What is coleslaw?
Coleslaw is a salad made primarily of thinly sliced raw cabbage and dressed with mayonnaise-based dressing. It is a staple side dish in many cuisines. The cabbage is typically finely shredded, then dressed with a vinaigrette or mayonnaise-based dressing. Coleslaw can contain a variety of other vegetables including carrots, onions, bell peppers, and celery. Herbs and spices like parsley, dill, caraway seeds, and black pepper are also commonly added.
The term “coleslaw” arose in the 18th century as an anglicisation of the Dutch term “koolsla” meaning ‘cabbage salad’. Originally brought over by Dutch settlers to America, coleslaw has evolved into a beloved side dish across the United States.
Nutritional value of coleslaw
Coleslaw is a nutritious low calorie food when eaten in moderation. Here is the approximate nutritional value per 100g serving of basic coleslaw:
| Calories | 71 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
As you can see, coleslaw is low in calories and high in fiber. The cabbage provides vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium, and glucosinolates which have anti-cancer properties. The carrots add vitamin A, beta-carotene and the onion provides flavonoids which have antioxidant effects. When eaten as part of a balanced diet, coleslaw can be a very healthy addition.
How to select cabbage for coleslaw
Selecting the right cabbage is key for crisp, fresh tasting coleslaw. Look for heads of cabbage that are heavy for their size and have crisp leaves. Avoid cabbage heads with brown, wilted outer leaves. The best varieties of cabbage to use include green cabbage, red cabbage, napa cabbage or savoy cabbage. For tender coleslaw, choose napa cabbage which has delicate, mild tasting leaves.
Ways to cut cabbage for coleslaw
Cutting the cabbage into thin, delicate shreds helps it absorb the dressing flavors. Here are some slicing techniques:
Thinly slice – Carefully slice the cabbage into paper-thin slices then cut crosswise into shreds. This produces delicate shreds.
Thickly slice – For heartier texture, cut the cabbage into thicker ribbons before shredding. This adds crunch.
Food processor – Use the shredding disk on your food processor. Watch carefully to avoid over-shredding into mush.
Mandoline – A mandoline slicer can quickly produce super fine shreds. Guard your fingers when using!
Box grater – Use the large holes of a box grater to get long shreds.
What dressing to use for coleslaw
The dressing provides moisture and flavor to coleslaw. Most popular dressings include:
Mayonnaise-based – This creamy dressing complements the cabbage’s crisp texture. You can use regular or low-fat mayonnaise.
Sour cream – Sour cream is tangier than mayo and creates a rich dressing.
Vinaigrette – Oil and vinegar dressings are lighter than creamy dressings. Cider vinegar provides a nice tang.
Yogurt-based – Plain yogurt blends with mayo for a creamy, lower fat dressing. Greek yogurt is extra thick.
Buttermilk – Buttermilk ranch and blue cheese dressings pair well with coleslaw.
When making your own dressing, balance sweet, sour, and creamy flavors. Common add-ins include sugar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, onions, herbs and spices.
What’s the best ratio of mayo to sour cream?
When making a creamy coleslaw dressing, you can use any ratio of mayonnaise and sour cream. Some popular combos include:
- 3/4 cup mayo + 1/4 cup sour cream – Mildly tangy
- 1/2 cup mayo + 1/2 cup sour cream – Balanced creamy and tangy
- 1/4 cup mayo + 3/4 cup sour cream – Very rich and tangy
Feel free to adjust to your taste – more mayo makes a sweeter dressing while more sour cream makes it tangier. You can also include buttermilk or yogurt for more tang.
Additions to put in coleslaw
In addition to cabbage, coleslaw often contains shredded carrots for additional crunch, color and nutrients. Other tasty mix-ins include:
- Shredded or minced onion – yellow, white or red
- Fresh parsley, cilantro or dill
- Chopped apple or raisins for sweetness
- Shredded Brussels sprouts for texture
- Grated or minced ginger for spice
- Toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts or peanuts
- Shredded kale or spinach for greens
Feel free to experiment with ingredients you enjoy to create your own signature coleslaw. Keep the cabbage as the main ingredient and enhance it with your favorite flavors.
What proteins to add to coleslaw
For a heartier main dish salad, you can add protein foods to create a balanced meal:
- Chopped cooked chicken or turkey
- Diced ham or salami
- Crumbled bacon
- Hard boiled egg
- Diced cheddar, swiss, feta or gorgonzola cheese
- Edamame, chickpeas or beans
- Shredded tuna, salmon or crab meat
- Tofu cubes or tempeh
Aim for 1/2 cup of protein per serving. Mix in with the coleslaw or top each portion for an attractive presentation.
How long does homemade coleslaw last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade coleslaw can last:
| Coleslaw with mayo dressing | 3-5 days |
| Coleslaw with vinaigrette | 2-3 days |
To maximize freshness:
- Use freshly shredded cabbage and carrots
- Mix dressing just before serving
- Use clean utensils to portion
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
Discard any coleslaw that smells sour or is slimy. Remake smaller batches to ensure freshness.
