Original Blue Cheese Coleslaw: A Tangy Twist on a Classic

Coleslaw is a quintessential side dish, perfect for barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. However, sometimes the standard mayonnaise-laden version can feel a bit…ordinary. If you’re looking to elevate your coleslaw game and add a burst of flavor, look no further than this original blue cheese coleslaw recipe. This isn’t your grandma’s coleslaw; it’s a tangy, creamy, and intensely flavorful take on a classic, guaranteed to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds. The combination of crisp vegetables, creamy blue cheese dressing, and a touch of sweetness creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe provides detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to create the perfect blue cheese coleslaw for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this guide easy to follow and rewarding to create. Get ready to ditch the bland and embrace the bold with this irresistible blue cheese coleslaw.

## Why Blue Cheese Coleslaw? What Makes It Special?

Blue cheese might seem like an unconventional addition to coleslaw, but its sharp, pungent flavor complements the sweetness of the cabbage and carrots beautifully. The creamy texture of the blue cheese dressing also provides a welcome contrast to the crispness of the vegetables. Here’s why this coleslaw stands out:

* **Flavor Profile:** The robust flavor of blue cheese elevates the coleslaw from a simple side to a memorable dish. It adds depth and complexity that you won’t find in traditional coleslaw recipes.
* **Texture Contrast:** The creamy dressing coats the crisp vegetables perfectly, creating a delightful textural experience.
* **Versatility:** This coleslaw pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and fish to sandwiches and burgers.
* **Unexpected Twist:** It’s a refreshing change from the usual coleslaw, offering a unique and exciting flavor combination.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to achieving the best flavor.

### For the Coleslaw:

* **1 medium head of green cabbage:** Shredded finely. About 6-8 cups.
* **1/2 head of red cabbage:** Shredded finely. This adds color and a slightly different flavor profile. You can substitute with more green cabbage if you prefer.
* **2 medium carrots:** Grated or julienned. Carrots add sweetness and a vibrant orange color.
* **1/2 cup red onion:** Finely diced. Red onion provides a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can substitute with yellow onion if needed, but red onion is preferred.
* **1/2 cup fresh parsley:** Chopped finely. Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the coleslaw. Other herbs like dill or chives can also be used.

### For the Blue Cheese Dressing:

* **1/2 cup mayonnaise:** Use good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can use light mayonnaise if you prefer a lower-fat option.
* **1/4 cup sour cream:** Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
* **1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese:** Choose a blue cheese that you enjoy. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton are all good options. Adjust the amount to your liking.
* **2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick to the dressing. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
* **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard:** Dijon mustard adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
* **1 tablespoon honey:** Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar and blue cheese. You can substitute with maple syrup or sugar.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder adds a savory element to the dressing.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.
* **Salt to taste:** Add salt to taste, being mindful of the saltiness of the blue cheese.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to make the coleslaw. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* **Shred the cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the green and red cabbage. Cut the cabbage heads in half and then into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter. Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment.
* **Grate the carrots:** Peel the carrots and grate them using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Alternatively, you can julienne the carrots for a slightly different texture.
* **Dice the red onion:** Peel the red onion and dice it finely. Be careful not to cut yourself.
* **Chop the parsley:** Wash the parsley thoroughly and chop it finely.

**Step 2: Make the Blue Cheese Dressing**

* In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, crumbled blue cheese, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, and black pepper.
* Whisk all the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more blue cheese for a stronger flavor, or more honey for a sweeter dressing. Add salt to taste, remembering blue cheese already contains salt.

**Step 3: Combine the Coleslaw**

* In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, grated carrots, diced red onion, and chopped parsley.
* Pour the blue cheese dressing over the vegetables.
* Toss the coleslaw until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

**Step 4: Chill and Serve**

* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best flavor, chill for at least 2 hours.
* Before serving, give the coleslaw a good toss to redistribute the dressing.
* Serve chilled and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Blue Cheese Coleslaw

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh, high-quality ingredients are essential for the best flavor.
* **Shred the Cabbage Finely:** Finely shredded cabbage is easier to eat and absorbs the dressing better.
* **Don’t Overdress:** Add the dressing gradually and toss until the vegetables are just coated. Overdressing can make the coleslaw soggy.
* **Chill Before Serving:** Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the texture.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more blue cheese for a stronger flavor, or more honey for a sweeter dressing.
* **Don’t Make it Too Far in Advance:** Coleslaw is best eaten within a day or two of making it. After that, the vegetables can become soggy.

## Variations and Additions

This blue cheese coleslaw recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and additions to try:

* **Add Dried Cranberries or Raisins:** Dried cranberries or raisins add a touch of sweetness and chewiness to the coleslaw.
* **Add Chopped Apples:** Chopped apples add a crisp, sweet element to the coleslaw. Granny Smith apples or Honeycrisp apples work well.
* **Add Chopped Pecans or Walnuts:** Chopped pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the coleslaw.
* **Add Bacon Bits:** Bacon bits add a smoky, savory flavor to the coleslaw. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it and add it to the coleslaw.
* **Add Jalapeños:** For a spicy kick, add finely diced jalapeños to the coleslaw.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro. Each herb will add a unique flavor to the coleslaw.
* **Add a Touch of Hot Sauce:** Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Make it Lighter:** Substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier and lighter version.
* **Add Shredded Chicken or Pulled Pork:** Turn this coleslaw into a full meal by adding shredded chicken or pulled pork.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped celery, or even some radish for extra crunch and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Blue cheese coleslaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Barbecues:** Serve it alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and chicken.
* **Picnics:** Pack it in a cooler for a refreshing side dish at your next picnic.
* **Sandwiches and Wraps:** Use it as a topping for sandwiches and wraps, adding flavor and crunch.
* **Tacos:** Add it to tacos for a creamy and tangy topping.
* **Fish and Chips:** Serve it alongside fish and chips for a classic combination.
* **Pulled Pork Sandwiches:** This coleslaw is the perfect complement to a pulled pork sandwich.
* **Grilled Cheese:** Elevate your grilled cheese by adding a layer of this delicious coleslaw.

## Make Ahead Instructions

This blue cheese coleslaw can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for parties and potlucks. Here’s how to do it:

* **Prepare the vegetables:** Shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, dice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Store them in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the dressing:** Combine all the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Store the dressing in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Combine just before serving:** Toss the vegetables and dressing together just before serving. This will prevent the coleslaw from becoming soggy.

You can prepare the vegetables and dressing up to 2 days in advance. However, it’s best to combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover blue cheese coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the vegetables may become slightly softer over time. It’s best to consume it as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Serving Size:** 1/2 cup
* **Calories:** 150-200 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* **Fat:** 10-15 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 10-15 grams
* **Protein:** 2-3 grams

*Note: This is an approximation. For precise nutritional information, use a calorie tracking app and enter the exact ingredients and amounts used.*

## Conclusion

This original blue cheese coleslaw recipe is a delicious and easy way to elevate your coleslaw game. The tangy, creamy, and intensely flavorful combination of blue cheese, crisp vegetables, and a touch of sweetness will leave you and your guests wanting more. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, picnic, or potluck, this coleslaw is sure to be a hit. So, ditch the bland and embrace the bold with this irresistible blue cheese coleslaw. Happy cooking!