Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw: A Family Recipe You’ll Love

Coleslaw. It’s a classic side dish, perfect for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and alongside almost any summer meal. But let’s be honest, not all coleslaw is created equal. Some are too sweet, some are too bland, and some are just…well, sad. That’s why I’m thrilled to share Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw recipe – a family favorite that’s been perfected over years and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

This isn’t your average, gloppy coleslaw. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, with a satisfying crunch. It’s so good, you might just find yourself making it even when there’s no barbecue in sight!

Why This Coleslaw is the Best

So, what makes Angie’s Dad’s coleslaw so special? Here are a few key reasons:

* **The Perfect Balance of Flavors:** The dressing is a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of mustard, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **The Right Texture:** The shredded cabbage and carrots provide a satisfying crunch, while the creamy dressing coats everything perfectly.
* **It’s Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and can be whipped up in minutes.
* **It’s Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tanginess, or creaminess to your liking. You can also add other vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.
* **It’s a Family Tradition:** This recipe has been passed down through generations, and it’s a guaranteed hit at any family gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded. You can also use pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time, but freshly shredded cabbage will have a better texture.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, shredded. Adds sweetness, color, and texture.
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but you can also use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
* **White Vinegar:** 1/4 cup. Adds tanginess to the dressing. Apple cider vinegar can also be used for a slightly different flavor.
* **Sugar:** 1/4 cup. Balances the tanginess of the vinegar and adds sweetness to the dressing. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 tablespoon. Adds a subtle savory note to the dressing.
* **Celery Seed:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a unique flavor that complements the other ingredients.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a touch of spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started! Here’s how to make Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw:

**Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots**

* If you’re using a head of cabbage, remove the outer leaves and cut the cabbage into quarters. Then, use a sharp knife or a mandoline to shred the cabbage finely. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment.
* Peel the carrots and shred them using a grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment.

**Step 2: Make the Dressing**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
* Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more sugar for a sweeter coleslaw or more vinegar for a tangier coleslaw.

**Step 3: Combine the Cabbage, Carrots, and Dressing**

* Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl with the dressing.
* Toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated with the dressing.

**Step 4: Chill the Coleslaw**

* Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.
* Stir the coleslaw before serving.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw as a side dish with your favorite barbecue, picnic, or summer meal.
* Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make this coleslaw even better:

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Freshly shredded cabbage and carrots will have the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t Overdress the Coleslaw:** Add the dressing gradually, until the cabbage and carrots are just coated. Overdressing the coleslaw will make it soggy.
* **Let the Coleslaw Chill:** Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. This is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the coleslaw, such as shredded red cabbage, diced bell peppers, or chopped celery.
* **Add Fruit:** For a sweeter coleslaw, add some chopped apples, grapes, or pineapple.
* **Add Nuts or Seeds:** For a crunchy coleslaw, add some chopped nuts or seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Use Greek Yogurt:** Substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier coleslaw.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** Using apple cider vinegar gives the coleslaw a slightly different flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavor.
* **Add Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a fresh element.
* **Sweetener Alternatives:** Experiment with honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
* **Pre-Shredded Mixes:** While fresh is best, pre-shredded coleslaw mixes work well for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage 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, burgers, or hot dogs.
* **Picnics:** Pack it in a cooler for a refreshing side dish at your next picnic.
* **Sandwiches:** Use it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, or veggie burgers.
* **Salads:** Add it to a mixed green salad for a crunchy and flavorful element.
* **Fish Fry:** Serve it as a classic side dish with fried fish.
* **Tacos and Burritos:** The tangy flavor complements the spice of many Mexican dishes.
* **Wraps:** Adds a refreshing crunch to wraps.
* **As a Light Meal:** Enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch or snack.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. However, keep in mind that the coleslaw may become slightly watery over time. To minimize this, drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw:

**Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes (minimum)
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Yield:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (or 1 bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix)
* 2 medium carrots, shredded
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup white vinegar
* 1/4 cup sugar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl with the dressing.
3. Toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours.
5. Stir the coleslaw before serving.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 200-250 per serving (depending on mayonnaise and sugar used)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Protein: 1-2g

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The foundation of cabbage and carrots provides a blank canvas for a dressing that is easy to adjust to your personal preferences. The combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar is a time-tested formula that balances creamy richness with tangy sweetness. The Dijon mustard and celery seed add subtle layers of flavor that elevate it beyond a basic coleslaw. Using fresh ingredients ensures a crisp and vibrant result, while allowing the flavors to meld together during chilling creates a cohesive and delicious side dish.

By understanding the role of each ingredient, you can confidently tweak the recipe to match your own tastes and dietary needs, while still preserving the essence of Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw. Whether you prefer a sweeter, tangier, or spicier version, this recipe provides a solid base for creating your own perfect coleslaw.

Troubleshooting

* **Coleslaw is too dry:** Add a little more mayonnaise, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
* **Coleslaw is too wet:** Drain off any excess liquid before serving. You can also add a little more shredded cabbage to absorb the excess moisture.
* **Coleslaw is too sweet:** Add a little more vinegar or Dijon mustard to balance the sweetness.
* **Coleslaw is not sweet enough:** Add a little more sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
* **Coleslaw is bland:** Add a little more salt, pepper, or celery seed to enhance the flavors.

Final Thoughts

Angie’s Dad’s Best Cabbage Coleslaw is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of home, a connection to family, and a reminder of simple pleasures. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as we do. Let me know in the comments below what you think, and don’t forget to share your own variations!

Enjoy this classic side dish, and happy cooking!