There’s something truly special about a vibrant bowl of coleslaw that just beckons you, doesn’t it? The crunch of fresh cabbage mingled with the inviting creaminess of the dressing creates a texture that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Each bite bursts with flavor, balancing a hint of sweetness with a tang that makes your taste buds dance. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen; I whip it up for barbecues, picnic lunches, or even just as a side for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Now, let me tell you: this coleslaw comes together surprisingly fast! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t have loads of time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, serves as a glorious topping on tacos, or can even stand alone as a light lunch. And leftovers? They stay crisp in the fridge for a good 3 to 4 days—if they last that long!
WHY I LOVE COLESLAW
Coleslaw hits that sweet spot between crunchy and creamy! It’s incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, making it a true winner at my table. I love how it elevates any meal while still being simple enough to make on a whim. Plus, you can dress it up or keep it casual based on whatever you have on hand—it never disappoints, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
COLESLAW INGREDIENTS
The magic of this coleslaw truly lies in the harmony of its ingredients. From the rich creaminess of the dressing to the fresh crunch of the vegetables, everything works together beautifully. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 4 CUPS (12 OUNCES) GREEN CABBAGE: The base of our coleslaw, its crispness provides that satisfying crunch.
- 1 CUP (3 OUNCES) RED CABBAGE: A vibrant addition that adds color and a slightly peppery taste. Feel free to use more for an even bolder hue!
- 2 MEDIUM CARROTS: These little gems pack a mighty punch of sweetness and great texture.
- ¼ CUP PARSLEY: Fresh and zesty, it brightens up the entire dish with its herbaceous notes.
- ⅓ CUP MAYONNAISE (or vegan mayo): This brings that creamy richness we all crave.
- ⅓ CUP GREEK YOGURT (or non-dairy yogurt): Adds a tangy kick and some extra protein.
- 2 TABLESPOONS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: For tanginess that balances out the creaminess.
- 2 TABLESPOONS MUSTARD: This little squeeze imparts a delightful zing that elevates the flavors.
- 1 TABLESPOON SUGAR (or maple syrup): Just a hint of sweetness to round everything off.
- 1 TEASPOON SALT: To enhance all the wonderful flavors.
- ⅛ TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER: A final touch of spice that ties it all together.
SUBSTITUTIONS AND TIPS
Want to switch things up? If you’re out of green cabbage, you can replace it with Napa cabbage for a sweeter twist or even broccoli slaw for a fun variation! If you prefer a dairy-free option, swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy alternative, though it won’t be quite as rich in flavor. Remember, the sweetness can also be adjusted by using honey or agave syrup instead of sugar.
Pro tip: To save time, chop the veggies ahead of time! You can store them in an airtight container in the fridge so they’re ready to go when you need them.
KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife (or a mandoline slicer for quick chopping)
- Box grater (for the carrots)
- Whisk (or fork for mixing the dressing)
- Airtight container (for storing leftovers)
HOW TO MAKE COLESLAW
Let’s dive into creating this refreshing coleslaw. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps that ensure we get that perfect crunchy, creamy texture. Follow along, and you’ll have a delicious side or salad in no time!
Shred Your Cabbage
First, grab your sharp knife or mandoline slicer and shred 4 cups of green cabbage and 1 cup of red cabbage. You could also use a food processor with a slicing attachment if you prefer. This step is key to getting that delightful crunch!
Grate Your Carrots
Next, take your 2 medium carrots and give them a good grating with the large holes of a box grater. You want those vibrant orange strands to add color and sweetness, which will create a beautiful contrast in the salad.
Toss in the Fresh Herbs
Now, chop ¼ cup of fresh parsley finely and toss it in with the cabbage and carrots. This little addition brings such a bright flavor, elevating the entire dish.
Whisk Together Your Dressing
Once your veggies are mixed, it’s time to make the dressing! In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, ⅓ cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of mustard, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper until it’s creamy and smooth. This dressing is where all the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!
Pour and Combine
Now, pour that luscious dressing over your cabbage mixture and give it a good toss until everything is well-coated. You want to see all that creamy goodness enveloping the crunchy veggies!
Serve Fresh or Chill
Finally, you can serve this coleslaw immediately for the best crunch, or allow it to chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer. Letting it sit helps all those flavors meld beautifully.
HOW TO STORE COLESLAW
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember, coleslaw is best enjoyed chilled! It does not hold up well at room temperature for long periods, so keep that in mind. You can also freeze it, although I recommend using it within 2-3 months to maintain the best texture—thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even cabbage slices; it makes a difference in texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you can; it enhances the flavors.
- Adjust sweetness and acidity according to your taste—this salad should reflect what you love!
- Always check your seasoning before serving; a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.
- Add your dressing just before serving to keep everything nice and crunchy!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve alongside grilled BBQ chicken or ribs.
- Use coleslaw as a crispy topping on pulled pork sandwiches.
- Pair it with fish tacos for a refreshing crunch.
- Enjoy it as a light lunch with a side of fruit.
- For an extra touch, garnish with sunflower seeds or crushed nuts for added crunch!
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this coleslaw as much as I do! It’s such a wonderful dish to bring to any gathering, pulling people together over delicious flavors and vibrant colors. Happy cooking!
