Mouthwatering Creamy Cabbage Salad Recipe for Summer BBQs

Welcome to my creamy cabbage salad recipe! As a chef, I have always loved experimenting with different flavors and textures, and this salad has quickly become one of my favorites. With its crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and tangy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

What sets this salad apart is the creamy dressing, which is a delicious twist on traditional coleslaw dressing. It’s made with a combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and half-and-half, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor that perfectly complements the crisp veggies.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty side dish for your next BBQ or a refreshing lunch option, this creamy cabbage salad is a must-try. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Cabbage Salad
Creamy Cabbage Salad

Are you tired of the same old boring coleslaw recipe? Look no further! This creamy cabbage salad recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a side dish to your weeknight dinner.

What sets this recipe apart from others is the combination of red and green cabbage, carrots, and green pepper, all mixed together with a creamy dressing that is tangy, sweet, and savory. The dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, and a touch of poultry seasoning, creating a unique flavor that will have your taste buds dancing.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also easy to make. With only a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have a creamy coleslaw that will impress your guests. Plus, it is a great way to get in some extra veggies in a tasty way.

Whether you are looking for a new side dish for your family dinners or a dish to bring to a potluck, this creamy cabbage salad will not disappoint. So give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredient List

 A colorful and creamy cabbage salad to brighten up your day!
A colorful and creamy cabbage salad to brighten up your day!

Let’s take a look at the ingredients we need for this creamy cabbage salad recipe:

  • Red cabbage: 6 cups shredded
  • Green cabbage: 2 cups shredded
  • Carrots: 2 cups shredded
  • Green pepper: 1/2 cup chopped
  • Onion: 1/4 cup chopped
  • Mayonnaise: 1 cup
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup
  • White vinegar: 1/4 cup
  • Sugar: 1/4 cup
  • Half-and-half: 2 tablespoons
  • Poultry seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time, but I recommend shredding your own cabbage and carrots for better taste and texture. Make sure to use quality mayonnaise and sour cream for the best creamy coleslaw dressing.

The Recipe How-To

 The perfect summer side dish, creamy cabbage salad.
The perfect summer side dish, creamy cabbage salad.

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients for our creamy cabbage salad, let’s dive into the recipe how-to.

Steps to Make Creamy Cabbage Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by shredding 1/2 a head of green cabbage and 1/2 a head of red cabbage. You can also buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix to save time. Add the shredded cabbage to a large bowl.

Next, finely chop 1/2 a green pepper, 1/2 an onion, and 1 large carrot. Add these to the bowl with the cabbage.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt, 1/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all of the vegetables are coated.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to slightly soften.

Garnish with additional chopped green pepper, onion, and carrot, and a sprinkle of paprika for color.

Tips for Perfect Results

  • For the best creamy coleslaw, use high-quality mayonnaise and sour cream.
  • If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of vinegar or add a splash of lemon juice.
  • To make the salad more colorful, consider adding shredded purple carrots or julienned red bell pepper.
  • For a healthier option, swap out the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and mayonnaise.
  • This creamy cabbage salad is perfect to serve at a BBQ, picnic, or as a side dish for fish tacos.

Now that you know how to make the best creamy cabbage salad recipe, it’s time to get cooking!

Substitutions and Variations

 This salad is as refreshing as a dip in the pool on a hot summer day.
This salad is as refreshing as a dip in the pool on a hot summer day.

This creamy cabbage salad recipe is customizable and versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and variations to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to help you get creative with your coleslaw:

– Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables to create your own coleslaw medley. You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, green pepper, onion, or any other crunchy veggies you like. Just make sure to shred them thinly or chop them into small pieces for easy eating.

– Dressing: If you prefer a tangier or sweeter coleslaw, you can adjust the vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings to taste. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, or add a dollop of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.

– Creaminess: If you want a creamier coleslaw, you can add more mayo, sour cream, or half-and-half to the dressing. You can also try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.

– Heat: For a spicy kick, you can add some diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes to the coleslaw mix. This works especially well if you’re serving the coleslaw with grilled meats or spicy dishes.

– Sweetness: If you want a sweeter coleslaw, you can add a bit more sugar to the dressing or mix in some diced apples or raisins for natural sweetness. This is a great option if you’re serving the coleslaw with savory dishes or want a contrast of flavors.

– Crunch: To add extra crunch to your coleslaw, you can sprinkle in some toasted nuts, seeds, or croutons. This adds texture and flavor to the dish and makes it more filling.

Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment with your coleslaw and make it your own. With so many options for substitutions and variations, you can create a coleslaw that perfectly suits your taste buds and complements any meal.

Serving and Pairing

 Say goodbye to boring salads with this deliciously creamy cabbage salad.
Say goodbye to boring salads with this deliciously creamy cabbage salad.

This creamy cabbage salad is a perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It’s a great addition to your summer barbeques, potlucks, and family gatherings. The combination of the tangy and sweet flavors of the dressing mixed with the crunchy texture of the cabbage, carrots, and green peppers make it a refreshing and satisfying addition to any meal.

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, especially chicken and pork. It’s also a perfect side dish for fish tacos or any Mexican-inspired dish. The creaminess of the dressing balances out the spiciness of the food, making it a perfect complement to any dish with a kick.

If you’re looking for a light lunch, this salad can be served as a main dish by adding some grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu. You can also add some nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for some extra crunch and protein.

To add some color and texture to your meal, you can serve this salad with some fresh fruits, such as sliced strawberries or oranges. The sweetness of the fruits complements the flavors of the salad and adds some extra vitamins and nutrients to your meal.

This salad is best served chilled, making it a perfect dish for picnics and outdoor events. Just keep it in a cooler or refrigerator until it’s time to serve.

