Name: Classic coleslaw recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small head cabbage, finely shredded; 2 large carrots, grated; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon celery seed; salt to taste; pepper to taste

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Classic coleslaw always conjures up memories of summer picnics and backyard barbecues, doesn’t it? The crisp crunch of finely shredded cabbage and grated carrots coated in a creamy dressing creates a harmonious union of flavors and textures. Whether you’ve enjoyed this classic American side dish at family gatherings or made it your signature potluck contribution, it’s hard not to fall for its nostalgic charm. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a go-to side dish that suits all occasions and complements a variety of main courses.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic coleslaw recipes

I still remember the first time I made classic coleslaw. It was a warm afternoon, and my best friend suggested we whip up a batch for our barbecue party. Not only was it a hit with our friends, but it also opened my eyes to the delightful world of homemade condiments. Unlike the store-bought varieties that can sometimes taste overly sweet or artificial, this recipe is simple and uses quality ingredients that you can trust. So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering journey and create a classic coleslaw recipe that’s sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep in just 15 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up for any occasion.
Irresistible Flavor: Fresh veggies paired with a creamy dressing offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of green cabbage and orange carrots make for a beautiful presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect alongside grilled meats, at picnics, or even as a light snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets by swapping out certain ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded: Use fresh cabbage for that classic flavor and crunch.
2 large carrots, grated: Freshly grated carrots add sweetness and a vibrant color.
1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise: Choose a quality mayo to create a rich, creamy dressing.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity; you can substitute white wine vinegar for a bolder punch if preferred.
2 tablespoons sugar: A little sweetness balances the dressing; feel free to adjust based on your taste.
1 teaspoon celery seed: This is essential for that authentic coleslaw flavor, providing an aromatic hint.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings elevate the overall taste and highlight the ingredients.

How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes

Shred the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and finely shred the rest. Aim for thin strips for that perfect coleslaw texture and a more enjoyable munching experience.

Grate the Carrots: Peel and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Combining these with the cabbage in a large bowl sets the stage for a delightful crunch.

Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of high-quality mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s completely smooth. This dressing is where the magic happens!

Season to Taste: Before pouring the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, take a moment to taste it. Adjust the flavor by adding an extra sprinkle of sugar for sweetness or a dash more vinegar for zing.

Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and grated carrots, then toss everything together thoroughly. Ensure that every piece is nicely coated—this is crucial for full flavor!

Refrigerate for Flavor: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Allowing the flavors to meld together is key to achieving that classic coleslaw taste that everyone loves.

Storing & Reheating

You can keep any leftovers of your classic coleslaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, but it’s best stored in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container to ensure it stays fresh for up to three days. If you’re looking to store it longer, you can freeze the coleslaw for up to three months, but be aware that the texture may change, making it a bit mushy when thawed. Refresh it with a squeeze of lemon juice or an extra dollop of mayo upon serving to revive its flavor and creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid using already shredded cabbage; fresh cabbage yields the best texture and flavor.
Let the shredded cabbage sit for about 10-15 minutes after shredding to draw out moisture, which helps maintain that delightful crunch.
Don’t forget to taste-test your dressing; personal preferences vary widely!
You can make this dish a day in advance for even better flavor, just remember to keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
If you prefer your coleslaw extra creamy, don’t hesitate to add a bit more mayonnaise!

Classic coleslaw isn’t just a recipe; it’s a canvas on which to express your culinary creativity. The ingredients are flexible, and you could even toss in some diced apples or raisins for a fruity twist. So, take this classic coleslaw recipe, make it your own, and bring it to life at your next gathering!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a food processor to shred the cabbage?

Absolutely! A food processor can save you time and help achieve even, finely shredded cabbage in a matter of seconds. Just make sure to use the shredding attachment for best results.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can easily make vegan coleslaw by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based version. Additionally, you can ensure that any added sugar is vegan.

Can I make classic coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, this coleslaw can be made a day in advance! The longer it sits, the more the flavors come together. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

How long does classic coleslaw last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, classic coleslaw will stay fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, the texture may decline, and it’s best to keep an eye on any off smells.

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Classic coleslaw recipes

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

This classic coleslaw recipe features finely shredded cabbage and sweet carrots combined with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for summer cookouts or as a side dish for any meal. Easy to prepare and wonderfully refreshing, this coleslaw is all about simple, delicious flavors that everyone loves!

Instructions

Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and finely shred the remaining cabbage.
Peel and grate the carrots, then mix them together with the cabbage in a large bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Let the coleslaw rest for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For a flavorful twist, try adding diced apples or raisins to the coleslaw.
This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and sandwiches.
Adjust the sugar in the dressing to your taste preference.