The Best Coleslaw is a classic creamy side dish that brings a refreshing crunch to any meal. Its delightful combination of crisp coleslaw mix and a tangy, flavorful dressing makes it ideal for summer cookouts, picnics, or even as a tasty topping for sandwiches and tacos. This coleslaw is quick to prepare and becomes even more delicious after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this coleslaw recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy texture and balanced flavors make it a favorite at any gathering or BBQ.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a side dish, sandwich topping, or in tacos. The options are endless!
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients that bring out the natural flavors of cabbage and carrots.
- Adjustable Flavor: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences!
Tools and Preparation
To make the best coleslaw, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large serving bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why These Tools Matter
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients easily without making a mess.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a smooth and well-combined dressing for your coleslaw.
- Large serving bowl: Perfect for tossing the coleslaw mix with the dressing evenly.
Ingredients
This classic creamy coleslaw is an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish made with crisp coleslaw mix and a tangy, flavorful mayo-based dressing. Perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or as a topping for sandwiches and tacos—quick to make and even better after chilling.
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2½ tablespoons white vinegar (or pickle juice)
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (as needed)
For the Slaw
- 8 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots, 14-16 ounces)
How to Make Best Coleslaw
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the coleslaw mix until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Combine Slaw Mix
Place the coleslaw mix in a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly. Depending on your preferred level of creaminess, you may not need to use all of the dressing.
Step 3: Chill Before Serving
For best results, cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. However, it can also be served immediately if time is limited.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Best Coleslaw!
How to Serve Best Coleslaw
Serving coleslaw can elevate any meal, making it more vibrant and flavorful. This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, adding crunch and tang to every bite.
As a Side Dish
- Barbecue Meals: Best coleslaw complements smoky flavors from grilled chicken or beef, balancing richness with its refreshing taste.
- Sandwich Topping: Place coleslaw on sandwiches like pulled chicken or turkey for added texture and flavor.
- Tacos: Use coleslaw as a crunchy topping on taco fillings such as seasoned ground beef or grilled vegetables.
In Salads
- Mixed Green Salad: Add coleslaw to mixed greens for an extra crunch and a flavorful twist.
- Wraps: Incorporate coleslaw into wraps filled with grilled chicken or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
As a Snack
- Veggie Dip: Serve coleslaw as a healthy snack alongside fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks.
- Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with coleslaw for colorful and tasty stuffed peppers.
How to Perfect Best Coleslaw
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your coleslaw, consider these helpful tips:
- Bold Flavoring: Don’t hesitate to adjust the dressing ingredients. Add more vinegar or mustard if you prefer a tangier taste.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh coleslaw mix for the best crunch. Check for crispness in cabbage and carrots before purchasing.
- Chill Time: Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Creaminess Control: Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference for creaminess. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Texture Variety: Experiment by adding chopped apples or nuts for extra texture and flavor contrasts.
- Season to Taste: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Best Coleslaw
Coleslaw is versatile enough to complement many dishes. Here are some excellent side dishes that pair well:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers seasoned with herbs make a perfect match for cold, creamy coleslaw.
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft, sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the tangy flavors of coleslaw.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances out the acidity in coleslaw nicely.
- Baked Beans: Rich, savory baked beans create a hearty contrast alongside light and crunchy coleslaw.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad adds creaminess that complements the texture of coleslaw perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies enhance the freshness of coleslaw while adding depth to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making coleslaw may seem simple, but there are several common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly skipping the chilling time. Not letting your coleslaw chill can result in a less flavorful dish. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least a few hours to enhance the taste.
- Boldly over-seasoning. Adding too much salt or sugar can overpower the dish. Always season incrementally and taste as you go for balanced flavors.
- Boldly using old ingredients. Freshness is key in coleslaw. Make sure your vegetables are crisp and your dressing ingredients are not expired for the best results.
- Boldly ignoring dressing consistency. If your dressing is too thick, it won’t coat the slaw evenly. Adjust with a little water or additional yogurt to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Boldly using too much dressing. Overdressing can lead to soggy coleslaw. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best enjoyed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Best Coleslaw
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture and crunch.
- If necessary, consider freezing just the dressing separately from the vegetables.
Reheating Best Coleslaw
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Best Coleslaw?
The Best Coleslaw has a perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess, with fresh vegetables that provide crunch and flavor.
Can I customize my Best Coleslaw?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like apples, raisins, or nuts for added texture and sweetness.
How do I make my Best Coleslaw healthier?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or reduce sugar content while still enhancing flavor with vinegar.
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day before allows flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
Conclusion
This creamy coleslaw recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer cookout or using it as a topping for sandwiches, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients for a unique twist!
Best Coleslaw
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Experience the freshness of summer with the Best Coleslaw, a creamy and tangy side dish that perfectly complements any meal. This delightful recipe combines crisp coleslaw mix with a flavorful dressing that’s ideal for cookouts, picnics, and as a zesty topping for sandwiches and tacos. With just 10 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that only gets better after chilling, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether served as a side dish or a crunchy salad topping, this coleslaw is guaranteed to add vibrancy and flavor to your dining experience.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 2½ tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Salt (as needed)
- 8 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seeds, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
- For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
