Coleslaw
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Looking for the best coleslaw dressing to jazz up your next BBQ? You’ve landed in the right place! This coleslaw recipe is not only super easy to whip up, but it also packs a tangy punch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a coleslaw connoisseur or a newbie, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Coleslaw Dressing
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good coleslaw, making it a guaranteed hit at any event.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning to your liking.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better when made in advance.
I am so beyond obsessed with this easy coleslaw. You need just a few simple ingredients and about five minutes of time. It knocks the socks off of the grocery store slaw and is a staple for almost every outdoor summer gathering.
This coleslaw is the ultimate sidekick to your favorite dishes! Serve it up with smoky BBQ ribs, juicy burgers, or crispy fried chicken for a classic pairing. It’s also fantastic atop pulled pork sandwiches, adding a refreshing crunch. It complements just about any main course, making it a must-have for any meal.
Ingredients You Need
One thing I didn’t realize until I made this recipe is that coleslaw ingredients are fairly simple! here is what you need:
- Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayo for a creamy, rich base. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a mix of both.
- Sugar: Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. The sugar balances the tanginess of the vinegar and lemon juice, so find your perfect sweet spot.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor. Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to get the most out of it.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tang. Make sure to shake the bottle well before using to mix the “mother” for added health benefits.
- Salt and Pepper: Season gradually. Taste as you go to ensure you don’t overdo it, and use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
- Coleslaw Mix: For convenience, use a pre-shredded mix. If shredding your own, a mix of green and red cabbage with some carrots adds great color and texture.
Creamy Coleslaw Dressing
- Prepare the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- Season the Dressing: Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter, more vinegar for tanginess, or more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add the Coleslaw Mix: Open the bag of coleslaw mix and pour it into the bowl with the dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the coleslaw mix with the dressing until all the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Final Touches: Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to ensure the dressing is well-distributed. Taste once more and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve your coleslaw as a side dish with your favorite BBQ, burgers, or sandwiches. Enjoy!
Helpful Tools
These tools will streamline the process and help you achieve the best results for your coleslaw.
- Large Mixing Bowl: (affiliate) Essential for combining your ingredients and tossing the coleslaw mix with the dressing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: (affiliate) Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
- Whisk: (affiliate) Ideal for mixing the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Spatula or Large Spoon: (affiliate) Useful for mixing the coleslaw mix with the dressing without bruising the veggies.
- Citrus Juicer: (affiliate) Helps you get the most juice out of your lemon with minimal effort.
Expert Recipe Tips:
- Chill the Bowl and Dressing: Before you start, chill your mixing bowl and dressing ingredients in the refrigerator for a bit. This helps keep the coleslaw crisp and fresh.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the coleslaw mix. Adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and seasoning to your preference. Remember, flavors will meld and develop as it chills.
- Add Extra Crunch: For added texture, consider mixing in some finely sliced bell peppers, red onions, or celery. You can also add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for a unique twist.
- Customize the Dressing: Experiment with adding a dash of Dijon mustard, a splash of buttermilk, or a sprinkle of celery seed to your dressing for an extra flavor boost.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use white vinegar, rice vinegar, or even white wine vinegar. Each type will give the coleslaw a slightly different flavor, but all will work well.
Salting the cabbage beforehand can help. Sprinkle a little salt on the shredded cabbage, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse and pat it dry. This draws out excess moisture and keeps the coleslaw crisp.
Absolutely! In fact, coleslaw often tastes better when made a few hours ahead or even the day before, as the flavors have time to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.
Coleslaw typically lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for maximum freshness and crunch.
Try adding ingredients like shredded apple, raisins, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or seeds. Herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro can also add a fresh touch.
More Easy Side Dish Ideas
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Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 (16oz) bag coleslaw mix
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper to the dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more sugar if you like it sweeter, more vinegar for tanginess, or more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Open the bag of coleslaw mix and pour it into the bowl with the dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the coleslaw mix with the dressing until all the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to ensure the dressing is well-distributed. Taste once more and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve your coleslaw as a side dish with your favorite BBQ, burgers, or sandwiches. Enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Great dressing, I added 1/2 tsp Celery seed, really enhanced it!
We love the simplicity and slight sweet flavor of this slaw