Summer barbecues are a staple for many of us. The sunshine, the sounds of laughter, and the smell of delicious food sizzling on the grill – it’s hard to find a better way to enjoy long summer days. One dish that complements any BBQ spread perfectly is cole slaw. Not only does it provide a refreshing crunch, but it’s also a fantastic addition to hot dogs, burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches. If you’re looking for a way to switch up your classic cole slaw recipe, try one of these five delicious and unique versions that will wow your guests.
From tangy dressings to spicy toppings, these cole slaw recipes will take your BBQ game to the next level. Some even incorporate unexpected ingredients like pineapple and jalapeño to give your taste buds a surprise. So, let’s get mixing and matching and discover your new favorite cole slaw.
Cole Slaw Recipes: A Guide to Making Delicious Side Dishes
History of Cole Slaw
Believe it or not, cole slaw has actually been around for centuries! The earliest recorded recipe for “colewort” (also known as cabbage) dates back to ancient Rome, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that the dish evolved into what we know as cole slaw today. At that time, it was typically made with vinegar and oil rather than mayonnaise, which only became a popular ingredient in the 20th century.
Despite its humble origins, cole slaw has become a beloved side dish all around the world. In the United States, it’s often served alongside barbecue or fried chicken, while in Europe it may be found alongside fish and chips. Some cultures even have their own unique twists on the classic recipe; for example, Korean cole slaw is made with gochujang sauce for some added spice!
Classic Cole Slaw Recipe
For many people, nothing beats a classic cole slaw recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
To make the cole slaw, simply combine the cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!
Healthy Cole Slaw Recipes
If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy some delicious cole slaw, don’t worry — there are plenty of healthy options out there! Here are a few to try:
Greek Yogurt Cole Slaw
Instead of using mayonnaise, this recipe calls for Greek yogurt, which is high in protein and lower in fat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
To make the dressing, simply whisk together the yogurt, vinegar, honey, and salt until smooth. Combine with the cabbage and carrots, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Slaw
If you’re looking for a cole slaw recipe that’s a little more unique, try this one made with kale and Brussels sprouts:
- 1 bunch of kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Combine the kale and Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, and salt. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is well-coated. Let the slaw sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to meld together.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to make delicious and healthy cole slaw that will please your taste buds and your waistline. Whether you stick with a classic recipe or try something new, this versatile side dish is sure to be a hit at any meal!
Variations on Classic Cole Slaw
Cole slaw is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, it’s a staple side dish for barbecues, picnics, and cookouts. But why stick to the classic recipe when you can mix things up with some new and exciting variations? In this article, we’ll share some unique cole slaw recipes that are sure to impress.
Asian-Inspired Cole Slaw Recipe
If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, why not try an Asian-inspired cole slaw recipe? This delicious twist on the classic recipe includes ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar for a tangy and flavorful taste that will transport your taste buds to the Far East. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This Asian-inspired cole slaw recipe is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats or as a filling for sandwiches.
Fruit-Based Cole Slaw Recipe
Add some fruity sweetness to your cole slaw with this refreshing recipe that includes apples, grapes, and strawberries. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a sweet side dish for brunch, this variation is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup of red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup of green grapes, halved
- 1 apple, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, halved grapes, chopped apple, and chopped strawberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and fruit mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This fruity cole slaw recipe is a great vegan option and pairs well with grilled tofu or tempeh.
Spicy Cole Slaw Recipe
If you like a bit of heat in your food, this spicy cole slaw recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Made with jalapenos, cayenne pepper, and hot sauce, this variation packs a punch of flavor that will wake up your taste buds. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and minced jalapeno pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This spicy cole slaw recipe is perfect for serving alongside tacos, nachos, or burritos.
These variations on classic cole slaw feature bold flavors and unique ingredients that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, picnic, or potluck, these delicious recipes are a great way to mix up your menu and keep things interesting.
Keep the Summer Vibes Going with These Cole Slaw Recipes!
Summer is all about enjoying the sun, having fun, and indulging in some delicious food. These cole slaw recipes offer a tasty twist on a classic summer BBQ side dish. We hope you enjoyed reading about them and are inspired to try them out for yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to read these recipes. We hope they bring something special to your next summer gathering. Don’t forget to share these recipes with your friends and family who may also be looking to spice up their BBQ! Don’t forget to come back for more fun articles and tasty recipes.
FAQ
1. Can I make these cole slaws ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, some of these recipes taste even better when they’ve been left to sit in the fridge for a few hours.
2. What kind of cabbage should I use?
Most cole slaw recipes call for green cabbage, but feel free to experiment with purple or savoy cabbage for a different texture and taste.
3. Can I substitute mayo for something else?
If you’re not a fan of mayo, try substituting it with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado.
4. Can I make these recipes vegan?
Yes, simply replace the mayo or dairy products with vegan alternatives.
5. How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
6. Can I add other ingredients to these recipes?
Of course! Feel free to add your favourite ingredients such as carrots, red onion, or bell peppers.
7. How do I adjust the sweetness of the recipe?
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, honey, or maple syrup to your taste.
8. What goes well with cole slaw?
Cole slaw is a great side dish for BBQ meats such as pulled pork, chicken, and burgers.
9. Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
Yes, simply make sure that any ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
10. What kind of vinegar should I use?
Most recipes call for apple cider vinegar, but you can also use white vinegar or red wine vinegar depending on your taste preference.