Overall, this creamy cabbage salad is a versatile and delicious side dish that can be paired with a variety of meals. Its refreshing flavors and crunchy texture make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

 This salad is a must-have at any BBQ or picnic.
This salad is a must-have at any BBQ or picnic.

This Creamy Cabbage Salad is an ideal make-ahead dish, which means that you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for later use. In fact, this salad tastes even better when it’s chilled for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

To make this salad ahead of time, I recommend preparing the dressing separately and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Then, mix the shredded cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and green pepper in a large bowl and toss with the dressing just before serving. This way, the vegetables won’t wilt or become mushy.

When it comes to storing this salad, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the dressing may separate a little bit after being refrigerated, so you may need to give it a good stir before serving.

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the salad and dressing separately. This way, the vegetables won’t become too soggy. To reheat the salad, simply take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it for a few seconds to take the chill off.

Overall, this Creamy Cabbage Salad is an excellent make-ahead dish that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed for several days to come. With a little bit of planning, you can have a delicious and healthy salad ready to go whenever you need it.

Tips for Perfect Results

 This salad is so good, you'll forget you're eating something healthy.
This salad is so good, you’ll forget you’re eating something healthy.

Here are some tips to make sure your Creamy Cabbage Salad turns out perfect:

1. Choose fresh ingredients: Make sure to use fresh and high-quality cabbage, carrots, green pepper, and onion. Fresh ingredients will ensure that your salad is flavorful and crispy.

2. Shred vegetables finely: Shred the cabbage and carrots finely, so that they are easier to eat and mix well with the dressing. A mandoline or food processor can help you achieve the perfect shred.

3. Let the salad chill: After mixing the dressing with the vegetables, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly.

4. Adjust the dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste, or more vinegar if you like it tangy.

5. Use the right coleslaw dressing: If you don’t have the ingredients to make the creamy coleslaw dressing, you can use a store-bought dressing. However, make sure to choose a high-quality dressing that complements the flavors of the salad.

6. Add mix-ins: You can add different mix-ins to the salad to make it more interesting. Some good options include chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries. These will add texture and sweetness to the salad.

7. Serve it cold: Creamy Cabbage Salad is best served cold. Make sure to keep it chilled until you are ready to serve it.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Creamy Cabbage Salad turns out perfect every time.

FAQ

Now that we’ve covered the key aspects of this creamy cabbage salad recipe, it’s time to address some frequently asked questions regarding the preparation and serving of this delicious dish. Below are some common queries that may arise as you try out this recipe, along with expert tips and insights to help you achieve the best possible results.

What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw?

When it comes to the difference between coleslaw and slaw, it all boils down to the main ingredient used in the dish. Coleslaw typically consists of raw, chopped cabbage – whether it be Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. On the other hand, slaw without the “cole” can showcase any crunchy vegetable in place of cabbage. This can include shredded or chopped broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more. Essentially, the main difference between the two is the star vegetable used in the dish.

How do you make Bobby Flay coleslaw?

Let’s start by gathering up some shredded cabbage and carrots, and tossing them together in a big bowl. Next, I like to whip up a tangy dressing by whisking together some mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery salt, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Once the dressing is ready, we can pour it over the cabbage and carrot mixture, and give it a good stir to ensure everything is well coated. Don’t forget to taste your creation at this point and make any necessary seasoning adjustments. A little extra salt, pepper, or sugar can go a long way in making the flavors pop!

What is creamy coleslaw made of?

For this recipe, you’ll need some shredded cabbage, which you can either shred yourself or purchase a bag of pre-shredded slaw mix. Additionally, you’ll need some mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.

What is KFC coleslaw made of?

When it comes to KFC Coleslaw, simplicity is key. Stick to the classic combination of green cabbage, carrots, and onions for an authentic taste. While pre-shredded coleslaw may be convenient, keep in mind that it may contain other ingredients that don’t belong in this recipe. Stick to finely chopping your vegetables yourself for the best results.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for any occasion, then this creamy cabbage salad recipe is the one for you. With its delicious combination of flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or using it as a topping for your favorite sandwich or wrap, this salad is sure to impress. And with its simple ingredient list and easy preparation, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone who wants to make a delicious salad without spending hours in the kitchen.

So why not give this creamy cabbage salad recipe a try today? I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Creamy Cabbage Salad Recipe

This is a delicious coleslaw served at Zehnders Restaurant in Frankenmouth, Michigan. It is taken from “The Flavours of Frankenmouth” written by Chef John Zhender. It is Zehnder’s Most Requested Recipe.

  • 6 ounces half-and-half (You can also substitute sour cream for half and half if you desire a thicker dressing)
  • 1 1/2 cups salad dressing
  • 7 ounces white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon Zenders chicken seasoning poultry seasoning
  • 1 head cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/4 cup carrot, shredded,per lb of cabbage
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped,per lb. of cabbage
  • 1/4 cup red cabbage, shredded,per lb. of cabbage
  • 1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped,per lb. of cabbage (I also sometimes use red pepper too)
  1. Mix first 5 ingredients until smooth.
  2. (Zender’s seasoning can be purchased at the restaurant or by mail order.) It contains garlic and paprika along with some other spices.
  3. I use the Zender’s seasoning.
  4. Store in refrigerator.
  5. Chill before using.
  6. Shred cabbage.
  7. Add carrots, onions, red cabbage and green peppers.
  8. Add dressing until it coats the cabbage but doesn’t make it soggy.
  9. Recipe may be halved as it makes a large quantity, otherwise.
Side Dish
International
< 60 Mins, For Large Groups, Healthy, Low Cholesterol, Low Protein

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