Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something refreshing, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe is your answer. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy cabbage, juicy carrots, and a creamy, tangy dressing that will elevate any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece – it’s one of those delicious dishes that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people. Feel free to double or halve it depending on your needs.
- 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 sugar (granulated or powdered)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
This easy recipe comes together in minutes! Here's how to make it:
- Prep the vegetables: Start by thinly slicing the cabbage. A mandoline slicer is great for this, but a sharp knife works perfectly well too. Shred the carrot using a grater or food processor. Aim for a consistent texture for even cooking.
- Whisk the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might prefer more vinegar for a tangier dressing, or more sugar for extra sweetness.
- Combine: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, resulting in a more enjoyable texture and taste. It's even better if you let it chill for a couple of hours!
Tips for the Best Coleslaw:
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your vegetables directly impacts the taste of the coleslaw. Choose fresh, crisp cabbage and carrots for the best results.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can cause the cabbage to become mushy. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure even coating.
- Adjust to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar, vinegar, or mustard to suit your preferences. Some people prefer a sweeter coleslaw, while others prefer it more tangy.
- Add some crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped red onion, toasted sesame seeds, or even some chopped nuts.
Variations:
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Coleslaw with Greek Yogurt: Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Rainbow Coleslaw: Add other colorful vegetables, such as shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or broccoli florets.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This sweet and creamy coleslaw is a quick dinner idea that's perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply adding a vibrant and flavorful side to your everyday meals. Enjoy!