Oh, classic coleslaw! It’s like a crunchy, tangy hug on a plate. Every bite bursts with freshness from the shredded cabbage and the sweet crunch of grated carrots, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing that’s just to die for. I can’t help but think of summer barbecues and family picnics when I whip up a bowl of this delightful salad. It’s that perfect side dish that complements everything from grilled burgers to spicy pulled pork. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Trust me, once you taste this coleslaw, you’ll want to bring it to every gathering. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style!
Ingredients for Classic Coleslaw
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most amazing classic coleslaw! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your cabbage is nice and crisp for that perfect crunch! And don’t forget, the sugar helps balance out the tanginess of the vinegar, so adjust it to your taste if you like it sweeter. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that classic flavor we all love. Let’s get chopping and mixing!
How to Prepare Classic Coleslaw
Making classic coleslaw is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious salad ready in no time. Let’s dive into the preparation!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by shredding the cabbage into thin strips. A sharp knife or a mandoline works wonders here!
- Next, grab your grater and grate the carrots. You want those vibrant orange flecks to shine through!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until the dressing is smooth and well-blended. Trust me, the tanginess is what makes it special!
- Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the bowl. Use tongs or two forks to toss everything together gently, ensuring every piece gets coated in that creamy goodness.
- Once it’s all mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the crunch to stay fresh!
And voilà! You’ve got a bowl of classic coleslaw that’s ready to impress your friends and family. Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for that perfect texture and taste!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Coleslaw Recipe
- Quick and easy to make – Seriously, it takes just a few minutes to whip up!
- Perfect for summer barbecues – It’s that essential side dish that everyone craves!
- Crunchy and flavorful – Each bite is a delightful explosion of texture and taste!
- Vegetarian-friendly – A delicious option that everyone can enjoy, no matter their diet!
Trust me, once you serve this coleslaw, it’ll become a staple at your gatherings! The best part? You can easily customize it to your liking, but honestly, I think the classic version is just unbeatable!
Tips for Success
Getting your classic coleslaw just right is all about the little details! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your coleslaw turns out perfectly every time.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, don’t hesitate to add a bit more sugar. Start with an extra teaspoon, taste it, and keep adjusting until it’s just how you like it!
- Enhancing Tanginess: Want to kick up that tangy flavor? A splash more of apple cider vinegar can do wonders. Just remember to add a little at a time; you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away!
- Let It Sit: This is a big one! Letting your coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least an hour (or even longer) helps all those flavors meld beautifully. It also keeps the cabbage crisp, which is key for that satisfying crunch!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative! Adding a handful of raisins or some chopped apples can introduce a lovely sweetness and texture contrast. Just keep in mind that if you add fruit, it’s best to serve it right away to maintain freshness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, crisp cabbage and juicy carrots make all the difference. If you can, buy them the same day you plan to make your coleslaw for the best results!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a classic coleslaw that’s not only delicious but also a hit at any gathering! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying classic coleslaw, it’s always good to know what you’re serving up! Here are the typical nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup) of this delightful salad. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and depending on your specific ingredients, the numbers may vary a bit:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
So, whether you’re enjoying it alongside burgers or just on its own as a snack, you can feel good about this crunchy, creamy treat! Just remember, moderation is key, especially with that creamy dressing in the mix. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ About Classic Coleslaw
Got questions about making classic coleslaw? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best answers to help you out.
Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours ahead of time or even the day before. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, which makes the coleslaw even tastier. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it!
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a mayo alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier texture. For a lighter option, try mixing in some vinaigrette or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile a bit!
How do I make the coleslaw spicier?
If you want to add a kick to your classic coleslaw, consider stirring in a bit of hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or even some shredded radishes for a zesty crunch. Just start with a little, taste, and adjust until it suits your spice preference!
Can I add other vegetables to my coleslaw?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, red cabbage, or even green onions for extra color and flavor. Just remember to keep the overall balance and crunch that makes coleslaw so delightful!
How long does coleslaw last in the fridge?
Typically, classic coleslaw will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. After that, it might start to get a bit soggy, but it’ll still be safe to eat!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious classic coleslaw ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up! This crunchy, tangy salad is the perfect companion to so many dishes, and it really shines at gatherings and barbecues. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Grilled Meats: Coleslaw is a match made in heaven with grilled chicken, ribs, or burgers. The cool, creamy salad balances out the smoky flavors beautifully!
- Sandwiches: Pile it high on pulled pork or brisket sandwiches for an extra layer of texture and flavor. It adds that perfect crunch with every bite!
- Tacos: Use coleslaw as a zesty topping for fish or shrimp tacos. It adds a refreshing crunch that complements the savory ingredients perfectly.
- Hot Dogs: Give your hot dogs a twist by topping them with a scoop of coleslaw. It’s a classic combo that never fails to impress!
- Picnic Platters: Pair coleslaw with potato salad, baked beans, and corn on the cob as part of a delightful picnic spread. Everyone will love the variety!
Trust me, once you start pairing classic coleslaw with these dishes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! It’s all about that crunchy, creamy goodness enhancing your meal. Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic coleslaw properly is essential to keeping it fresh and delicious! Here’s how to do it:
- Refrigeration: After making your coleslaw, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will keep it crisp and prevent any unwanted odors from other foods in your fridge. Coleslaw can typically last for about 3 to 5 days when stored correctly.
- Serving Cold: Remember, coleslaw is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it! Just grab it from the fridge, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing, and it’s ready to serve again. The flavors only get better as it sits!
- Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing coleslaw, as the texture can change dramatically once thawed. The cabbage might turn limp and watery, which isn’t the crunchiness we love. If you have a lot left over, consider using it in a cooked dish instead!
So, keep your coleslaw chilled and ready to go, and you’ll always have a refreshing side dish on hand. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
For more information on the health benefits of cabbage, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, don’t forget to try our Classic Caesar Salad or Classic Beef Stroganoff.
Imprimer
Classic Coleslaw: 5 Secrets to Perfecting This Salad
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Classic coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy salad made from shredded cabbage and carrots, typically dressed with a creamy mayonnaise-based sauce.
Ingrédients
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots.
- In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the dressing.
- Toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- For a tangier flavor, increase the vinegar.
- Letting coleslaw sit enhances the flavors.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 5mg
Mots-clés: classic coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, cabbage salad
