Original Old Bay Coleslaw: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Recipe
Coleslaw, a humble side dish, often overlooked, yet incredibly versatile. From summer barbecues to fish tacos, it adds a refreshing crunch and creamy tang. But let’s face it, most coleslaw recipes are… predictable. That’s where Old Bay seasoning comes in. This recipe elevates the classic coleslaw to new heights with a savory, slightly spicy kick that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget the bland, boring slaw; this Original Old Bay Coleslaw is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
## Why Old Bay? The Secret Weapon
Old Bay seasoning, a Chesapeake Bay area staple, is a blend of celery salt, paprika, and other spices (the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret!). Its unique flavor profile complements the sweetness of cabbage and carrots perfectly, adding a depth and complexity that you won’t find in your average coleslaw. The celery salt enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables, while the paprika provides a subtle warmth and beautiful color. It’s the missing ingredient you never knew your coleslaw needed.
## The Perfect Balance: Sweet, Tangy, and Savory
This recipe isn’t just about dumping Old Bay into a bowl of shredded cabbage. It’s about achieving a perfect balance of flavors. The creamy dressing is tangy and slightly sweet, complementing the savory Old Bay and the crispness of the vegetables. We’ll use a combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to create a dressing that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Cabbage:** 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1 cup)
* **Mayonnaise:** 1 cup (full-fat or light, depending on your preference)
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons (adds a tangy kick)
* **Granulated Sugar:** 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
* **Old Bay Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons (the star of the show!)
* **Celery Seed:** 1/2 teaspoon (enhances the celery flavor)
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon (adds a subtle depth of flavor)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:** Diced red onion, chopped parsley, chopped green bell pepper
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Coleslaw Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Old Bay Coleslaw you’ve ever tasted:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots**
The foundation of any good coleslaw is perfectly shredded cabbage and carrots. You have a few options here:
* **Hand Shredding:** This is the most traditional method. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and discard them. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Thinly slice each quarter with a sharp knife. Shred the carrots using a box grater or a vegetable peeler. Aim for uniform shreds for the best texture.
* **Food Processor:** A food processor with a shredding attachment can save you a lot of time. Cut the cabbage into wedges that will fit into the feed tube of your food processor. Shred the carrots using the shredding disc.
* **Pre-Shredded Cabbage:** In a pinch, you can use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots from the grocery store. However, keep in mind that pre-shredded cabbage can sometimes be a bit dry. If using pre-shredded cabbage, you may want to add a little extra mayonnaise to the dressing.
Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
**Step 2: Make the Old Bay Dressing**
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, or a little more vinegar if you prefer a tangier one. The key is to find the perfect balance that suits your taste.
**Step 3: Combine and Chill**
Pour the Old Bay dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots. Toss well to ensure that all of the vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.
**Step 4: Adjust and Serve**
Before serving, give the coleslaw another good toss. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You may need to add a little more salt or pepper. If the coleslaw seems a bit dry, add a little more mayonnaise. Serve chilled and enjoy!
## Tips and Tricks for the Best Old Bay Coleslaw
* **Don’t overdress the coleslaw:** Too much dressing will make the coleslaw soggy. Start with the amount of dressing in the recipe and add more only if needed.
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Fresh cabbage and carrots will have the best flavor and texture.
* **Chill the coleslaw:** Chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.
* **Make it ahead of time:** Coleslaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance. However, keep in mind that the cabbage will continue to soften as it sits in the dressing.
* **Add some crunch:** For extra crunch, add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
* **Spice it up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
* **Make it vegan:** Use vegan mayonnaise and a vegan sugar substitute to make this coleslaw vegan.
* **Control the Sweetness:** Not a fan of overly sweet coleslaw? Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon, or use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. You can also try adding a touch of honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
* **Vinegar Variety:** While apple cider vinegar is recommended, you can experiment with other vinegars like white wine vinegar or rice vinegar for subtle flavor variations. Just be mindful of the acidity level and adjust accordingly.
* **Let it Marinate (But Not Too Long!):** Chilling the coleslaw is crucial, but don’t let it sit for more than 24 hours. The cabbage will become too soft and the dressing might separate.
## Variations and Add-Ins to Customize Your Coleslaw
The beauty of coleslaw is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature Old Bay Coleslaw:
* **Pineapple Coleslaw:** Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) for a tropical twist.
* **Cranberry Coleslaw:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart flavor.
* **Jalapeno Coleslaw:** Add 1-2 finely diced jalapenos (seeds removed) for a spicy kick.
* **Apple Coleslaw:** Add 1 diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) for a sweet and tart crunch.
* **Bell Pepper Coleslaw:** Add 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper (any color) for a pop of color and flavor.
* **Red Onion:** A small amount of finely diced red onion adds a pungent bite. Be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro can add a refreshing herbaceousness to the coleslaw.
* **Spice it Up:** For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
* **Greek Yogurt:** Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
* **Buttermilk:** A tablespoon or two of buttermilk can add a creamy tang to the dressing.
## Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Side Dish
While coleslaw is a classic side dish, it can also be used in a variety of other ways:
* **Pulled Pork Sandwiches:** Top pulled pork sandwiches with Old Bay Coleslaw for a tangy and crunchy contrast.
* **Fish Tacos:** Add Old Bay Coleslaw to fish tacos for a flavorful and refreshing topping.
* **Burgers:** Use Old Bay Coleslaw as a topping for burgers.
* **Hot Dogs:** Top hot dogs with Old Bay Coleslaw for a unique and flavorful twist.
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** Serve Old Bay Coleslaw alongside grilled chicken or fish.
* **Salad Topping:** Add a scoop of coleslaw to your favorite green salad for added texture and flavor.
* **BBQ Companion:** It is the perfect addition to any BBQ, pairing well with ribs, chicken, or brisket.
* **Picnic Essential:** A must-have for picnics, providing a refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
(Note: This is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* **Calories:** 200-250
* **Fat:** 15-20g
* **Saturated Fat:** 3-4g
* **Cholesterol:** 15-20mg
* **Sodium:** 300-400mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 15-20g
* **Fiber:** 2-3g
* **Sugar:** 10-12g
* **Protein:** 1-2g
## Storage Instructions
Store leftover Old Bay Coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cabbage will continue to soften over time.
## Old Bay Coleslaw: A Recipe for Success
This Original Old Bay Coleslaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will elevate any meal. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, ditch the boring coleslaw recipes and give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy this delightful twist on a classic, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe!
## Recipe Card:
**Original Old Bay Coleslaw**
A tangy and flavorful coleslaw with a kick of Old Bay seasoning.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes – 2 hours
**Serves:** 6-8
**Ingredients:**
* 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
* 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1 cup)
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
* 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: Diced red onion, chopped parsley
**Instructions:**
1. Shred the cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots and toss well.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
5. Before serving, toss again and adjust seasonings to taste. Serve chilled.
**Notes:**
* For a sweeter coleslaw, add more sugar. For a tangier coleslaw, add more vinegar.
* Add chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or jalapenos for added flavor and texture.
* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Enjoy!**