As the warm days of summer breeze in, there's nothing quite like the crunch of fresh vegetables mingling in a bowl, ready to awaken your taste buds. Recently, I found myself craving a classic side dish—not the heavy, mayonnaise-laden kind, but something light and refreshing I could serve at gatherings or enjoy alongside a home-cooked meal. That’s when the idea of making a Creamy Coleslaw struck me.
This vibrant dish is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite, blending the crispness of green and red cabbage with the sweetness of carrots. What sets it apart? The creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and just a hint of honey provides richness without guilt, making it the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats or even as a standalone salad.
With just 15 minutes of prep time, you'll be amazed at how easily this coleslaw elevates any meal. So, let’s chop, mix, and create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a quick remedy to the monotony of fast food!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Coleslaw
- You'll love how easy this Creamy Coleslaw is to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of your time.
- The vibrant colors and fresh crunch make it a visually appealing addition to any table or gathering.
- Packed with flavor from the creamy dressing and a hint of sweetness, this coleslaw is sure to please a crowd.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it alongside grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a light salad.
Creamy Coleslaw Ingredients
• Get ready to crunch into this deliciously fresh dish!
For the Vegetables
- Green cabbage – 4 cups, shredded – the base of your coleslaw, providing a refreshing crunch.
- Red cabbage – 1 cup, shredded – adds a pop of color and additional texture.
- Carrots – 1 cup, grated – brings a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
For the Dressing
- Plain Greek yogurt – 0.75 cup – offers creaminess with added protein and a tangy punch.
- Light mayonnaise – 0.25 cup – helps enhance the dressing's richness without the heaviness.
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon – provides a touch of acidity to balance the flavors beautifully.
- Honey – 1 tablespoon – a natural sweetener that complements the tangy dressing.
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon – adds a subtle zing to the dressing.
- Salt – 0.5 teaspoon (to taste) – brings out the flavors in the coleslaw.
- Black pepper – 0.25 teaspoon – adds a hint of warmth and spice.
Now that you've gathered your ingredients, you're just a few steps away from preparing a delightful Creamy Coleslaw that will be a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw
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Combine vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots. Ensure everything is well distributed for a vibrant, colorful mix.
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Whisk the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Keep mixing until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
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Season to taste: Add the salt and black pepper to the dressing, adjusting to your taste preferences. A little extra seasoning can enhance the flavors beautifully!
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Toss and coat: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix and gently toss everything together. Ensure each piece of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
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Chill and serve: Let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and creates a refreshing dish.
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
Making Creamy Coleslaw ahead of time is a fantastic strategy for busy home cooks! You can prepare the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crunch. Additionally, the creamy dressing can be whisked together and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. To keep the flavors fresh and vibrant, consider mixing the dressing with the vegetables just before serving; this way, your coleslaw stays crisp and delicious. When ready, simply toss the prepped vegetables with the dressing, and enjoy this flavorful and refreshing dish with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Creamy Coleslaw?
Bright, crisp, and oh-so-refreshing—this delightful side dish is perfect for creating a vibrant meal.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky flavors from grilled chicken enhance the crispness of coleslaw, making for a visually stunning plate.
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BBQ Ribs: The tangy, sweet barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy coleslaw, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
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Fish Tacos: The light, fresh crunch of coleslaw adds texture and brightness, complementing the savory spices of the fish.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn alongside your coleslaw makes for a delightful summer feast—each bite screams sunshine!
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Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Rich, tender pulled pork meets its match in coleslaw’s creamy crispness, adding a refreshing contrast in every bite.
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Potato Salad: For a classic side dish duo, the creamy potato salad and coleslaw together create a delightful symphony of flavors and textures.
Serve up these pairings, and watch your meal transform into a feast that brings smiles all around!
Creamy Coleslaw Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and turns you can take with your Creamy Coleslaw recipe!
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Vegan: Substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan mayo for a creamy texture without animal products.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or diced jalapeños to the dressing for a fiery twist that will awaken your taste buds.
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Flavor Infusion: Enhance the dressing with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for an aromatic touch. A simple addition can turn this dish into a herbaceous delight!
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Crunchy Add-ins: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for an extra layer of crunch and a nutty flavor that adds depth to your coleslaw.
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Fruit Twist: Mix in diced apples or pineapple for a sweet surprise that balances the tangy dressing perfectly. The burst of sweetness is sure to win hearts!
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Crispy Toppings: Top with crispy fried onions or shallots just before serving for an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice along with the vinegar to brighten the flavors and add an extra zing that dances on the palate.
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Curry Spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of curry powder into the dressing for an unexpected, exotic spin that takes this classic dish to a whole new level.
Feel inspired to make this dish uniquely yours and let your creativity shine!
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Coleslaw
Fridge: Store leftover Creamy Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the crunch of the vegetables and freshness of the dressing.
Freezer: While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Creamy Coleslaw for up to 2 months. However, the texture may change upon thawing, becoming softer due to the moisture in the vegetables.
Reheating: If you've frozen the coleslaw, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Mix well before serving, and consider adding a bit more dressing or seasoning for flavor enhancement.
Avoiding sogginess: To prevent excess water from pooling, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving if you plan to refrigerate leftovers.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Creamy Coleslaw, ensure to chop your cabbage and vegetables uniformly to achieve an even texture and consistent flavor throughout.
- A common mistake is not allowing the coleslaw to chill; resting for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- For a creamier dressing, consider adjusting the ratio of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to suit your taste.
- Lastly, remember to taste and adjust seasoning as you go to balance the acidity and sweetness perfectly.
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe FAQs
How do I choose fresh cabbage for my Creamy Coleslaw?
Absolutely! When selecting cabbage, look for heads that feel heavy for their size and have firm, tightly-packed leaves. Avoid any with soft spots or dark blemishes. For green cabbage, the leaves should be bright with no visible signs of wilting, while red cabbage should have vibrant color without any dark spots all over.
How long can I store my Creamy Coleslaw in the fridge?
You can store leftover Creamy Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps preserve the crispness of the vegetables and the freshness of the dressing, although it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days after making it.
Can I freeze Creamy Coleslaw?
Very! To freeze your Creamy Coleslaw, portion it into resealable freezer bags or airtight containers. It can be stored for up to 2 months. However, just keep in mind that the texture may change upon thawing, as the vegetables may soften. I recommend thawing it in the fridge overnight before serving and mixing well!
What should I do if my coleslaw dressing is too runny?
No worries at all! If your dressing turns out too runny, you can thicken it by adding a bit more Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise. Another option is to mix in a tablespoon of finely shredded cabbage or some grated carrots, which can help absorb excess moisture and improve the texture.
Is this Creamy Coleslaw suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you're looking to make it vegan, you can swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives like vegan yogurt and vegan mayo. For the honey, agave syrup or maple syrup works wonderfully as a substitute, and the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on all your ingredients for allergy considerations.
Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots. Ensure everything is well distributed for a vibrant, colorful mix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
- Add the salt and black pepper to the dressing, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix and gently toss everything together.
- Let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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