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Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Creamy Southern Coleslaw

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This creamy southern coleslaw features shredded green cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing with apple cider vinegar and celery seed. Chilling for at least 2 hours softens the cabbage slightly while keeping it crisp and allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 7 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head green cabbage shredded into ⅛-inch strips
  • 2 medium carrots shredded on large holes of box grater
  • 1 cup mayonnaise use full-fat for stable emulsion
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon celery seed use sparingly to avoid bitterness
  • 1 teaspoon salt add gradually while tasting
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon mustard powder optional

Method
 

  1. Slice green cabbage into ⅛-inch strips with a sharp knife, then shred carrots on the large holes of a box grater. Pat both dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
    1 medium head green cabbage, 2 medium carrots
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and mustard powder until smooth and slightly thickened.
    1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, 0.5 teaspoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon salt, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon onion powder, 0.25 teaspoon mustard powder
  3. Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly with tongs or two large spoons until vegetables are evenly coated.
    1 medium head green cabbage, 2 medium carrots
  4. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly.
  5. Before serving, stir the coleslaw vigorously to reincorporate any liquid that has separated. Taste and adjust salt, vinegar, or sugar if needed.
    1 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar

Notes

  • Dry shredded vegetables thoroughly before mixing to prevent watery coleslaw.
  • Chill at least 2 hours for best flavor melding and cabbage texture.
  • Use full-fat mayonnaise for a stable, creamy dressing that doesn't separate.

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