12-Second Coleslaw: The Fastest, Freshest Side Dish Ever!
Are you craving a crisp, refreshing coleslaw but dread the thought of all that chopping and shredding? Well, get ready to have your mind blown! This 12-second coleslaw recipe is not a typo. It’s a culinary game-changer that delivers amazing flavor and texture in, you guessed it, just 12 seconds of active prep time. Yes, you read that right. No more laborious chopping; no more mountains of shredded cabbage. Just delicious, homemade coleslaw in a flash.
This recipe relies on the convenience of pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which is available in most grocery stores. Don’t turn your nose up at it! With the right dressing, pre-shredded cabbage can be transformed into something truly special. The key is to use a vibrant, flavorful dressing that complements the cabbage and carrots. This recipe provides a classic, tangy-sweet dressing that perfectly balances the flavors.
## Why This 12-Second Coleslaw is a Must-Try
* **Unbelievably Fast:** Seriously, it takes 12 seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and impromptu gatherings.
* **Effortless:** No knife skills required. Just open a bag, whisk a dressing, and you’re done!
* **Delicious:** The tangy-sweet dressing elevates pre-shredded coleslaw mix to a whole new level.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the dressing to your liking by adding different herbs, spices, or sweeteners.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Coleslaw mix is inexpensive, making this a wallet-friendly side dish.
* **Versatile:** Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients:
**For the Coleslaw:**
* 1 (14-16 ounce) bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
**For the Dressing:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener)
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Optional Add-Ins:**
* 1/4 cup chopped red onion
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
* 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for: how to make 12-second coleslaw!
**Step 1: Make the Dressing (approximately 2 minutes)**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, add a little more sugar. If you like it tangier, add a splash more vinegar. The dressing is the heart of the coleslaw, so make sure it’s perfect for your taste.
**Step 2: Combine and Toss (approximately 10 seconds)**
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Toss gently until the coleslaw is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw watery.
**Step 3: Chill (at least 30 minutes)**
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer. This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to chill thoroughly. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
**Step 4: Serve (approximately 2 seconds)**
Serve chilled and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped nuts, if desired.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully made delicious, homemade coleslaw in just 12 seconds (plus chilling time). Impressive, right?
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect 12-Second Coleslaw
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** While this recipe is all about speed, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the final flavor. Choose a coleslaw mix that looks crisp and vibrant, and use good-quality mayonnaise and vinegar.
* **Don’t Overdress:** Be careful not to add too much dressing, as this can make the coleslaw soggy. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed, but remember that the coleslaw will release some moisture as it sits.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** The amount of sugar in the dressing is a matter of personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste. You can also use other sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia.
* **Add Some Crunch:** For added texture, consider adding some chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. You can also add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
* **Incorporate Some Herbs:** Fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or dill, can add a bright, fresh flavor to the coleslaw. Add them just before serving to prevent them from wilting.
* **Let it Sit:** Allowing the coleslaw to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the flavors to meld together. If you have time, let it sit for several hours or even overnight.
* **Make it Ahead:** Coleslaw is a great make-ahead dish. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick.
* **Get Creative with Add-Ins:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins, such as chopped apples, grapes, pineapple, or bell peppers.
* **Use a Food Processor (If You Insist on Shredding):** While this recipe is designed for pre-shredded coleslaw, if you prefer to shred your own cabbage, a food processor with a shredding attachment will make the job much faster.
* **Drain Excess Moisture:** If your coleslaw mix seems particularly wet, you can drain it slightly before adding the dressing. This will help prevent the coleslaw from becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Freeze Coleslaw:** Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well, as the mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and become watery.
## Variations on the 12-Second Coleslaw Theme
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Creamy Coleslaw:** For a creamier coleslaw, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
* **Vinegar-Based Coleslaw:** If you prefer a less creamy coleslaw, use a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise. A simple vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, and seasonings works well.
* **Asian Coleslaw:** Use a sesame-ginger dressing for an Asian-inspired coleslaw. Add some shredded carrots, edamame, and toasted sesame seeds.
* **Spicy Coleslaw:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. You can also add some chopped jalapeños.
* **Sweet Coleslaw:** Add more sugar or honey to the dressing for a sweeter coleslaw. You can also add some chopped pineapple or dried cranberries.
* **Healthy Coleslaw:** Use a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise to make a healthier coleslaw. You can also use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Vegan Coleslaw:** Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to make a vegan coleslaw.
* **Rainbow Coleslaw:** Add shredded red cabbage, purple carrots, and yellow bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious coleslaw.
## Serving Suggestions
12-second coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Barbecue:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a topping for sandwiches, such as pulled pork sandwiches or fish sandwiches.
* **Tacos:** Add it to tacos for a crunchy and refreshing topping.
* **Burgers:** Serve it as a side dish with burgers.
* **Fish and Chips:** Pair it with fish and chips for a classic combination.
* **Potlucks:** Bring it to your next potluck or picnic.
* **Weeknight Dinners:** Serve it as a quick and easy side dish with any weeknight meal.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use regular cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?**
A: While this recipe is designed for pre-shredded coleslaw mix, you can use regular cabbage if you prefer. You’ll need to shred it yourself using a knife or a food processor. Keep in mind that this will significantly increase the prep time.
**Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
A: Yes, you can use other types of vinegar, such as white vinegar, rice vinegar, or red wine vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is recommended for its mild, slightly sweet flavor.
**Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?**
A: Yes, you can use other sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia. Adjust the amount to taste.
**Q: How long does coleslaw last in the refrigerator?**
A: Coleslaw will last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. However, it’s best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
**Q: Why is my coleslaw watery?**
A: Coleslaw can become watery if it’s over-dressed or if it sits for too long. To prevent this, avoid adding too much dressing and drain any excess moisture from the coleslaw mix before adding the dressing.
**Q: Can I freeze coleslaw?**
A: Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well, as the mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate and become watery.
**Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, coleslaw is a great make-ahead dish. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
**Q: What if I don’t have celery seed?**
A: While celery seed adds a distinctive flavor to coleslaw, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. You can also substitute it with a pinch of celery salt.
**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other shredded vegetables, such as red cabbage, purple carrots, bell peppers, or radishes.
## Conclusion
This 12-second coleslaw recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves coleslaw but doesn’t have the time or inclination to chop and shred cabbage. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and customizable. So, the next time you need a last-minute side dish, reach for a bag of coleslaw mix and whip up this incredibly fast and flavorful coleslaw. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy your speedy and satisfying coleslaw!