Traditional Coleslaw Recipe

My family always expects a side of creamy coleslaw when we grill, and this version is my new go-to. This traditional coleslaw recipe takes the familiar crunch of cabbage and carrots and elevates it with a smoky roasted red pepper dressing. The vibrant, creamy dressing coats every strand of crisp cabbage and carrot, making it a perfect family-friendly side dish that adds a unique twist to a traditional coleslaw recipe. It’s a quick-prep side that balances savory and tangy flavors, perfect for satisfying picky eaters and impressing guests, and it keeps well in the fridge for easy dinner ideas throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Cabbage and Carrots (700g green cabbage, 100g red cabbage, 200g carrots)
  Finely shred the cabbage for the best texture; a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor shredding attachment works well. Grate the carrots using the large side of a box grater or shred them with the cabbage in a food processor. This base is what makes a traditional coleslaw recipe so satisfying.
  A good ratio of green cabbage provides the bulk, while the red cabbage adds color and a slightly sharper bite.
• Creamy Base (240ml vegetable-oil based mayonnaise)
  Use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest, most stable dressing. A vegetable-oil based option provides a neutral flavor profile that lets the smoky red pepper shine.
  For a lighter dressing, you could swap up to half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, although for a true traditional coleslaw recipe experience, full-fat mayonnaise is essential for the best texture.
• Smoky Red Pepper Flavor (100g roasted red pepper, drained from jar)
  Use jarred, pre-roasted red peppers to save time and add consistent flavor. Ensure the peppers are well-drained before blending to prevent a watery dressing.
  This ingredient provides a subtle sweetness and body that contrasts with the tangy vinegar.
• Tangy and Sweet Accents (30ml apple cider vinegar, 15g granulated sugar)
  The apple cider vinegar provides essential acidity to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise. The granulated sugar balances the vinegar and enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and red pepper.
  For a low-carb option, swap sugar for a small amount of erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
• Essential Seasonings (5ml smoked paprika, 2.5ml garlic powder, 5ml sea salt, 1.25ml black pepper)
  Smoked paprika is critical for achieving the specific smoky flavor profile of this recipe. Garlic powder adds a mellow, savory background note without the sharp intensity of fresh garlic.
  Adjust salt and pepper to taste; remember the flavors will meld and intensify during chilling.
• Garnish (extra smoked paprika)
  A small pinch of paprika dusted over the top adds visual appeal and reinforces the smoky aroma upon serving.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetable Base
   Combine the finely shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrots in a large, sturdy mixing bowl. Use a bowl large enough to comfortably toss the ingredients without spilling, as you’ll be coating everything evenly in the next step. Ensure the vegetables are as dry as possible; if washing them, dry thoroughly before mixing.
2. Blend the Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Dressing
   In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, drained roasted red pepper, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, 5 ml (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no large pieces of red pepper remain. The dressing should be a vibrant reddish-orange color with a thick, emulsified consistency. If the dressing seems too thick to blend easily, add a tiny splash of vinegar or water to get it moving.
3. Combine and Coat
   Pour the smooth dressing directly over the prepared cabbage and carrot mixture in the large mixing bowl. Using large tongs or spatulas, gently but thoroughly toss the vegetables until every piece is evenly coated with the vibrant dressing. Start from the bottom and work your way up to ensure consistent distribution; avoid over-tossing, which can make the vegetables limp.
4. Chill and Meld Flavors
   Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and softens the cabbage just slightly for improved texture. For a crisper slaw, limit chilling time to 30-60 minutes; for a softer, more traditional texture, chill for 2 hours in this traditional coleslaw recipe.
5. Serve and Garnish
   To serve, transfer the chilled coleslaw to a clean serving bowl or platter. Arrange the coleslaw into a slightly mounded shape in the center of the dish. Lightly dust the top surface with an additional pinch of smoked paprika to enhance its visual appeal and aromatic profile before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips and Troubleshooting | Keep Your Slaw Fresh and Crisp

This traditional coleslaw recipe is best served within 2 hours of making it, allowing enough time for flavors to meld without getting soggy. If making further ahead for meal prep, prepare the dressing and shred the vegetables separately. Combine them no more than 2 hours before serving to maintain the best texture.

• Prevent Wateriness: Over-salting or letting the slaw sit for too long causes the cabbage to release its moisture. To prevent this, wait until just before serving to add any additional salt, and avoid preparing more than a few hours ahead of time.
• Storage: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains good for a quick side dish.

Serving Suggestions for This Smoky Coleslaw

The smoky red pepper twist on this traditional coleslaw recipe makes it incredibly versatile, pairing well with a range of easy dinner ideas.

• The Perfect BBQ Side: This coleslaw’s smoky flavor pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken thighs or beef brisket.
• Fish Taco Topping: The creamy, tangy dressing provides a cool contrast to spicy fish tacos or baked fish fillets.
• Family Comfort Food Pairing: Serve alongside classic comfort meals like oven-fried chicken, hot dogs, or a hearty meatloaf for an elevated side dish.
• Easy Lunch Addition: Use this coleslaw as a topping for sandwiches, wraps, or as a vibrant side to a simple grilled cheese sandwich.

FAQs about Traditional Coleslaw Recipes

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Yes, absolutely. Using a pre-shredded mix is a great time-saver for a quick family dinner. Just ensure the mix is fresh and crisp; avoid bags that have been sitting for a long time in the store.

Can I replace the mayonnaise with something else?

You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing or sour cream for a richer, more traditional flavor. For a low-carb option, ensure you are using full-fat versions.

Can I add other ingredients to the slaw mix?

Yes, feel free to add other mix-ins like finely sliced green onions, bell peppers, or toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch. These additions give this traditional coleslaw recipe even more visual appeal.

What if I don’t like smoked paprika?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the smoked paprika to 1/2 teaspoon or swap it for regular sweet paprika. This still provides color without the strong smoky note.

How do I adjust the sweetness and tanginess?

I always recommend blending the dressing first, tasting it, and then adjusting to your preference before combining with the vegetables. You can add more sugar (1/2 teaspoon at a time) for sweetness or more apple cider vinegar (1/2 teaspoon at a time) for tanginess.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the vibrant red color and mild smoky flavor from the paprika are usually well-received by children, especially when paired with familiar foods like hot dogs or burgers.

Conclusion | Why This Recipe Will Become a New Family Favorite

If you’ve been searching for a traditional coleslaw recipe with a twist, look no further. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of classic cabbage slaw with a unique, easy-to-make smoky red pepper dressing, creating a new family-friendly staple. Save this recipe for easy access to the ultimate make-ahead side dish for your next family dinner.

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