Oh, classic coleslaw! It’s one of those dishes that always brings a smile to my face. I mean, who can resist that crunchy texture combined with that tangy flavor? It’s the perfect sidekick for summer barbecues, picnics, or even just a cozy dinner at home. The bright colors of shredded cabbage and carrots make it so inviting, and the creamy dressing just pulls it all together beautifully. Every bite is a delightful crunch that dances on your taste buds. Trust me, once you whip up this classic coleslaw recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! It’s simple, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients for Classic Coleslaw
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best classic coleslaw, and luckily, it’s super simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (I love using a sharp knife or a mandoline for even shreds!)
- 1 cup carrots, grated (You can use a box grater or a food processor; it saves time!)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Go for a good quality mayo for that creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (This adds that lovely tang we all crave)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (Just a touch to balance the acidity)
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste, but this helps enhance all the flavors!)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly cracked is best for that little kick)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready because this coleslaw comes together in a flash!
How to Prepare Classic Coleslaw
Making classic coleslaw is a breeze, and I promise, you’ll have it ready in no time! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crunchy, tangy salad that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by shredding the cabbage and grating the carrots. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots. Give them a good toss to mix them up evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. You want this dressing to be well blended, so keep whisking until it’s creamy and free of lumps.
- Now, pour that delicious dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Don’t be shy—make sure every bit of veg gets coated in that creamy goodness!
- Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. I like to use tongs for this—it makes it easier to mix without squishing the veggies.
- Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is key! It allows the flavors to meld beautifully and gives the cabbage time to soften just a bit.
And there you have it! A classic coleslaw that’s ready to impress. Just remember, the longer it sits, the better it gets—if you can wait that long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- Crunchy, fresh flavors that everyone adores, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile side dish; it pairs beautifully with barbecued meats, sandwiches, or even on a taco!
- Customizable! Add in your favorite ingredients like onions, celery, or even apples for a twist.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time for lunches or picnics!
Tips for Success
To make your classic coleslaw truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, choose fresh, crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots—this will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. If you can, use a mix of green and red cabbage for added color and crunch. When it comes to the dressing, don’t rush it! Whisk until it’s perfectly smooth; it makes all the difference. And remember, letting the coleslaw chill is essential—it helps the flavors meld together beautifully. If you like a bit of zest, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon juice right before serving for that extra pop! Enjoy your crunchy creation!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this classic coleslaw! Each serving (about 1 cup) has approximately 200 calories, 18g of fat, 2g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your crunchy, tangy delight with confidence!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making classic coleslaw? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I make classic coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. This allows all those flavors to meld and develop beautifully. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
What can I add to my coleslaw for extra flavor?
Great question! You can mix in chopped onions, celery, or even diced apples for a sweet twist. Some people love adding a bit of Dijon mustard or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick! Cabbage is also known for its health benefits, making it a great addition to your diet.
How long will coleslaw last in the fridge?
Your classic coleslaw will typically stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Just keep it covered to maintain its crunchiness!
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Definitely! While green cabbage is traditional, you can use red cabbage or even Napa cabbage for a different flavor and beautiful color. The crunch will still be there, I promise!
Is coleslaw healthy?
Coleslaw can be a healthy side dish, especially when made with fresh veggies! Just be mindful of the mayo content; you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option if you prefer. Greek yogurt is a great alternative that adds creaminess without the extra calories.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your classic coleslaw properly is key to keeping it fresh and crunchy! I recommend transferring any leftovers to an airtight container and popping it in the fridge. It should stay delicious for about 3 to 5 days. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Now, if you’re wondering about reheating—don’t! Coleslaw is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you’ve added any crunchy toppings like nuts or seeds, add those right before serving to keep that delightful crunch intact. Enjoy your crisp, tangy treat!
Classic Coleslaw: 5 Secrets to Its Irresistible Crunch
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Classic coleslaw is a crunchy and tangy salad made with cabbage and carrots.
Składniki
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots.
- Toss until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or celery.
- Coleslaw can be made a day in advance.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 200
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 18g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 15g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Słowa kluczowe: classic coleslaw
