Creamy Coleslaw: The Perfect Side Dish
Looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s both healthy and delicious? Then look no further than this creamy coleslaw recipe! This coleslaw is made with fresh ingredients like green and red cabbage, carrots, radishes, and parsley, and it’s tossed in a creamy dressing that’s flavored with a touch of tamarind chutney. The tamarind chutney helps to balance the bitterness of the radishes, and it adds a unique depth of flavor to the coleslaw.
This coleslaw is perfect for a potluck, barbecue, or any other summer gathering. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Plus, it can be prepared in just 20 minutes, so it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy creamy coleslaw:
- Green cabbage: A leafy green vegetable that is part of the Brassica oleracea family, along with broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. For this recipe, you will need half of a green cabbage, with the core removed and thinly sliced.
- Red cabbage is a type of cabbage similar to green cabbage but with a red or purple color. It has a slightly sharper flavor than green cabbage. For this recipe, you will need one-quarter of a red cabbage, with the core removed and thinly sliced.
- Carrots are a bright orange root vegetable. They are a good source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. They have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. For this recipe, you will need 3 carrots, coarsely grated.
- Radishes: A root vegetable that is round or oblong in shape and red, white, or purple in color. Radishes have a sharp, peppery flavor. For this recipe, you will need 6 radishes, coarsely grated.
- Red pepper: A type of bell pepper that is red in color. Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. For this recipe, you will need 1 red pepper, chopped.
- Scallions are a type of onion with a long, green stalk and a white bulb. They have a milder flavor than onions. For this recipe, you will need 4 sliced scallions.
- Parsley is a fresh herb with flat, green leaves. Its mild, slightly peppery flavor makes it a great addition to any dish. For this recipe, you will need 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
- Mayonnaise: A thick, creamy condiment that is made from egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. Mayonnaise is used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and dips. For this recipe, you will need 1 cup of good-quality mayonnaise.
- Champagne vinegar is a type of vinegar made from champagne grapes. It has a light, fruity flavor. For this recipe, you will need 2 tablespoons of champagne vinegar.
- Tamarind chutney: A condiment that is made from tamarind pulp, sugar, and spices. Tamarind chutney has a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. For this recipe, you will need 3 tablespoons of tamarind chutney, preferably from India.
- Freshly ground pepper: This spice is made from ground peppercorns. It has a more intense flavor than pre-ground pepper. For this recipe, freshly ground pepper is optional.
Once you have your ingredients, simply shred the cabbage, carrots, and radishes. Then, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and tamarind chutney (if using) in a large bowl. Add the shredded vegetables and parsley to the dressing and toss to coat.
That’s it! Your easy creamy coleslaw is ready to serve.
Here are some tips for making this coleslaw:
- If you don’t have tamarind chutney, you can substitute it with another type of chutney or even with a little bit of brown sugar.
- For a spicier coleslaw, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- This coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I hope you enjoy this easy and creamy coleslaw recipe!
The Pairings
This creamy coleslaw shines with its refreshing taste and crunchy texture, making it a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Combos:
- BBQ Fare: Pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or ribs all benefit from the creamy contrast and tangy bite of coleslaw.
Beyond the Grill:
- Tacos: This salsa adds a vibrant and cooling element to fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or even ground beef tacos.
- Sandwiches: Liven-up pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken sandwiches, or veggie burgers with a scoop of coleslaw.
Unexpected Twists:
- Bowls: Top your favorite grain or salad bowl with coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
- Fried Foods: Balance the richness of fried fish or chicken with a side of coleslaw.
Creamy Coleslaw
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ green cabbage core removed and thinly sliced
- ¼ red cabbage core removed and thinly sliced
- 3 carrots coarsely grated
- 6 radishes coarsely grated
- 1 red pepper chopped
- 4 scallions sliced
- 3 tablespoons parsley chopped
- 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 3 tablespoons tamarind chutney (preferably from India)
- Freshly ground pepper optional
Instructions
- In a bowl add the first 7 ingredients and mix together. In a separate bowl prepare the dressing by mixing mayo, champagne vinegar, tamarind chutney and ground pepper if using. Mix well and add to veggies. Toss well.
- Prepare a day in advance for a better and delicious taste. Add more mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have tamarind chutney, you can substitute it with another type of chutney, or even with a little bit of brown sugar.
- For a spicier coleslaw, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- This coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Originally published June 6, 2016. Revised and updated.
