Easy Coleslaw Recipe: A Quick & Refreshing Side Dish
This easy coleslaw recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights. It's a quick, refreshing, and flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any barbecue, picnic, or even a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and a simple creamy dressing, ensuring a delicious and satisfying coleslaw every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up whenever you need a delicious side dish.
- Cabbage: 1 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups) — You can also use a mix of green and red cabbage for a more vibrant coleslaw!
- Carrots: 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup) — Shredded carrots add sweetness and crunch.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise — Use your favorite brand. A good quality mayo makes a big difference in the flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar — Adds a tangy element that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar — Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon salt — Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper — Adds a subtle spiciness.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This easy coleslaw recipe is simple to follow, even for novice cooks. Let's get started!
- Prep the Veggies: Thinly slice the cabbage and shred the carrot. You can use a mandoline slicer or a food processor for quicker preparation. Make sure the cabbage is thinly sliced for optimal flavor and texture.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a flavorful and delicious coleslaw. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy! This coleslaw is best served cold, so make it ahead of time for optimal flavor.
Tips for the Best Coleslaw:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of celery seed to the dressing.
- Add some crunch: Incorporate some chopped red onion or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Make it creamy: If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, you can use a little more mayonnaise.
- Make it ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better the next day, so it’s perfect to make ahead for parties or barbecues.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Sweet Coleslaw: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter coleslaw.
- Tangy Coleslaw: Increase the apple cider vinegar to 3 tablespoons for a more tangy flavor.
This easy coleslaw recipe is a versatile and delicious side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
