There’s something so delightful about the simplicity and freshness of classic coleslaw! It’s one of those side dishes that brings a burst of flavor and crunch to any meal, especially at summer gatherings and barbecues. Picture this: a savory blend of shredded cabbage and vibrant carrots, all coated in a creamy dressing that just sings with tangy goodness. Trust me, this classic coleslaw is not only easy to whip up, but it also complements everything from grilled burgers to fried chicken. I love how it adds that perfect balance to hearty meals while still being a star on its own. So, get ready to mix up this crowd-pleaser; your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients List
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Classic Coleslaw
Making classic coleslaw is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through each step! You’ll see how simple it is to create this crunchy, tangy salad that’s perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab that small head of green cabbage and shred it. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline if you have one for nice, even pieces. The goal is to have it finely shredded so it mixes well with the dressing.
- Next up, take those two large carrots and grate them. I love using a box grater for this—it makes quick work of it! The vibrant orange will add such a pop of color to your salad.
- Now, let’s make the dressing! In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and one tablespoon of sugar. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is where the magic happens!
- Time to bring it all together! In your large mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and grated carrots into the dressing. Make sure everything is coated evenly; it’s all about that delicious flavor!
- Lastly, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Give it another good toss and then let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This marinating time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the coleslaw even tastier!
And there you have it! Your classic coleslaw is ready to be served. Trust me; the wait will be worth it when you take that first crunchy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- Fresh, crunchy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying!
- Packed with flavor from the creamy dressing and tangy vinegar.
- Versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.
- Can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Customizable with add-ins like onions or herbs for extra flair!
Tips for Success
To take your classic coleslaw to the next level, here are some pro tips that I swear by! First, feel free to adjust the sweetness of your dressing by adding more or less sugar according to your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise—it gives a tangy twist and is a bit healthier!
Another fun idea is to add some chopped onions or even a sprinkle of celery seed for an extra flavor kick. I also recommend letting your coleslaw chill for at least an hour before serving, as this really allows those flavors to mingle and deepen. And don’t forget to taste and adjust your seasoning before serving; every cabbage is a bit different, and you want it just right! Enjoy experimenting—this is a dish that’s all about your personal touch!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so this information is approximate. Typically, a serving of classic coleslaw (about 1 cup) contains around 150 calories, 12g of fat, 1g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. It’s a tasty way to add some crunch to your meals without a ton of guilt! Always feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I make classic coleslaw in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your coleslaw even tastier. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I add to my classic coleslaw for extra flavor?
If you want to jazz it up a bit, consider adding ingredients like chopped onions, green onions, or even some diced bell peppers for crunch. You could also throw in some raisins or apples for a touch of sweetness!
Is classic coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes, classic coleslaw is naturally gluten-free as it mainly consists of cabbage, carrots, and a dressing. Just be sure to check the labels on your mayonnaise and any added ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Can I use a different dressing?
For sure! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use a vinaigrette or even yogurt-based dressing instead of mayonnaise. It’ll give a refreshing twist while keeping that creamy texture!
How do I store leftover coleslaw?
Store any leftover classic coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic coleslaw is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for that perfect crunch and flavor.
Now, as for reheating, you actually don’t need to! Coleslaw is best served cold, so just give it a good stir after taking it out of the fridge. If it seems a bit watery from the dressing settling, don’t worry—just mix it well and it’ll be as good as new. This refreshing salad is ready to complement your next meal without any fuss! Enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Classic coleslaw is such a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals! I love serving it alongside juicy grilled burgers or crispy fried chicken—it’s the perfect crunchy contrast! You can also try it with pulled pork sandwiches for that delicious sweet-and-tangy combo. If you’re having a barbecue, coleslaw complements barbecue ribs and hot dogs so well, adding that refreshing bite. And if you’re looking for something lighter, it’s delightful alongside fish tacos or as a topping for a fresh garden salad. Trust me; it enhances any meal and adds that extra flair!
For more delicious recipes, check out beer-battered fish and chips or classic caesar salad!
Imprimer
Classic Coleslaw: 5 Delightful Tips for Perfect Crunch
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Classic coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy salad made with cabbage and carrots, often dressed with mayonnaise.
Ingrédients
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
- Mix the cabbage and carrots into the dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Add chopped onions for extra flavor.
- 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: 200mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 5mg
Mots-clés: classic coleslaw