Craving a delicious, tangy slaw to perfectly offset the richness of your pulled pork? Look no further! This recipe is incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect side dish for those busy weeknights, offering a healthy and refreshing contrast to your hearty main course. Get ready to elevate your pulled pork game with this simple yet sensational slaw!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned or grated
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (vegan mayonnaise works great too!)
- 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
Instructions:
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Prep the Vegetables: Begin by slicing the cabbage thinly. You can use a mandoline slicer for perfectly uniform slices, or a sharp knife will work just fine. Julienne or grate the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion. The thinner you slice the vegetables, the better the slaw will absorb the dressing.
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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 well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; you might prefer a little more vinegar for extra tang or sugar for added sweetness.
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Combine and Toss: Add the sliced cabbage, carrots, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix, 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. This chilling step is crucial; it allows the slaw to become crisp and the flavors to deepen. Serve alongside your favorite pulled pork recipe for a truly unforgettable meal!
Tips for the Best Slaw:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the overall taste of your slaw. Opt for fresh, crisp cabbage and carrots for the best results.
- Don't Over-Dress: Too much dressing can make the slaw soggy. Start with the suggested amount and add more only if needed.
- Adjust to your Taste: Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or substitute honey for the sugar for a different flavor profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Cranberry Slaw: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.
- Apple Slaw: Incorporate 1/2 cup of diced apple (such as Granny Smith) for a refreshing crunch.
- Spicy Slaw: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on mayonnaise type)
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
- Protein: Approximately 2-3g
This easy slaw recipe is perfect for meal prepping – make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week! It's a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and delicious, making it an ideal addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking recipes. Enjoy!