Description
This Classic Creamy Coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family dinners. Made with shredded cabbage and grated carrots, it features a smooth and flavorful dressing combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and traditional seasonings like celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Easy to prepare and chilled for at least an hour to meld the flavors, this coleslaw offers a crisp texture and creamy taste that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and shred each quarter into thin strips using a sharp knife.
- Transfer cabbage to bowl: Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl ready for combining with other ingredients.
- Grate the carrot: Peel and grate the medium carrot finely using a box grater or food processor, then add it to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Make the dressing base: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Season the dressing: Add salt, black pepper, and celery seed to the mayonnaise mixture, stirring well to fully incorporate all seasonings.
- Combine dressing with vegetables: Pour the seasoned mayonnaise dressing over the shredded cabbage and grated carrot in the large bowl.
- Toss the coleslaw: Using a spoon or tongs, thoroughly mix until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the coleslaw and add more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
- Cover the bowl: Seal the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep the coleslaw fresh while chilling.
- Chill the coleslaw: Refrigerate the covered bowl for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the taste.
- Final stir before serving: After chilling, give the coleslaw one last gentle stir to redistribute the dressing evenly.
- Serve as a side dish: Enjoy the creamy coleslaw alongside your favorite main dishes for a crisp, tangy accompaniment.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill for more than 1 hour if time permits.
- The celery seed adds a unique aroma, but it can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.
- Use fresh cabbage and carrots for optimal crunch and taste.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing to your preferred level of sweetness.
- This coleslaw keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving again.
