Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something fresh, crunchy, and utterly delicious? Then look no further! Mr. Ron's Coleslaw is the perfect addition to any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner. This recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a vibrant, tangy flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming a simple side dish into a culinary highlight. Get ready to experience the best coleslaw you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 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:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
First, wash the cabbage thoroughly and remove any outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice the cabbage. Shred the carrot using a grater or food processor. Thinly sliced cabbage is key for the best texture; you want it to be tender-crisp, not tough.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, yellow mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved for even sweetness throughout the coleslaw.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Add the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Don't overmix, as this can bruise the cabbage and make it less crunchy.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling step is crucial – it allows the cabbage to soften slightly and the flavors to deepen, creating the perfect balance of crispness and tang. For an even better flavor, chill for several hours or even overnight.
Tips for the Best Coleslaw:
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste. Opt for a crisp, fresh head of cabbage.
- Don't overmix: Gently toss the coleslaw to avoid over-mixing, which can cause the cabbage to become soggy.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, add a tablespoon or two more sugar. For a tangier version, add a little more vinegar.
- Add some crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped red onion, bell pepper, or toasted sunflower seeds.
Variations:
- Creamy Coleslaw: Use a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream for a richer, creamier coleslaw.
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
- Tangy Coleslaw: Increase the amount of apple cider vinegar for a more pronounced tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: 12-15g Carbohydrates: 10-15g Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
This easy and delicious coleslaw recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!