Paula Deen’s Crisp & Tangy Coleslaw Recipe Magic

Check out the world of Paula Deen’s coleslaw, a zesty culinary gem that transforms ordinary side dishes into extraordinary taste experiences.

This Southern-style classic bursts with crisp, vibrant flavors that make every bite a celebration of fresh ingredients.

Creamy and light, the recipe weaves together crunchy vegetables in a harmonious dance of textures and tastes.

Its simplicity belies the complex flavor profile that will delight your taste buds.

Generations of home cooks have embraced this versatile dish for its ability to complement everything from barbecue to fried chicken.

The blend of tangy dressing and garden-fresh vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that sings of summer and comfort.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to become the star of your next potluck or family meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 170 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Paula Deen’s Classic Coleslaw

• Green Cabbage: Look for crisp, bright leaves without brown spots, ensuring maximum crunch and freshness.
• Carrots: Choose firm, vibrant orange roots with smooth skin and no soft spots for the best texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green leaves with no wilting, indicating peak flavor and nutritional value.
• Chives: Pick slender, green stems that are firm and have a mild oniony fragrance.

• Mayonnaise, Red Onion: Select full-fat mayonnaise for rich flavor and sweet red onions for subtle sharpness.
• Lemon: Pick juicy, bright yellow lemons with smooth skin for maximum tangy zest.
• Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper: Use fine granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper for balanced seasoning.
• Celery Seed: Choose whole seeds with a robust, slightly nutty aroma for authentic coleslaw depth.

• Pepper, Additional Salt, Sugar: Keep on hand to personalize the final taste according to individual preference.

Essential Tools for Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing and combining vegetables evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for finely chopping cabbage, carrots, parsley, and chives.
• Food Processor (optional): Quick alternative for uniform vegetable cuts.
• Small Bowl: Used for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing components smoothly.
• Large Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for mixing vegetables with dressing thoroughly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.

Easy Steps to Make Coleslaw

• Prepare Crisp Vegetable Base

Slice green cabbage, carrots, parsley, and chives into delicate ribbons using a sharp knife or food processor. Mix the vegetables gently in a spacious bowl, creating a colorful and textured foundation for your zesty slaw.

• Craft Tangy Flavor Enhancer

Whisk mayonnaise with minced red onion, fresh lemon juice, a touch of sweetness, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and celery seed. Blend until the mixture transforms into a creamy, vibrant dressing that promises to elevate your coleslaw experience.

• Combine and Coat

Pour the luscious dressing over the vegetable medley. Toss thoroughly with a large spoon, ensuring each crisp morsel gets lavishly embraced by the rich, punchy sauce. Let the ingredients dance and mingle, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

• Fine-Tune and Chill

Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking, adding a pinch more salt or sugar if needed. Allow the coleslaw to rest at room temperature for a few moments, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and meld, transforming your slaw from good to absolutely irresistible. Enjoy within three days for maximum freshness and crunch.

Pro Tips and Swaps for Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Customize Vegetable Mix: Experiment with different vegetables like red cabbage, kale, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition. Swap out traditional ingredients for a unique twist that keeps your coleslaw exciting and fresh.
• Lighten Up the Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light sour cream for a healthier version. This swap reduces calories while maintaining a creamy texture and tangy flavor profile.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add crushed garlic, apple cider vinegar, or a dash of hot sauce to give your coleslaw an extra kick. These ingredients can transform the traditional recipe into a more vibrant and zesty side dish.
• Make It Crunch: Toss in toasted sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or crispy bacon bits for added texture and depth. These mix-ins create an unexpected crunch that elevates the classic coleslaw experience.

How to Plate and Pair Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Pair with Picnic Classics: Serve alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or fried chicken for a refreshing summer side dish that adds crunch and zest to your outdoor meal.
• Elevate Sandwich Companions: Spoon this coleslaw onto pulled pork sandwiches or use as a topping for barbecue-style wraps to enhance texture and flavor.
• Create Colorful Meal Presentations: Arrange the coleslaw in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs on top, making it an eye-catching addition to your dining table that guests will love.
• Customize with Creative Mix-ins: Experiment by adding sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or a dash of sriracha for a personalized twist that takes this classic side dish to the next level.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions for Coleslaw

• Preserve Fresh Flavors: Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant taste for up to 3-4 days.
• Prevent Soggy Situation: Keep dressing separate from vegetables until just before serving to maintain the crunchy vegetable texture and prevent wilting.
• Revive Leftover Crunch: If coleslaw becomes slightly watery, drain excess liquid and give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing before serving.
• Freezing Friendly: Avoid freezing coleslaw, as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed, compromising the dish's delightful crunch.

Tangy Paula Deen Coleslaw Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Paula Deen coleslaw blends crisp cabbage with a tangy dressing. Fresh ingredients and classic southern charm make this side dish a crowd-pleaser you’ll savor alongside grilled meats and summer picnics.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb/680 g cabbage, quartered, cored, and shredded
• 2 carrots/1 cup/240 ml, peeled and shredded
• ½ cup/120 ml mayonnaise
• 3 tbsps red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsps fresh chives
• 1.5 tbsps lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tsp sugar
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp celery seed

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Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables: Meticulously slice green cabbage into delicate, uniform strips using a sharp knife or mandoline, then grate carrots into fine shreds, ensuring consistent texture throughout the salad.
2. Herb Preparation: Finely chop parsley and chives, releasing their aromatic essence and introducing a vibrant green dimension to the coleslaw base.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, minced red onion, lemon juice, sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, and celery seed in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, harmonious emulsion.
4. Combine and Dress: Transfer shredded vegetables into a spacious bowl, then gradually drizzle the creamy dressing over the mixture, using a spatula to ensure comprehensive and even coating of each vegetable strand.
5. Final Touches: Gently fold ingredients to integrate flavors, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld while preserving the vegetables’ crisp character.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Use a sharp mandoline or knife for uniform, thin cabbage strips that ensure consistent crunch and texture.
• Dressing Dynamics: Whisk mayonnaise mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every vegetable strand evenly.
• Flavor Fusion Time: Refrigerate coleslaw for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, balancing salt, pepper, and lemon juice to achieve your perfect flavor harmony.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg