Coleslaw is a refreshing and delicious side dish that goes well alongside many different meals. It’s a staple at barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings, but making it from scratch can seem like a daunting task. However, with these easy tips and tricks, you’ll be able to whip up a perfect batch of coleslaw in no time!

Firstly, the key to making coleslaw easy is to have the right ingredients. A classic coleslaw recipe typically includes shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. However, you can mix things up by adding different vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or even apples. It’s all about personal preference! Make sure to choose fresh, crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture. On top of that, you’ll need a dressing that’s easy to make and delicious. You can opt for a classic mayonnaise-based dressing, or try a vinaigrette for a lighter option. Either way, with the right ingredients and combination of flavors, your coleslaw will be a hit at any gathering!

1. The Basic Coleslaw Recipe

Making your own coleslaw is easier than you might think. This basic recipe is a great place to start. All you need are finely shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and a dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

To make the dressing, simply whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Then, add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots and stir until the vegetables are coated in the dressing.

2. Make It Creamier

If you prefer your coleslaw creamier, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing. This will give your coleslaw a tangy flavor and a richer texture.

3. Add Some Color

To make your coleslaw more visually appealing, you can add some colorful ingredients to the mix. Try adding some shredded red cabbage, sliced bell peppers, or grated beets. This will make your coleslaw look more appetizing and add some extra nutrients.

4. Experiment with Different Dressings

While a mayonnaise-based dressing is the classic choice for coleslaw, there are plenty of other tasty options to try. Consider using a vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar, or a creamy dressing made from avocado or tahini.

5. Mix Up Your Herbs and Spices

To give your coleslaw some extra flavor and depth, experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill to your coleslaw. You could also sprinkle in some cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika for a more complex flavor.

6. Use a Food Processor

Shredding cabbage and carrots by hand can be time-consuming and messy. If you have a food processor, use it to make quick work of the vegetables. Simply cut the cabbage and carrots into smaller pieces and pulse them in the food processor until they are finely shredded.

7. Make It Ahead

Coleslaw is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, and then combine them up to a day before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together and makes your dish even more delicious.

8. Serve It with Your Favorite Foods

Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of main courses. Try serving it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried chicken. You could also use it as a topping for tacos, burgers, or hot dogs.

9. Customize It to Your Taste

Coleslaw is a dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. You can make it sweeter or more tangy by adjusting the amount of sugar and vinegar in the dressing. You can also make it spicier by adding more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

10. Get Creative!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your coleslaw. Try adding different fruits, nuts, or cheeses to the mix. You could also experiment with different types of cabbage, such as Napa or Savoy. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and see what delicious combinations you can come up with!

What You Need to Make Coleslaw

Making coleslaw is an easy process that requires just a few ingredients and tools. Here are the things you’d need:

Cabbage

The star ingredient in coleslaw is cabbage. You can choose to use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both. A medium-sized cabbage can yield up to 8 cups of shredded cabbage, depending on the variety.

Carrots

Carrots add color and flavor to the coleslaw, and they also give it a crunchy texture. You will need about 1-2 large carrots for a medium-sized cabbage.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is the base of the coleslaw dressing. You can use either store-bought or homemade mayo, depending on your preference.

Sour Cream

Sour cream provides a tangy flavor to the coleslaw dressing. You can use either full-fat or low-fat sour cream, depending on your preference.

Vinegar

Vinegar helps to balance the sweetness of the dressing and also adds a tangy flavor. You can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or any other vinegar of your choice.

Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness to the dressing and balances the sourness of the vinegar. You can use either granulated sugar or honey.

Salt

Salt enhances the flavors of the coleslaw and brings out its natural sweetness. You can use either table salt or sea salt.

Pepper

Pepper adds a subtle spiciness to the coleslaw. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

Grater or Food Processor

You will need either a grater or food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots.

Bowl and Spoon

You will need a large mixing bowl to combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and dressing. Use a spoon or fork to mix everything together.

Now that you know what you need to make coleslaw, let’s move on to the preparation process.

Easy Coleslaw Recipes to Try Today!

Coleslaw is as versatile as it is delicious, and it makes the perfect complement to any meal. Below are some easy-to-follow recipes that will help you take your coleslaw game to the next level.

Recipe Ingredients Instructions
Classic Coleslaw – 1/2 head of cabbage
– 2 medium-sized carrots peeled
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons of vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
1. Shred cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, vinegar, and honey.
3. Pour the mixture over the shredded cabbage and carrots.
4. Mix everything together and add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Apple Coleslaw – 1/2 head of cabbage
– 2 medium-sized apples sliced thinly
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
1. Shred cabbage.
2. Combine cabbage and sliced apples in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
4. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and apples.
5. Mix everything together and add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Spicy Coleslaw – 1/2 head of cabbage
– 1/2 red onion sliced thinly
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt
– 2 teaspoons of Sriracha sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
1. Shred cabbage.
2. Combine cabbage and sliced red onion in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Sriracha sauce.
4. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and onions.
5. Mix everything together and add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Vegan Coleslaw – 1/2 head of cabbage
– 2 medium-sized carrots peeled
– 1/2 cup of vegan mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
1. Shred cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together vegan mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and maple syrup.
3. Pour the mixture over the shredded cabbage and carrots.
4. Mix everything together and add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Citrus Coleslaw – 1/2 head of cabbage
– 1 orange peeled and sectioned
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons of lime juice
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
1. Shred cabbage.
2. Combine cabbage and orange sections in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey.
4. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and oranges.
5. Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

1. Classic Coleslaw Recipe

For a classic coleslaw recipe that never fails, you just need a few ingredients: cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Begin by shredding the cabbage and carrots, then mix them all together in a large bowl. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, and honey to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, mixing everything until well combined. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

2. Apple Coleslaw Recipe

Apples give coleslaw a unique twist, and they pair nicely with the cabbage. This recipe calls for shredded cabbage, sliced apples, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Begin by shredding the cabbage and slicing the apples. Then, mix them together in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to make the dressing. Pour the mixture over the cabbage and apples, mixing everything until well combined. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Spicy Coleslaw Recipe

If you like your coleslaw with a kick, this recipe is for you. Combine shredded cabbage, sliced red onions, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Sriracha sauce, salt, and pepper. Begin by shredding the cabbage and slicing the red onions. Then, mix them together in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Sriracha sauce to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and onions, mixing everything until well combined. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

4. Vegan Coleslaw Recipe

This vegan coleslaw recipe is delicious and easy to make. You’ll need shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, vegan mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Begin by shredding the cabbage and carrots, then mix them together in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, and maple syrup to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, mixing everything until well combined. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. Citrus Coleslaw Recipe

The addition of oranges to this coleslaw recipe gives it a nice citrusy flavor. To make this recipe, you’ll need shredded cabbage, orange sections, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Begin by shredding the cabbage and sectioning the oranges. Then, mix them together in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, and honey to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and oranges, mixing everything until well combined. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

In conclusion, coleslaw doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can whip up a delicious dish in no time. So go ahead and give them a try, and let us know which one is your favorite!

Easy Coleslaw – Done and Dusted!

There you have it, folks – easy peasy coleslaw for all to enjoy! Whether you jazz it up with some tangy vinegar or keep it creamy, making your own coleslaw is simple and satisfying. Thanks for joining me on this culinary adventure and I hope to see you back here soon for more mouth-watering recipes! Until then, happy cooking!