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- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded - 1 cup carrots, grated - 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a great coleslaw. Start with fresh green cabbage. I like to use about four cups, finely shredded. It gives a nice crunch. Then, add one cup of grated carrots. This adds sweetness and bright color. A half cup of finely shredded red cabbage balances the dish with flavor and color. Next, for the creamy dressing, you will need half a cup of mayonnaise. It binds the salad and adds richness. Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar bring tanginess. One tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a bit of spice. A tablespoon of granulated sugar rounds out the flavors. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. It enhances all the tastes. Finally, garnish with a quarter cup of thinly sliced green onions. They add a fresh finish and pop of color. For complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. - Combine the shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, and red cabbage in a large bowl. - Toss ingredients to ensure even blending. This step makes sure each bite is colorful and tasty. - In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar. - Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be smooth and creamy. - Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture in your large bowl. - Gently fold the dressing into the vegetables. Make sure all pieces are coated well. - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If it needs more sweetness, add sugar. If it needs more tang, add vinegar. - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. This helps the cabbage soften and taste better. Enjoy making this classic dish with the full recipe! You can prepare coleslaw a day in advance. This helps the flavors mix well. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes. This resting time makes the coleslaw taste even better. Want to spice things up? Add fresh herbs like cilantro or dill. A dash of cayenne pepper gives it a kick. You can also try other dressings. Swap mayonnaise for yogurt for a tangy twist. Or use a vinaigrette for a lighter option. For a great look, serve coleslaw in a large bowl. This highlights its colorful layers. If you want individual servings, use mason jars. It makes for a fun and fresh presentation. Coleslaw pairs well with grilled chicken or BBQ ribs. It adds a nice crunch and balances rich flavors. {{image_4}} You can use different types of cabbage to change the flavor of your coleslaw. Napa cabbage is softer and has a mild taste. It gives a nice texture. Savoy cabbage is crinkly and has a sweet flavor. It adds a fun twist to your dish. Both options work well with the classic coleslaw recipe. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite. Add colorful ingredients to make your coleslaw pop! Diced bell peppers bring crunch and sweetness. Try using red, yellow, or orange peppers for a vibrant look. Chopped apples add a juicy bite and a touch of sweetness. Raisins can offer a chewy texture and extra flavor. These add-ins not only brighten your dish but also enhance the taste. While the classic mayonnaise dressing is great, you can explore other options. A tangy vinaigrette can give your coleslaw a lighter feel. Use olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of mustard for a zesty kick. A yogurt-based dressing can add creaminess without as many calories. This option is perfect if you want a healthier version. Experiment with these dressings to find what you love best! To keep your classic coleslaw fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavors and moisture. Make sure the coleslaw is cool before sealing it. It lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Check for any signs of spoilage before serving. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it. I do not recommend freezing coleslaw. Freezing can change the texture of the cabbage. It may turn mushy when thawed. If you want to prepare ahead, make the dressing and chop the veggies separately. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to mix them. This keeps your coleslaw crunchy and fresh. For more details, check the Full Recipe. The best way to shred cabbage is by using a sharp knife or a box grater. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment. Start by cutting the cabbage into quarters. Remove the core and slice it thinly. Aim for even pieces to ensure a nice texture in your coleslaw. This method gives you a perfect blend of crunch and flavor. Yes, you can use pre-packaged coleslaw mix for convenience. These mixes often include cabbage and carrots, which saves time. However, fresh cabbage can have a better crunch and taste. If you choose the mix, check the ingredients. You might want to add more fresh veggies or extra dressing to boost flavor. To make coleslaw spicy, add ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also mix in red pepper flakes for heat. If you enjoy a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. This adds an exciting twist to the classic flavor. Classic coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats like burgers or BBQ chicken. It also complements sandwiches and wraps. Serve it alongside fish tacos or fried chicken for a fun meal. You can even use it as a topping for tacos or nachos. These pairings enhance the meal and bring out the coleslaw's crunch. Classic coleslaw can be a healthy side dish. It contains cabbage and carrots, which offer vitamins and fiber. However, the mayonnaise adds calories and fat. You can make it healthier by using yogurt or a vinaigrette for the dressing. Balance is key, so enjoy it as part of a varied diet. This blog post covers how to make classic coleslaw, including ingredients and instructions. We discussed tips for enhancing flavors and serving ideas. You can choose from variations, like different types of cabbage or dressings, to make it your own. Knowing how to store coleslaw correctly ensures it stays fresh. Embrace your creativity with this simple dish! Enjoy every crunchy bite, and make coleslaw a regular part of your meals.

Classic Coleslaw

Delight your taste buds with this Crisp & Creamy Classic Coleslaw recipe! Perfect for summer picnics or family dinners, this coleslaw combines fresh green and red cabbage with a rich, tangy dressing. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a refreshing side that everyone will love. Ready to add a delicious twist to your meals? Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup carrots, grated

1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by preparing your vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, and finely shredded red cabbage. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss them together until they are evenly blended.

    In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and granulated sugar. Season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.

      Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture in your large bowl. Gently fold the dressing into the vegetables using a spatula or mixing spoon. Make sure all the pieces are well coated without mashing the delicate vegetables.

        Taste your coleslaw and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more sugar; if you want it tangier, add a dash more vinegar or salt to enhance the flavors.

          Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time will help the flavors meld together and soften the cabbage slightly for a better texture.

            Just before serving, give the coleslaw one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish generously with thinly sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the coleslaw in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, or for individual servings, use mason jars for a fun presentation. Add extra green onion slices on top for an inviting touch!