Are you craving a vibrant, crunchy, and utterly delicious coleslaw that's surprisingly easy to make? Forget those soggy, bland versions! This recipe takes inspiration from the culinary genius of Gordon Ramsay, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a few clever techniques to elevate this classic side dish to a whole new level. It’s perfect as a quick dinner side, a picnic companion, or even a light lunch. Get ready to experience coleslaw like never before! This easy recipe is ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks alike, making it a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably high-quality)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Veggies: Finely shred the cabbage and carrot. The finer the shred, the better the texture. Using a food processor with a shredding attachment can speed up this process. If you're short on time, pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store is a great shortcut.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer a little more vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness – it's all about personal preference!
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Combine and Chill: Add the shredded cabbage and carrot to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated. Avoid overmixing, as this can bruise the cabbage and make it soggy.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill. This step is crucial for a truly delicious result! The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
Tips for the Best Coleslaw:
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a world of difference. Good mayonnaise is key to a creamy, flavorful dressing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the coleslaw soggy. Gently toss the vegetables and dressing just until combined.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar, sugar, and seasonings to your preference.
- Add Some Crunch: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped walnuts added before chilling provide extra texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a kick.
- Creamy Coleslaw: Increase the amount of mayonnaise for an extra-creamy coleslaw.
- Apple Coleslaw: Dice a tart apple (like Granny Smith) and add it to the coleslaw for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Rainbow Coleslaw: Add other colorful vegetables like shredded red cabbage or bell peppers for a beautiful and nutritious side dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Protein: Around 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: Around 15-20g
- Fiber: Around 2-3g
This delicious and easy coleslaw recipe is a versatile side dish that complements any meal. It's a healthy meal addition, perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Enjoy!