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Creamy Coleslaw with Tangy Vinegar Dressing

creamy coleslaw with tangy vinegar dressing - featured image

A fresh, crunchy coleslaw with a perfect balance of creamy richness and tangy vinegar zip, ideal for cookouts or quick weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup peeled and julienned or shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cabbage and carrots thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, shred the cabbage finely—about 4 cups packed. Peel and shred or julienne the carrots until you have about 1 cup. Thinly slice ¼ cup of red onion if using. Place all into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the shredded cabbage and gently massage with your hands for 2-3 minutes to soften the cabbage slightly while keeping it crisp.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon celery seed until smooth. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Add a teaspoon or two of water if the dressing is too thick.
  4. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every shred. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry and the vinegar mellow.
  6. Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick toss. Adjust salt, pepper, or add a splash of milk or more vinegar if needed. Drain any excess liquid if the slaw seems watery.

Notes

Massage the cabbage to soften it without losing crunch. Chill the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Keep dressing separate if making more than a day ahead to avoid sogginess. Drain excess liquid before serving if watery. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, vinegar dressing, summer side dish, BBQ side, fresh coleslaw, easy coleslaw recipe