5 Easy Cole Slaw Recipes You'll Love

If you're looking for a side dish that brings both crunch and flavor to your meals, cole slaw is an excellent choice. This versatile salad, traditionally made from finely shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing, can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. In this blog post, we'll walk through five easy-to-make cole slaw recipes that are sure to please your palate. Whether you're a fan of the classic version, looking for something with a twist, or need options for different dietary restrictions, there's something here for everyone.

Classic Cole Slaw

The classic cole slaw is known for its simple yet flavorful dressing:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 head of cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to coat.
  4. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

📝 Note: You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store for convenience.

Asian-Inspired Cole Slaw

Give your cole slaw an Asian twist with this refreshing recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups shredded cabbage (mix of green and red)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ cup chopped green onions
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• Instructions:
  1. Toss the cabbage, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, lime juice, and ginger in a small bowl.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until well combined.
  4. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Creamy Vegan Cole Slaw

For those following a vegan diet, here’s a creamy version without any animal products:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups finely shredded cabbage
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • ¹⁄₄ cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrot.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together vegan mayo, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix the dressing into the cabbage mixture thoroughly.
  4. Let it sit in the fridge for an hour to let the flavors develop.

Mustard and Honey Cole Slaw

This recipe introduces a honey mustard flair for a unique taste:

• Ingredients:
  • 5 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Combine all shredded vegetables in a large bowl.
  2. In another bowl, mix the mayo, honey, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the dressing to the vegetable mix and toss well.
  4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

📝 Note: For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Spicy Southwestern Cole Slaw

Add some heat with this southwestern slaw recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • ¹⁄₂ medium head of cabbage, shredded
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
  • ¹⁄₂ cup corn kernels
  • ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro
  • ¹⁄₃ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Mix cabbage, jalapeno, corn, and cilantro in a bowl.
  2. Whisk together yogurt, mayo, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour over the slaw mix and toss to combine.
  4. Chill for at least an hour to enhance flavor.

These five easy cole slaw recipes offer a variety of flavors and dietary options, ensuring there's something for every taste and occasion. Each version can be adjusted in terms of spice level, sweetness, or creaminess to match personal preferences or dietary restrictions. With these recipes, you're set to enjoy a delicious side that complements nearly any main dish, from barbecues to holiday meals. Experiment with these recipes, and maybe even combine elements from different ones to create your own unique cole slaw masterpiece!

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

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Yes, these slaws actually benefit from sitting in the fridge for a while. They can be made up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just give it a good stir before serving.

How long can I store homemade cole slaw?

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Cole slaw can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. However, the texture might change slightly over time as the vegetables release moisture.

What are some tips for making cole slaw crisp?

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To keep your cole slaw crisp, do not dress it until right before serving, salt the cabbage to draw out excess moisture, or rinse it with cold water and dry thoroughly before adding dressing. Also, adding a bit of mayonnaise helps lock in the crunch.

Is there a way to make cole slaw healthier?

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Yes, you can make healthier versions by reducing or replacing some or all of the mayonnaise with yogurt or a lighter dressing like vinegar-based or oil-based ones. Adding fruits like apples or cranberries can also provide natural sweetness without extra sugar.