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Ingredients of Southern Slaw
Main Ingredients
Southern Slaw remains a classic side dish that’s easy to make and highly versatile. It primarily consists of chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. All these ingredients are combined to create a flavorful dressing, which is then tossed with the cabbage and carrot mixture.
Cabbage is the base of the slaw and is what gives it its crunch. Green cabbage is the most commonly used variety, but you can also use red cabbage for a pop of color. Grated carrot adds a touch of sweetness and color to the slaw.
Mayonnaise is the key ingredient that creates the creamy dressing. It is mixed with sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a tangy and sweet flavor. The vinegar can be either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, depending on your preference.
Optional Additions
There are several optional additions that can be added to Southern Slaw to give it more flavor and texture. Celery seed is a popular addition that adds a slightly nutty flavor to the slaw. Lemon juice can be added for a citrusy tang. Milk or buttermilk can be added to make the dressing thinner and creamier.
Dijon mustard can be added for a bit of heat and flavor, while celery seeds can be added for a nutty taste. Kosher salt can be used instead of regular salt for a more intense flavor. Red onion can be added for a bit of crunch and color.
Overall, Southern Slaw is a simple and delicious side dish that can be customized to your liking. Whether you prefer a tangy or sweet slaw, there are many ways to make it your own.
- Main Ingredients:
- Shredded cabbage
- Grated carrot
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional Additions:
- Celery seed
- Lemon juice
- Milk or buttermilk
- Dijon mustard
- Celery seeds
- Kosher salt
- Red onion
Preparation Method
Cutting and Grating
To make this classic Southern slaw recipe, I start by cutting and grating the vegetables. I use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots, but you can also use a box grater. The cabbage should be finely shredded and the carrots should be grated. I also finely chop a Vidalia onion.
Mixing and Dressing
Once the vegetables are ready, I mix them together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the dressing ingredients, which include mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix everything together until the vegetables are coated evenly.
Chilling and Serving
After mixing, I chill the slaw in an airtight container for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the slaw a chance to chill. Before serving, I give the slaw a quick stir to make sure everything is evenly coated.
To recap, to make this classic Southern slaw recipe, you need to shred the cabbage and carrots, chop the onion, mix the vegetables together, whisk the dressing ingredients together, pour the dressing over the vegetables, and chill the slaw for at least an hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to Southern cuisine, coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious and crunchy slaw:
- Pulled Pork: This crunchy slaw is a classic side for pulled pork with your favorite barbecue sauce because the flavors balance so well. Simply pile the pulled pork onto a bun, top with coleslaw, and enjoy!
- Fried Chicken: Coleslaw is also a great side dish for fried chicken. The cool and creamy slaw complements the crispy and savory chicken perfectly.
- Sandwiches: Coleslaw is a great picnic side dish for most any sandwiches. It adds a nice crunch and freshness to the sandwich. Try it with your favorite deli sandwich, hot dogs, or burgers.
- Fish Fry: Coleslaw is a must-have side dish for a Southern fish fry. The acidity in the slaw helps to cut through the richness of the fried fish.
- Summer Picnics: Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer picnics. It pairs well with other Southern staples like potato salad, baked beans, and grilled meats.
To make things even easier, you can make a big batch of coleslaw and use it in different ways throughout the week. For example, you can use leftover coleslaw to make pulled pork sandwiches, or add it to a salad for some extra crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Variations of Southern Slaw
Southern slaw is a classic side dish that pairs well with many different meals. There are several variations of this dish, each with its own unique flavor profile and texture. In this section, I will discuss three popular variations of southern slaw: classic coleslaw, southern coleslaw, and South Carolina slaw.
Classic Coleslaw
Classic coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt. This type of coleslaw is a staple at many BBQ restaurants and is often served as a side dish with pulled pork, brisket, or ribs.
Here are some variations of classic coleslaw:
- Creamy Coleslaw: This variation is made with a creamy dressing that includes sour cream or buttermilk. It has a tangy flavor and a creamy texture that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Tangy Coleslaw: This variation is made with a tangy dressing that includes apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. It has a bright, zesty flavor that pairs well with spicy foods.
- Sweet Coleslaw: This variation is made with a sweet dressing that includes honey or sugar. It has a sweet, mellow flavor that pairs well with salty or spicy foods.
Southern Coleslaw
Southern coleslaw is a variation of classic coleslaw that includes additional ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, and celery. This coleslaw is typically made with a tangy dressing that includes vinegar, mustard, and sugar. It has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
Here are some variations of southern coleslaw:
- Spicy Southern Coleslaw: This variation is made with a spicy dressing that includes hot sauce or cayenne pepper. It has a spicy kick that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Creamy Southern Coleslaw: This variation is made with a creamy dressing that includes sour cream or buttermilk. It has a tangy flavor and a creamy texture that pairs well with fried foods.
- Tangy Southern Coleslaw: This variation is made with a tangy dressing that includes apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. It has a bright, zesty flavor that pairs well with seafood.
South Carolina Slaw
South Carolina slaw is a variation of coleslaw that is popular in the southern United States. It is made with a mustard-based dressing that includes yellow mustard, vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise. This slaw has a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.
Here are some variations of South Carolina slaw:
- Spicy South Carolina Slaw: This variation is made with a spicy dressing that includes hot sauce or cayenne pepper. It has a spicy kick that pairs well with grilled meats.
- Sweet South Carolina Slaw: This variation is made with a sweet dressing that includes honey or sugar. It has a sweet, mellow flavor that pairs well with salty or spicy foods.
- Tangy South Carolina Slaw: This variation is made with a tangy dressing that includes apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. It has a bright, zesty flavor that pairs well with seafood.
In conclusion, there are many variations of southern slaw, each with its own unique flavor profile and texture. Whether you prefer classic coleslaw, southern coleslaw, or South Carolina slaw, there is a recipe out there for you. Experiment with different ingredients and dressings to find the perfect slaw for your next BBQ or picnic.
Storing and Shelf Life
When it comes to storing Southern slaw, it’s important to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the slaw from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the fridge. If stored properly, Southern slaw can last for about 3-5 days. However, it’s important to note that the freshness and quality may start to decline even after a day or two, so it’s best to consume it as soon as possible.
If you’re planning to make Southern slaw ahead of time, it’s best to store the dressing and the cabbage mixture separately. This will help keep the cabbage fresh and crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the two and mix well.
When it comes to store-bought Southern slaw, it’s important to follow the expiration date on the package. Once opened, store-bought slaw should be consumed within a few days. If you’re unsure about the freshness of store-bought slaw, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
To summarize, Southern slaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last for about 3-5 days. If making ahead of time, store the dressing and cabbage mixture separately. Store-bought slaw should be consumed within a few days of opening and always follow the expiration date on the package.
Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when storing Southern slaw:
- Do store Southern slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Do store the dressing and cabbage mixture separately if making ahead of time
- Do consume store-bought slaw within a few days of opening
- Don’t leave Southern slaw at room temperature for extended periods of time
- Don’t freeze Southern slaw as it may affect the texture and flavor.