Classic Coleslaw with Celery Seed Dressing

This Classic Coleslaw with Celery Seed Dressing is a side dish worthy of the marinated and barbecued meats gracing our picnic plates.

Not the mayonnaise-laden cabbage seen in deli cases! This tangy-sweet homemade dressing with a pop of celery seed lightly coats a rainbow of crunchy vegetables for a delicious twist on a classic barbecue side dish.

As warmer days draw us outside, the vibrant colors and refreshing crunch of coleslaw stand as a classic side dish for your backyard entertaining. Whether accompanying a summer barbecue, gracing the table at a family gathering, or adding a crisp contrast to a sandwich, coleslaw offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

The Foundation: Green and Red Cabbage

At the heart of every good coleslaw recipe lies the cabbage. Traditionally, green cabbage is the primary choice, prized for its sturdy texture and slightly sweet flavor. However, we love the addition of red cabbage for an added pop of color and a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. 

Feel free to mix in other leafy greens or herbs like Swiss chard, kale, endive, arugula, bok choy, beet greens, carrot tops, cilantro, or chives.

TIP: To save a little time, shredded cabbage or broccoli slaw can be purchased already shredded. If using broccoli slaw, add a colorful aspect with chopped radicchio, sometimes known as Italian chicory, instead of the red cabbage.

Embrace Variety: Mix-ins and Additions

While cabbage forms the base, the beauty of coleslaw lies in its versatility. In this recipe, we like the sweet touch of carrots and zesty green bell pepper and always opt for sweet onions like Vidalias. 

Consider incorporating a variety of vegetables so long as they blend with the texture in play; keep in mind the total amount of ingredients. If you add more bulk than the recipe indicates, you may need to increase the dressing.

Coleslaw Mix-in Options

• Apple 
• Fennel
• Radishes
• Celery
• Grated broccoli or cauliflower
• Shaved Brussels sprouts
• Jicama
• Leeks
• Pineapple bits
• Chile peppers
• Shallots
• Dried fruits like mango, cranberries, or raisins
• Nuts and seeds like sliced almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds 
• Herbs like dill, cilantro, chives, or savory

Celery Seed Dressing Makes This Old Stand-by Stand-out

Our celery seed coleslaw dressing serves as the soul of this coleslaw recipe, binding its diverse elements while imparting tanginess and creaminess without being heavy. 

The earthy, assertive bite of celery seeds helps to balance the sweetness of the cabbage and carrot mix. Its celery flavor adds a dimension to the dressing that really sets it apart.

We also make our own mayonnaise with avocado oil for this dressing, but you can use your favorite store-bought if you want.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

Achieve the ideal coleslaw texture by shredding, shaving, or dicing the cabbage and vegetables for a uniform distribution of flavors and a pleasant mouthfeel. 

The technique is really a matter of preference in texture and vegetable integrity. In our Crunchy Fennel-Apple Slaw recipe, we julienne the ingredients with a knife because using a grater can make the apple mushy. 

Most importantly, toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess. Keeping coleslaw crisp and fresh tasting makes a big difference in enjoying every bite. 

Crafting the perfect coleslaw celebrates simplicity, freshness, and flavor. By selecting quality ingredients and mastering the dressing, you can serve coleslaw that will surely be a crowd-pleaser!

TIP: Coleslaw vegetables can be prepped up to 4 days in advance without the dressing. Once the dressing is added, enjoy within 1-2 days for best results.

STEP BY STEP

1. Whisk the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, vinegar, buttermilk, celery seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning for sweet, salt, and vinegar, to taste.
2. Combine the cabbages, carrot, bell pepper, onion, and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
3. Toss with enough dressing to coat the slaw evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and meld flavors.
4. Serve with roasted or grilled meats or as a topper for BBQ Pulled Pork.

More Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love 

• Grilled Cabbage with Classic Caesar Dressing
• Portabella Mushrooms with Blue Cheese & Vegetable Stuffing
• Grilled Vegetable Medley
• Fried Goat Cheese & Grilled Beet Salad
• Tuscan Roasted Broccoli
• Green Bean Almondine