How to jazz up bagged coleslaw
Bagged coleslaw provides a convenient shortcut if you don’t have time to shred cabbage yourself. To upgrade store-bought coleslaw:
- Drain and rinse – Drain excess liquid then rinse to remove some of the sulfites
- Toss with vinaigrette – Make a tangy oil and vinegar dressing
- Mix in fresh herbs – Chopped cilantro, dill or parsley
- Add crunchy veggies – Shredded carrots, bell pepper, jicama
- Include creamy ingredients – Diced avocado, shredded cheese, nuts
- Top with protein – Grilled chicken, hard boiled egg, edamame
Jazz up the flavor and texture of bagged coleslaw with your favorite add-ins for a customized side dish.
What are the different varieties of coleslaw?
There are many different regional and international varieties of coleslaw. Popular types include:
| Variety | Ingredients |
| Classic American | Green cabbage, mayonnaise dressing, shredded carrot |
| Apple coleslaw | Green cabbage, mayonnaise, shredded apple |
| German Krautsalat | Shredded white cabbage, oil & vinegar dressing |
| Asian coleslaw | Napa cabbage, rice vinegar dressing, sesame oil, ginger, cilantro |
| Brocolslaw | Shredded broccoli stem, mayonnaise, lemon juice |
| KFC Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, milk, vinegar, sugar |
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own signature coleslaw!
What are the best coleslaws from restaurant chains?
Popular restaurant chains known for their distinctive coleslaw include:
| Restaurant | Coleslaw Style |
| KFC | Sweet, vinegar-based dressing |
| Chick-fil-A | Creamy, tangy dressing, shredded carrots |
| Popeyes | Spicy Cajun flair |
| Katz’s Deli | No-frills, tangy New York style |
| Bob Evans | Sweet, mayo-based recipe |
| Raising Cane’s | Smooth, creamy coleslaw |
Part of the appeal of restaurant coleslaw is its cool, creamy, crunchy contrast to hot fried chicken or other entrees. The tangy taste and crisp texture makes it the perfect foil for rich, heavy dishes.
What are the best ways to serve coleslaw?
There are lots of tasty ways to serve your coleslaw:
- Alongside barbecue as a classic side dish
- On top of tacos, sandwiches and burgers
- Stuffed into tacos or wraps
- As a topping for pulled pork or brisket
- On hot dogs, sausages and brats
- As a crunchy topping on fish like cod or mahi mahi
- Stirred into chilled noodle or pasta salads
- As a fresh, cool salad next to rich entrees like roasts
- On its own as a light lunch or side dish
Coleslaw provides color, crunch and flavor in so many combinations. Feel free to use it creatively to complement your favorite meals.
What are the best recipe tweaks for low carb coleslaw?
To reduce the carbs and create a keto-friendly coleslaw:
- Skip added sugars in the dressing
- Use vinegar and oil instead of mayo-based dressing
- Shred non-starchy veggies like cabbage, peppers, radishes, jicama
- Add nuts, seeds or avocado for healthy fats
- Mix in shredded chicken, turkey, ham, or tuna
- Garnish with crumbled bacon or parmesan crisps
- Spice it up with garlic, onion, mustard, herbs and spices
The flavor and crunch of coleslaw can still be enjoyed on a low-carb diet by focusing on low glycemic ingredients.
What’s the best way to shred carrots for coleslaw?
For evenly shredded carrots without mushiness:
- Peel carrots and trim ends
- Slice carrots lengthwise into thick matchsticks
- Stack a few carrot sticks and slice into thin matchsticks
- Slice crosswise into small shreds
- Alternatively, use a mandoline, food processor or box grater
- Avoid over-processing into mush
- Soak in ice water to crisp after shredding
The long, thin shreds add color, sweetness and crunch to coleslaw. Make sure not to over-shred them into mush.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage for coleslaw?
For tender yet crisp cabbage in coleslaw:
- Remove tough outer leaves and core
- Cut into quarters and thinly slice crosswise
- Stack a few slices and cut into thin strips
- Slice strips crosswise into shreds
- Chill shredded cabbage before dressing
- Avoid over-shredding which causes water to release
- Use a knife, mandoline or food processor
The thin shreds allow the cabbage to absorb the tasty dressing. Shred just before serving to prevent moisture build up.
Conclusion
Coleslaw is a versatile, tasty salad that can be customized in endless ways. It starts with crisp shredded cabbage and often contains carrots, dressing and other mix-ins. Popular creamy dressings include mayo, sour cream and yogurt blends. For lower fat options, oil and vinegar dressings add plenty of flavor. Coleslaw can be served as a classic barbecue side, stuffed into sandwiches and tacos, or topped on meat and fish entrees. With so many varieties and serving possibilities, coleslaw is sure to remain a staple side dish on dinner tables everywhere.