Making a classic fresh coleslaw from scratch is so easy to do not to mention delicious!
We have so many convenience foods now available at our fingertips when we go to the supermarket, that we sometimes forget how easy it is to prepare things from scratch!
With both the deli and the fresh produce aisle having coleslaw available either bagged or premade I have gotten lazy! So I thought that I would share a very simple and delicious classic coleslaw to try, a great idea when those pre prepared are not available.
This recipe makes a huge batch, feel free to halve it if you do not think you would get through it, however it does last for at least 4-5 days so can go over several meals.
One of our favourite ways to enjoy coleslaw is in soft tacos, with either a crunchy karaage chicken , pulled chicken or pork or leftover roast lamb. Otherwise I love it as a side for rich meals such as lasagne or macaroni cheese where it helps cut through the cheesy goodness!
All that to say you can definitely plan on using it across several meals throughout the week.
This is a classic coleslaw with the very basics, I will share a few other variations over the coming weeks which are just lovely.
The ingredients you will require are: (Please scroll further down the page for the full recipe card with quantities and method)
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Mayonnaise
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Sugar
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Lemon Juice
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Apple Cider Vinegar
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Pepper
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Salt
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Celery Seeds (optional)
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Green and/or Red Cabbage
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Carrots
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Parsley (optional)
What makes a coleslaw stand out is a lovely creamy dressing, in this case a very simple one which uses just a few ingredients. The main component being mayonnaise, use your favourite one here.
Then you add both the citrus and tang of the lemon and vinegar, then round it off with sugar, salt & pepper. I have also used celery seeds here as I love the flavour of these but they are optional.
Then the main vegetables are simply cabbage and carrots. Some salads will include red onion and celery but this one I have kept very plain to mimic those found in store.
I like to use both red and green cabbage as it gives a lovely contrast in flavours and colours. Carrots are plentiful year round and if you have it parsley adds a lovely flavour and colour to the final salad.
To prepare the cabbage is lovely and simple. I have used half of each colour here. Simply quarter the halves, cut out the core, then half the quarters again and finely slice. My top tip here is ALWAYS use a much bigger bowl than you think you will need when preparing salads!!
I have simply grated by carrots, however you can julienne these, or use a food processor with a grating attachment on both the carrots and the cabbage to make this even quicker to prepare.
Then it is a matter of tossing together all of the ingredients with the dressing, I like to use clean hands here as it is much easier especially given the size of the salad.
So onto the recipe, I have lots of delicious salad ideas on the blog so be sure to check those out while you are here.
Classic Coleslaw – large salad ahead!
Classic Coleslaw
Delicious Classic Coleslaw, a large easy fresh salad. Feel free to halve these quantities
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Wine Vinegar)
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper, ground
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Celery Seeds (optional)
Salad
- 1/2 Green Cabbage
- 1/2 Red Cabbage
- 3 Carrots, peeled
- 1/3 Cup Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by combining in a small bowl, the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt & pepper and celery seeds if using
- Whisk well to combine and set aside
- Get a large bowl, bigger than you think you need, no an even bigger one.....
- With a sharp knife and a cutting board slice the cabbage in half, and remove the outer leaf and discard.
- Then slice the half cabbage into quarters. Slice off the lower core of the cabbage with the knife
- Then slice the quarter cabbage in half again crosswise.
- Then finely slice the cabbage as per my image above, to create thin slices
- Add this to the large bowl
- Then repeat this step with the red cabbage if you are using
- Peel and grate 3 carrots and add to your salad bowl
- Then finally add the finely diced parsley
- Toss this together carefully (I find using my clean hands the easiest way to do this)
- Pour over 2/3ds of the prepared dressing and toss again (again hands is easier or a large wooden spoon)
- If required as you wish to have more moisture add the remainder of the dressing and toss again. (I always use the full amount)
- Store covered well with a lid or plastic wrap for at least two hours in the refrigerator before serving, or overnight to infuse flavours and soften the cabbage
- I add mine to two glass containers with lids to keep fresh.
- If stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator this salad will keep for 5 days. It may discolour to purple with the dressing and red cabbage but still good to use.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 166Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 205mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 1g
JustAMumNZ.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although justamumnz.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
I hope you love this one, let me know in the comments below if you make it.
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Happy Baking!
Anna
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Hellen says
Family Christmas here, definitely on the menu, but no onion? It’s okay I can do that!
justamumnz says
It’s totally personal preference. If you like onion absolutely add it