Zesty Fresh Coleslaw Recipe: A Crisp Summer Classic

Creamy and crunchy coleslaw brings summer picnics to life with its vibrant textures and zesty flavors.

Crisp cabbage and carrots dance together in a delightful mix of fresh ingredients.

Homemade versions always taste better than store-bought options.

Simple techniques make this classic side dish a breeze to prepare.

Each bite offers a refreshing crunch that complements grilled meats perfectly.

Sweet and tangy notes will make you the star of any backyard gathering.

You’ll want to bookmark this easy recipe that comes together in minutes.

What You Need For Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe

• Cabbage: A crisp and crunchy base that provides the primary texture for the coleslaw.
• Carrots: Adds a sweet and vibrant orange color to the salad.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh and herbal note to the overall flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, Vinegar, Mustard: Create a creamy and tangy base for the coleslaw dressing.
• Celery Seeds: Provide a subtle, distinctive aromatic flavor to the dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the coleslaw.
• Sugar, Honey: Optional sweeteners to adjust the dressing's sharpness and balance the flavors.

Steps To Make Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Slice and Prep Cabbage

Remove the tough core from the cabbage and slice it into super-thin, delicate strips. The thinner you cut, the more delightful your coleslaw will be, creating a light and crisp texture that melts in your mouth.

• Cabbage

Step 2: Chop and Combine Fresh Veggies

Grate the carrots into delicate ribbons and finely chop the fresh parsley. Toss these colorful ingredients together with the shredded cabbage, creating a vibrant and crunchy base for your coleslaw.

• Carrots
• Parsley
• Cabbage

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, blend the mayo, vinegar, mustard, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. This magical mixture will transform your vegetables into a tangy, creamy delight that everyone will love.

• Mayonnaise
• Vinegar
• Mustard
• Celery seeds
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 4: Balance the Flavor

Taste your dressing and adjust the flavor. If it’s too sharp, add a touch of sugar or honey to mellow out the tanginess and create a perfectly balanced sauce.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the creamy goodness.

Step 6: Adjust Moisture

If the coleslaw seems dry, add more dressing until you reach your desired consistency. Some people like it lightly dressed, while others prefer a more generous coating.

Step 7: Chill and Enhance

For the most incredible flavor, refrigerate the coleslaw for an hour before serving. This allows the ingredients to mingle and develop a more complex taste. If you can’t wait, it’s still delicious served immediately!

Helpful Tips For Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe

• Slice Cabbage Strategically: Use a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform, thin shreds that ensure even dressing distribution and better texture.
• Balance Dressing Perfectly: Taste and adjust the dressing's tanginess by gradually adding sugar or honey, preventing overwhelming acidity.
• Prep Ahead Wisely: Chop vegetables in advance, but mix with dressing just before serving to maintain crisp, fresh crunch.
• Amp Up Nutrition: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a healthier, protein-rich alternative without sacrificing creamy consistency.
• Enhance Flavor Variety: Experiment with additional herbs like dill or chives, or sprinkle toasted nuts for extra depth and interesting texture.

Ways To Switch Up Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe

• Vegan Coleslaw: Replace mayo with vegan cashew cream or silken tofu dressing. Use plant-based yogurt for tangy texture.
• Low-Carb Coleslaw: Swap cabbage for kale or cauliflower. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for lighter version.
• Spicy Southwest Coleslaw: Add jalapeños, cilantro, and a dash of chili powder. Include lime juice for zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: Mix in sesame oil, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

Pairing Suggestions For Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe

• Pair Zesty Pulled Pork: Classic coleslaw complements smoky, tender pulled pork sandwiches by adding crisp texture and tangy contrast.
• Grill Perfect BBQ Companions: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or ribs to enhance the meal with refreshing crunch and cool flavor profile.
• Sip Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy dressing and matches the coleslaw's bright notes.
• Match Cold Beer Styles: Select a wheat beer or light lager that cleanses the palate and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the coleslaw's richness.

How To Keep Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe Fresh

• Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep cold and crisp by sealing tightly.
• Before serving stored coleslaw, drain any separated liquid and give a quick stir to refresh texture.
• Do not freeze coleslaw, as mayonnaise-based dressings break down and vegetables become soggy when thawed.
• If coleslaw seems dry after storing, add a small splash of fresh dressing to revive flavor and moisture before serving.

FAQs For Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe

• Why use different types of vinegar in coleslaw?

Different vinegars like apple cider, white wine, or rice vinegar can add unique tangy flavors and balance the richness of mayonnaise, creating a more complex taste profile for your coleslaw.

• Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, coleslaw tastes better when prepared a few hours in advance, allowing flavors to meld together. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.

• How do I prevent coleslaw from getting watery?

To avoid a watery slaw, salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 15 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients. This helps maintain a crisp texture.

Why Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe Is So Fresh

• Simplify Salad Prep: No complicated techniques required, just basic chopping and mixing skills make this coleslaw perfect for beginner cooks.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can create a delicious side dish in minutes, perfect for busy households.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Works brilliantly at barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings, complementing various main dishes with its crisp, tangy flavor.
• Flavor Customization: Easy to adjust sweetness or tanginess by tweaking dressing ingredients, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through.

Coleslaw Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes (or 1 hour if chilled)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy classic coleslaw brings summer picnic vibes with crisp cabbage and tangy dressing. Refreshing side dish combines crunchy vegetables and zesty mayonnaise for perfect backyard barbecue companions you’ll crave at every cookout.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 medium cabbage (about 2 pounds / 907 grams), core removed, finely shredded
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoons sugar or honey (optional)

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Instructions

1. Remove core from cabbage and slice into ultra-thin, delicate ribbons using a sharp knife or mandoline.
2. Finely shred carrots using a grater, creating thin, wispy strands that will blend seamlessly with cabbage.
3. Mince fresh parsley into tiny, fragrant pieces to add vibrant color and herbaceous notes.
4. Whisk mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, creating a smooth, tangy base for the dressing.
5. Incorporate Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper into the creamy mixture, balancing flavors with precision.
6. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness by adding a touch of honey or granulated sugar if the vinegar seems too sharp.
7. Gently fold vegetables together in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
8. Drizzle two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand.
9. Add remaining dressing incrementally if the coleslaw seems dry, maintaining a light, glossy appearance.
10. Refrigerate for 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
11. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

• Slice cabbage uniformly to ensure even texture and prevent large, tough pieces that disrupt the coleslaw’s smooth consistency.
• Use fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum crunch and vibrant flavor, which elevates the entire salad’s taste profile.
• Adjust dressing sweetness gradually with honey or sugar, tasting after each small addition to balance tanginess without overwhelming the vegetables.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining creamy richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg