Craving that cool, creamy, crunchy coleslaw that perfectly complements your Chick-fil-A sandwich? Forget the drive-thru – you can easily make this incredibly delicious copycat version at home! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with a dish that tastes remarkably like the restaurant favorite, but without the wait!
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best flavor and texture)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: First, thinly slice the green cabbage. Using a mandoline slicer or food processor will ensure even slices, crucial for a pleasant texture. Shred the carrot using a grater or the shredding attachment on your food processor. Combine the cabbage and carrot in a large bowl.
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Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, yellow mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and creamy. This step is key to achieving that signature Chick-fil-A coleslaw dressing.
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Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. This chilling time improves the taste exponentially, so don't skip it!
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Serve and Enjoy: Your homemade Chick-fil-A coleslaw is now ready! Serve it alongside your favorite grilled chicken sandwich, as a side to a barbecue, or simply enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and healthy snack.
Cooking Tips for the Best Coleslaw:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor. Opt for fresh, crisp cabbage and carrots for the best results.
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Don't Over-Dress: It's easy to add too much dressing, resulting in soggy coleslaw. Start with the amount specified and add more only if needed.
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Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar, vinegar, or mustard to suit your personal preferences.
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Make it Ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping and making ahead for parties or potlucks.
Variations:
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Add Some Sweetness: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
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Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick to the coleslaw.
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Add Some Crunch: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped pecans provide a delicious textural contrast to the creamy dressing and crisp vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This easy recipe delivers delicious results, transforming a simple side dish into a culinary highlight. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this copycat Chick-fil-A coleslaw is a guaranteed winner. Enjoy!