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Creamy Make-Ahead Coleslaw Recipe with Apple Cider Vinegar and Celery Seed

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A crisp and tangy creamy coleslaw that balances tartness and creaminess, perfect for make-ahead preparation and ideal as a side dish for barbecues and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about half a medium head)
  • 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables by rinsing the cabbage heads and patting them dry. Remove any wilted outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, shred the green and purple cabbage finely. Peel and grate the carrot, then thinly slice the red onion. Toss all these into a large mixing bowl along with the chopped parsley if using.
  2. Make the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, celery seed, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust vinegar or honey as preferred.
  3. Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss everything until the cabbage and carrot are evenly coated, being careful to keep the cabbage crisp.
  4. Transfer the coleslaw to a sealed container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly.
  5. Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar if needed. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

For crisper texture, lightly salt the cabbage and let it sit for 10 minutes before squeezing out excess moisture. Use airtight containers to avoid absorbing other fridge odors. Stir a few times during chilling to keep dressing evenly coated. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter or dairy-free versions. Celery seed can be replaced with celery salt or caraway seeds if unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, make-ahead, side dish, barbecue side, easy coleslaw

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/creamy-make-ahead-coleslaw-recipe-with-apple-cider-vinegar-and-celery-seed-easy-perfect-side-dish/