Grandma Bettys Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw Even Better Than Yours
- Recipe Introduction
- Grandma Betty's Secret is Out!
- Why You'll Actually Love This Coleslaw
- Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Grandma Betty's Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw (Even Better Than Yours!)
- Recipe Notes for Grandma Betty's Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make that perfect coleslaw ? The one that disappears at every barbecue? This creamy coleslaw recipe is tangy, sweet, and utterly addictive!
Brief Overview
Coleslaw is a classic coleslaw that's a cornerstone of American cuisine, born from simple ingredients. This homemade coleslaw recipe is super easy and takes only 50 minutes. It yields 6-8 servings.
Main Benefits
This coleslaw is packed with crunchy veggies! It's a refreshing and light summer salad recipe , and pairs perfectly with bbq side dishes like pulled pork.
Honestly, this is special; I was never a fan of coleslaw until I tried my Grandma Betty's version.
Grandma Betty's Secret is Out!
This isn't just any cabbage salad recipe. It's my Grandma Betty's creamy coleslaw recipe , the one that always stole the show at family picnics.
The secret? A touch of Dijon mustard. Who knew?! Honestly, it makes all the difference.
Back then, I could never figure out what made it so good; You know? Everyone always raved about her coleslaw dressing .
It's the perfect coleslaw for pulled pork , ribs, or even just as a stand alone easy side dish . And this coleslaw recipe is stupid simple.
Why You'll Actually Love This Coleslaw
Okay, hear me out. We have all had boring coleslaw . This is vibrant and fresh. That secret ingredient adds a depth of flavor that you won't find in your average coleslaw .
You are gonna be like: 'Oh my gosh'! Plus, it's mostly veggies, so you can pretend it's healthy, lol. This recipe is so good, that I had to share with all of you!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Let's dive into what you'll need to make Grandma Betty's Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw recipe . I'm telling you, this isn't just another cabbage salad .
It's a game changer, the ultimate bbq side dishes addition. It's that good.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real
Okay, so we're going for crisp and fresh. Here's what you need for the base of this amazing classic coleslaw :
- 1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups / 500g ). A good cabbage will feel firm and heavy for its size. Avoid any that are wilted or have brown spots.
- 1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1 cup / 100g ). Look for carrots that are firm and brightly colored. Nobody wants a bendy carrot, right?
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup / 50g ). Yellow onions are the standard, but a sweet onion would work, too.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley (optional, but adds a pop! / 10g ). If you skip it, no biggie.
And now, for the magic: The coleslaw dressing . This makes or breaks the whole shebang:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (US: 240ml ; Metric: 240ml ). Full fat is the way to go for the best flavour. Don't skimp here!
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (US: 50g ; Metric: 50g ). It adds sweetness, balancing the tang.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (US: 60ml ; Metric: 60ml ). This gives that essential zing.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (US: 30ml ; Metric: 30ml ) - This is the secret weapon!
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (US: 30ml ; Metric: 30ml ). It helps to thin out the dressing and give it that creamy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (US: 2.5ml ; Metric: 2.5ml ). Trust me on this, it makes all the difference.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (US: 1.25ml ; Metric: 1.25ml ), or to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (US: 1.25ml ; Metric: 1.25ml ), or to taste.
Seasoning Notes: A Dash of Magic
The Dijon mustard is key. It's what elevates this from ordinary coleslaw for pulled pork to extraordinary . Celery seed is a must. No substitutions.
If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick. Honestly, a good coleslaw dressing is all about balance.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really don't need much to create this homemade coleslaw !
- Large mixing bowl: Obvious, right?
- Sharp knife and cutting board or food processor with shredding attachment: Whatever you prefer. I sometimes cheat and use the food processor.
- Small whisk: For the dressing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key!
- Airtight container for storage: For leftovers (if there are any).
You want some easy side dishes , that will be a hit? This is your answer. You can also serve this as a summer salad recipes .
Trust me, you'll never buy store-bought again.
Grandma Betty's Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw (Even Better Than Yours!)
Honestly, this coleslaw recipe is legendary. It beats any store-bought stuff hands down. My Grandma Betty used to make it for every summer barbecue, and now I do too.
It’s the best bbq side dish out there. Trust me, your family will be begging for the recipe. This isn’t just cabbage salad ; it’s a creamy, tangy dream.
Perfect with burgers, pulled pork, or just a spoon! A classic creamy coleslaw recipe everyone loves.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let's get organised! Shredding is the name of the game. We're talking one medium green cabbage, one medium carrot, and half a yellow onion.
Finely shred these using either a knife or food processor. Chop up 1/4 cup of parsley if you're feeling fancy.
