, guaranteeing a perfect balance of flavors in each bite.

Notes

• Maintain Vegetable Crispness: Avoid over-mixing vegetables to prevent soggy texture; use gentle folding technique for even coating without breaking delicate cabbage and carrot strands.
• Adjust Dressing Consistency: Control mayonnaise quantity to achieve desired creaminess; start with less and gradually add to prevent overwhelming vegetable freshness.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow coleslaw to rest in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, enabling ingredients to meld and develop richer taste profile before serving.
• Customize Dietary Options: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter version or use vegan mayonnaise to create plant-based alternative without compromising creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg