Are you ready to elevate your classic hot dog experience? Forget the limp, bland coleslaw often served as a side. This recipe delivers a vibrant, tangy, and creamy coleslaw that's perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible. It's the perfect complement to juicy hot dogs, adding a refreshing crunch and burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. This easy recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, casual weeknight dinners, or any occasion calling for a delicious and healthy side dish. Let's dive into the details of this best coleslaw recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of green cabbage (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or caster)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Begin by finely slicing the green cabbage. A mandoline slicer can help achieve uniform thinness for optimal texture, but a sharp knife works just as well.
- Next, peel and shred the carrot. You can use a box grater or food processor for this step to save time.
Making the Creamy Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. The sugar will dissolve more easily if you whisk vigorously.
Combining and Chilling:
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrot to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Avoid overmixing, as this can bruise the cabbage and make it soggy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. This chilling step is crucial for developing the best flavor and texture. For an even more intense flavor, chill for a couple of hours or even overnight.
Serving Suggestions & Variations:
This coleslaw is the perfect addition to your favorite hot dogs, but it's also incredibly versatile. Try it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even fish tacos.
Variations:
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
- Sweet & Tangy Coleslaw: Increase the sugar to 3 tablespoons for a sweeter coleslaw.
- Creamier Coleslaw: Add a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing for extra creaminess.
- Apple Coleslaw: Dice a small apple (such as Granny Smith) and add it to the coleslaw for a delightful sweetness and crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on mayonnaise used)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy coleslaw recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and the perfect complement to any summer barbecue or casual meal. Enjoy!