3 Hacks to Elevate Your Coleslaw

Coleslaw
Image by Wow Phochiangrak from Pixabay

Coleslaw is a favorite at every barbecue, which usually means that every person has their own take on the classic salad. The basic combo of cabbage, carrot, and mayo seems simple enough to assemble, but there are ways to make your coleslaw stand out from all the rest. 

Get Alternative

It may seem sacrilegious to use anything other than the core ingredients in coleslaw, but no one got very far by coloring inside the lines. Why not throw in some broccoli to shake things up a little? If that’s a little bit too bold for your liking, you can always try Chinese cabbage or bok choy.

Keep the Crunch

Soggy slaw is not a vibe. You want your coleslaw to crunch when you take a bite! The best way to achieve that is to get as much moisture out of the cabbage as you can (it is 92% water, after all). Shred your cabbage, throw it in a bowl with some salt, and let it sit in the fridge for an hour. This will draw out the liquid. Drain the cabbage in a colander to keep it crisp.

Add the Extras

Once your base is sorted, it’s time to experiment with flavors. Add in some sunflower seeds or walnuts for extra crunch, and feel free to throw in dried cranberries or raisins for additional sweetness. Condiments and spices like soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, turmeric, or harissa can also be good, depending on the style you’re going for.