If you’ve been hunting for that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy in a salad, then this Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been craving. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with everything from backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners. The magic lies in a luscious homemade dressing that hugs every crunchy strand of tricolor cabbage and carrot, delivering freshness and that velvety softness in each bite. Easy to whip up and destined to be a staple, this dish truly elevates any meal with its harmonious flavors and vibrant colors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first and most exciting step towards making a standout coleslaw. Every element played a crucial role, from brightness to creaminess, and that perfect hint of sweetness. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings richness and smooth texture.
- â…“ cup apple cider vinegar: Adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the cream.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and spice.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness to mellow the acidity.
- 14 ounces tricolor coleslaw mix: A vibrant combo of shredded cabbage and carrots that adds color and crunch.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by combining your creamy mayo with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk these together until you see a smooth, homogenous dressing. This step is where the flavor foundation gets built, blending the tang, spice, and sweetness in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Toss the Slaw
Place your tricolor coleslaw mix into a large bowl and pour about three-quarters of the dressing over it. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of cabbage is coated with that delicious dressing. Taste and feel free to adjust seasoning here – a little more salt, perhaps a pinch more sugar or vinegar, until it sings just right to your palate.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Finish your creamy coleslaw with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a splash of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. This final touch not only makes the dish look irresistible but also brightens the overall flavor profile.
How to Serve Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is a classic and simple garnish, you can also consider fresh dill or a few thinly sliced green onions to give your creamy coleslaw a different aromatic lift. A dash of paprika on top can add a lovely color contrast and subtle smokiness too.
Side Dishes
This creamy coleslaw shines brightest alongside grilled meats like pulled pork, BBQ ribs, or charred chicken, where its cool creaminess balances smoky, savory flavors. It also pairs wonderfully with hearty sandwiches, fried fish, or even as a refreshing side to spicy tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some fun by serving this coleslaw in mini mason jars for a party or picnic, making it easy for guests to enjoy. Alternatively, use it as a topping for baked potatoes or burger sliders to add crunch and creaminess. You can also mix it into potato salad for an eccentric twist that boosts both texture and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, keep your creamy coleslaw chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain freshness, vibrant texture, and that delightful creaminess. Just give it a quick toss before serving if the dressing settles.
Freezing
Because of the fresh cabbage and creamy dressing, freezing this coleslaw is not recommended as it will negatively affect the texture and flavor. Instead, prepare it fresh or enjoy leftovers refrigerated promptly.
Reheating
Coleslaw is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer side, allow it to sit out for 15 minutes before serving. Just remember to keep it chilled right up to serving for that crisp freshness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt provides a tangy alternative and makes the salad lighter, but it might be less rich and creamy compared to mayo. Feel free to experiment based on your preference!
How long can I prepare this Creamy Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare this coleslaw up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
Is apple cider vinegar necessary?
Apple cider vinegar adds a nice, fruity acidity that balances the creaminess, so it’s highly recommended. If you don’t have it, white vinegar works, but the flavor will be less nuanced.
Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw mix?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded red onions, bell peppers, or even a bit of grated apple for extra crunch and sweetness. Just keep the texture balanced.
What’s the best way to make the dressing smoother?
Whisking vigorously with a fork or small whisk until all ingredients are fully combined ensures a smooth, creamy dressing. For an ultra-smooth texture, some like to briefly blend the dressing ingredients.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Coleslaw Recipe a spot at your table soon. It’s one of those timeless dishes that feel comforting and fresh at once, with flavors that bring people together effortlessly. Whip it up for your next gathering or just because you deserve something delicious and easy. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy, crunchy delight will become your new go-to side dish!
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Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy coleslaw recipe features a tangy and smooth dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, tossed with a vibrant tricolor coleslaw mix. It offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors, making it a refreshing side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Coleslaw
- 14 ounces tricolor coleslaw mix
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and granulated sugar. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well incorporated.
- Toss the coleslaw: Place the tricolor coleslaw mix into a large bowl. Pour about three-quarters of the prepared dressing over the coleslaw and toss well to evenly coat the vegetables. Add more dressing as needed to achieve your preferred level of creaminess. Adjust the seasoning by tasting and adding additional salt, pepper, sugar, or vinegar to balance flavors to your liking.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the coleslaw for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- You can substitute regular vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different tang.
- To make this recipe vegan, replace mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on your taste preference for sweetness.
- Use fresh parsley as garnish to add freshness and color but it is optional.
