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Creamy Coleslaw with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

creamy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing - featured image

A tangy, crisp salad featuring a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for summer meals and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (400g) green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup (110g) carrots, peeled and grated
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes): Rinse cabbage heads under cold water, remove tough outer leaves, halve and core each cabbage. Finely shred 4 cups green cabbage and 1 cup red cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Peel and grate 1 cup carrots. Thinly slice 2 green onions and chop 2 tablespoons fresh parsley if using. Place all shredded veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optionally ¼ teaspoon celery seed. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as preferred.
  3. Combine and Toss (3 minutes): Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss gently but thoroughly to coat all shreds with dressing without bruising the cabbage.
  4. Rest and Chill (at least 15 minutes): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes to let flavors meld and soften the cabbage slightly. Longer chilling up to a few hours is better.
  5. Final Taste Check: Before serving, stir the coleslaw again and adjust salt or pepper if needed. If too thick, stir in a teaspoon of water or extra apple cider vinegar to loosen.

Notes

Shred cabbage thinly for best texture. Keep vegetables chilled before mixing to maintain crunch. Whisk dressing separately to avoid clumps. Adjust honey and vinegar to taste. Toss gently to avoid bruising cabbage. Make ahead a few hours but not more than 24 hours to keep crunch. For vegan version, use vegan mayo and maple syrup instead of honey.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, apple cider vinegar dressing, summer salad, tangy salad, easy side dish, BBQ side, healthy coleslaw