Ah, summer gatherings! They bring to mind sun-soaked lunches and barbecues that stretch lazily into the evening. One dish that always finds its way onto my table during these lovely occasions is a good coleslaw.
1/4cupfinely chopped green bell pepperper pound of cabbage
6ouncesof half-and-half cream
1 1/2cupscreamy salad dressing
7ouncesof white wine vinegar
1 1/2cupsgranulated sugar
1/2tablespoonZenders poultry seasoning
1/2teaspooncelery seed
1tablespoonDijon mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage
Start with that head of cabbage. Go ahead, wash it under cold water. After all, nobody wants dirt in their salad! Chop off the base and peel away any wilted outer leaves. Once ready, finely shred the cabbage. I find that using a quality sharp knife works best, but you can also grab a mandoline for perfection.
Step 2: Chopping the Veggies
Next up, we need some colors and crunch. Grab your carrots, red cabbage, onions, and green bell pepper. I like to use a box grater for the carrots. You’re looking for a fine shred that will mix well with everything else. Dice the onion and bell pepper finely to avoid overpowering the flavors. This medley brings a vibrant quality to the dish.
Step 3: Mixing the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the half-and-half cream, creamy salad dressing, white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, poultry seasoning, celery seed, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it all together until it’s well-mixed. The combination of creamy and tangy will be the secret sauce (literally) that ties everything together.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, red cabbage, and green bell pepper. Now, pour the dressing over the veggies. Using tongs, gently toss everything together. Make sure every shred is well-coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Now is the hardest part—waiting! Cover the bowl and let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together. Once chilled, give it a final stir and serve it alongside your favorite dishes, or simply by itself. Trust me, it’s a showstopper.
Notes
Let’s take a closer look at a few key ingredients that make this coleslaw pop:
Cabbage: The backbone of this recipe! Rich in vitamins C and K, this crunchy veggie provides durability to the salad.
Carrots: A touch of sweetness, these should be freshly grated for optimal taste and texture.
Creamy Salad Dressing: This creates that luscious mouthfeel that ties all the flavors together. Choose one with quality ingredients for the best flavor.
White Wine Vinegar: This is the zing that brightens up the dish, cutting through the creaminess.
Granulated Sugar: This little bit of sweetness balances out the tangy vinegar and rich dressing.
Poultry Seasoning: This unique touch gives a mild, herby flavor that elevates the dish well beyond the basic.