The Best Coleslaw is a delightful side dish that enhances any meal with its crisp texture and creamy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, packing for a picnic, or just want to top your favorite sandwiches and tacos, this simple recipe is sure to please. Its unique combination of flavors makes it a standout choice that everyone will love. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and gets even better after chilling in the fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This coleslaw can be whipped up in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal last-minute side dish.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a topping to elevate your sandwiches and tacos.
- Creamy Texture: The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates a rich dressing that complements the crunch of the slaw beautifully.
- Easily Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh cabbage and carrots, this coleslaw offers a nutritious boost without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making the Best Coleslaw, gather these essential tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large serving bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why These Tools Matter
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures that your dressing is well blended for a smoother consistency.
- Large serving bowl: Makes it easy to toss the coleslaw mix with dressing and serve to guests.
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 the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Combine with Coleslaw Mix
Place the coleslaw mix in a large serving bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the slaw. Toss gently 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. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re short on time, feel free to serve immediately!
How to Serve Best Coleslaw
Serving coleslaw is simple and versatile. This refreshing dish can enhance many meals, making it a perfect addition to your table for any occasion.
As a Side Dish
- Barbecue Feasts: Pair coleslaw with grilled chicken or beef for a classic summer meal.
- Picnic Treat: Serve coleslaw alongside fried chicken, sandwiches, or wraps for a delightful picnic spread.
As a Topping
- Sandwiches: Add a scoop of coleslaw on pulled chicken or turkey sandwiches for added crunch and flavor.
- Tacos: Use coleslaw as a topping for tacos, especially with spiced shredded chicken or ground beef.
In Salads
- Mixed Greens: Incorporate coleslaw into a mixed green salad for extra texture and taste.
- Cold Pasta Salad: Fold in some coleslaw to cold pasta salads to enhance the dish’s creaminess and freshness.
How to Perfect Best Coleslaw
Creating the best coleslaw involves attention to detail and adjusting flavors to your liking. Here are some tips to elevate your coleslaw game.
- Bold Flavoring: Experiment with additional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables; the quality of cabbage and carrots significantly impacts the final dish.
- Chill Time: Allow the coleslaw to sit in the fridge before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
- Texture Balance: Consider adding nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, for an enjoyable crunch.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, reduce mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Best Side Dishes for Best Coleslaw
Coleslaw pairs well with various side dishes that complement its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add warmth and earthy flavors that balance nicely with coleslaw.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the tanginess of coleslaw; serve warm with butter.
- Baked Beans: A hearty bean dish brings protein and fiber, making it an excellent companion for coleslaw at any barbecue.
- Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers another texture that works well alongside the crunch of coleslaw.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes add Southern charm and pair beautifully with creamy sides like coleslaw.
- Macaroni Salad: Another classic side, macaroni salad complements the flavors of coleslaw while adding more comfort food appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making coleslaw may seem simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are mistakes to watch out for:
- Using low-quality ingredients: Always opt for fresh, high-quality vegetables and dressings. This will enhance the overall taste of your coleslaw.
- Not chilling before serving: Allowing the coleslaw to chill helps the flavors meld together. Serve it immediately, and you may miss out on its full potential.
- Overdressing too early: If you add all the dressing before serving, the cabbage can become soggy. Dress your coleslaw just before serving for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Taste your dressing before mixing it with the slaw. Adjust salt and pepper to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Skipping customization: Don’t hesitate to add ingredients like apples, nuts, or herbs for extra depth. Customize your coleslaw to suit your taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
Freezing Best Coleslaw
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in cabbage after thawing.
- If necessary, freeze only the dressing separately.
Reheating Best Coleslaw
- Oven: This isn’t typical for coleslaw; however, if desired, warm it at a low temperature just until slightly heated.
- Microwave: Heat in short increments (10-15 seconds) until desired warmth is reached. Stir between heating sessions.
- Stovetop: Gently toss in a skillet over low heat, being cautious not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Coleslaw?
The Best Coleslaw features a creamy dressing combined with crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
How long does Best Coleslaw last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, Best Coleslaw can last up to 3 days while maintaining its taste and crunch.
Can I customize my Best Coleslaw?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like apples, raisins, or shredded cheese for additional flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make Best Coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best made a few hours ahead or even a day in advance for optimal flavor development after chilling.
Conclusion
This classic Best Coleslaw recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side dish at cookouts or as a topping on sandwiches and tacos, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try—I know you’ll love how quick and satisfying it is!
Best Coleslaw
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
The Best Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy family dinners. Its creamy dressing, made with a blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, beautifully complements the crisp cabbage and carrots. This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or as a delightful topping for sandwiches and tacos. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. It gets even better after chilling in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together for a truly delicious 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.
- Place coleslaw mix in a large serving bowl and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