This essential mise en place will make the whole process a breeze. For time saving organization tips , do your veggie prep in advance.
Now, let’s dive into making the best classic coleslaw .
Making the Magic: A step-by-step Guide
Ready to make this coleslaw recipe ? It's so easy.
- Combine shredded cabbage, carrot, onion, and parsley in a big bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayo , 1/4 cup of sugar , 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar , 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard , 2 tablespoons of milk , 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed , 1/4 teaspoon of salt , and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper . That Dijon is the secret, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar !!
- Pour that creamy dressing over the veggies. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . The longer, the better!
- Stir again before serving and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Coleslaw Perfection
Want to take your homemade coleslaw to the next level? Start with uniformly shredded cabbage, it distributes that flavor perfectly.
Avoid soggy coleslaw by not overdressing. Taste and adjust; maybe you want more tang or a touch more sweetness. You know? One of the common mistakes to avoid is adding too much dressing.
It's important to keep the coleslaw dressing balanced. This easy side dish is fantastic, even as a coleslaw for pulled pork .
Perfect for those summer salad recipes !
Recipe Notes for Grandma Betty's Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw
This classic coleslaw is more than just a side dish. Honestly, it's a summer essential! I’ve tweaked Grandma Betty's recipe over the years, and these are my best tips for homemade coleslaw .
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy!
Okay, so we're making coleslaw , not plating caviar. But presentation matters! Try serving this creamy coleslaw recipe in individual ramekins.
Or, for a BBQ, pile it high on a platter next to your ribs. Pair this with bbq side dishes like corn on the cob or potato salad.
For drinks? Iced tea or lemonade hits the spot! It is the ultimate summer salad recipes . It is the best coleslaw for pulled pork , it cuts through the richness.
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Store your cabbage salad in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days . Don’t freeze it, trust me. It gets weird.
The dressing separates, and the cabbage gets soggy. Nobody wants that. When reheating just kidding! It's served cold!
Variations: Make it Your Own
Want to lighten it up? Use half Greek yogurt and half mayo in the coleslaw dressing . For a sweet kick, add some dried cranberries.
Need a dietary adaptation ? Maple syrup can replace the sugar. For a seasonal twist, use red cabbage in the fall! Try using different seasonal ingredient swaps .
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Each serving has about 250 calories. It's got Vitamin C from the cabbage and some fiber too. This coleslaw recipe is definitely an easy side dish to get some extra nutrients!
So there you have it! My little secrets to the best coleslaw ever. It's truly a crowd pleaser. Get ready to hear, "Can I have that recipe?" Now go whip up some coleslaw and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
My coleslaw always seems soggy. What am I doing wrong?
Soggy coleslaw is a common culinary woe! Firstly, don't overdress it start with less dressing and add more to taste. Secondly, chilling for too long can draw out moisture from the cabbage. Aim for 30 minutes to 2 hours max.
Finally, using pre-shredded cabbage can sometimes lead to sogginess as it's often more processed. Shredding your own fresh cabbage is like giving your coleslaw a fighting chance!
Can I make this coleslaw recipe ahead of time?
While you can prepare coleslaw a few hours in advance, it truly shines when served relatively soon after making. The cabbage will retain its delightful crunch. If you need to prep further ahead, consider shredding the cabbage and making the dressing separately, then combining them just before serving.
Think of it like prepping for a bake off separate components, assembled at the last minute for peak perfection!
What are some variations I can try to spice up my coleslaw?
Feeling adventurous? There's a whole world of coleslaw variations out there! For a bit of kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also go tropical with some drained crushed pineapple, or replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. It's like "Pimp My Ride," but for coleslaw!
How long does coleslaw last in the fridge, and how should I store it?
Proper storage is key for leftover coleslaw. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will usually last for 3-5 days. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly as it sits.
Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, and use your best judgement if it smells off or looks questionable, best to toss it! Don't be a Del Boy when it comes to food safety.
Is coleslaw healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Coleslaw can be part of a balanced diet, but moderation is key, especially due to the mayonnaise and sugar content. Cabbage is a good source of vitamins and fiber, so there's definitely some goodness in there! You can lighten it up by using Greek yogurt instead of some of the mayonnaise.
Consider it a treat, like a cheeky Nando's, rather than a health food powerhouse.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this coleslaw, or do I have to shred it myself?
You absolutely can use pre-shredded cabbage for coleslaw to save time, no judgement here! However, freshly shredded cabbage generally results in a crisper, less soggy coleslaw. If using pre-shredded, pat it dry with paper towels before mixing it with the dressing to remove excess moisture.
It's a bit like choosing between instant coffee and a barista made latte both will do the job, but one's just a little bit better!
Grandma Bettys Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw Even Be
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
