As the sun warms our skin and days stretch longer, our taste buds crave vibrant and refreshing accompaniments to our summertime meals. This creamy coleslaw isn’t just another side dish; it’s a symphony of color and flavor that sings the sweet song of summer. Imagine a delightful interplay of textures – the crisp bite of green and purple cabbage ribbons giving way to the sunshine-hued sweetness of grated carrots. But wait, there’s more! A sprinkle of sunflower seeds adds not only a delightful crunch but also a touch of rustic charm, elevating this coleslaw beyond the ordinary. This isn’t your average mayo-slathered coleslaw; it’s a thoughtfully crafted salad bursting with personality, begging to be the star of your next summer gathering.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, summer barbecues were synonymous with my grandma’s legendary coleslaw. Her version always featured a generous handful of sunflower seeds, adding a delightful textural contrast and a touch of visual intrigue. This recipe is an ode to her, a way to share a taste of those warm summer days and the love that filled our backyard gatherings. Every bite transports me back to those carefree moments, and I hope it brings a touch of summer nostalgia to your table as well.

The beauty of this coleslaw lies in its simplicity. It’s a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or anytime you need a quick and delicious side dish. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork for a complete meal. It’s also light enough to enjoy on its own for a satisfying lunch. The creamy mayo dressing ties everything together, adding a touch of richness that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables. So ditch the boring coleslaw and give this vibrant version a try! It’s sure to become a new summer favorite, filled with both deliciousness and a touch of sentimental charm.

So ditch the boring coleslaw and give this vibrant version a try! It’s sure to become a new summer favorite.

This creamy coleslaw boasts a vibrant cast of characters, each playing a crucial role in creating the symphony of flavor and texture we crave. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients and why they’re essential:

• Green Cabbage: The star of the show! Green cabbage provides a delightful freshness and a satisfying crunch with its crisp bite.
• Purple Cabbage: Not just for looks, purple cabbage adds a beautiful pop of color and a slightly sweet, earthy counterpoint to the green cabbage.
• Shredded Carrots: These sunshine-hued beauties bring a touch of sweetness and a delightful textural contrast with their bright orange ribbons.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our dressing, mayo binds everything together and adds a touch of richness.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar helps to balance the tangy vinegar and enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a welcome brightness and acidity to the dressing, cutting through the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning powerhouses, salt and pepper elevate all the flavors and make them sing. Don’t be shy, adjust to your taste!
• Celery Seed: This little gem adds a subtle celery-like flavor that complements the cabbage perfectly.
• Ground Mustard: A touch of ground mustard adds a hint of warmth and complexity to the dressing.
• Sunflower Seeds: My grandma’s secret weapon! Sunflower seeds add a delightful textural contrast with their satisfying crunch and a touch of rustic charm.

Cabbage: Don’t have both green and purple cabbage? No problem! Use all green cabbage or all purple cabbage for a beautiful and flavorful coleslaw. You could also experiment with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture.

Dressing: Prefer a lighter dressing? Reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute some Greek yogurt for a tangier option. You can use sour cream in place of mayonnaise for a lighter option.

Sweetness: Want a touch more sweetness? Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the dressing. You could even add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.

More Tangy: If you prefer a more tangy coleslaw, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Spice it Up: Like a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy twist.

Seeds for Nuts: Not a fan of sunflower seeds? You can substitute chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a different textural experience.

This vibrant coleslaw shines as a refreshing and flavorful side dish, but it can also be the star of the show! Here are some perfect pairings to elevate your meal and showcase the versatility of this summer staple:

Classic Combos:

• Grilled Goodness: Pair your coleslaw with grilled favorites like chicken, fish, burgers, or hot dogs for a classic summer barbecue spread. The creamy coleslaw provides a cool and refreshing counterpoint to the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
• Pulled Pork Party: Tangy pulled pork and creamy coleslaw are a match made in heaven! The sweetness and acidity of the pulled pork sauce complement the tangy dressing and crisp vegetables beautifully.

Beyond the Bun:

• Taco Time: Elevate your taco nights with a dollop of coleslaw alongside your favorite fillings. The creamy texture and tangy flavor add a delightful dimension to tacos, burritos, or even veggie bowls.
• Sandwich Sensation: Take your sandwiches to the next level with a layer of creamy coleslaw! It adds a delightful crunch and vibrant color to grilled cheese, pulled pork sandwiches, or even a classic BLT.
• Salad Superstar: Don’t limit yourself to meat-based dishes! Creamy coleslaw can also be a fantastic addition to a salad for a boost of flavor and texture. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a light and satisfying lunch.
• Snack Time: Feeling peckish? Leftover coleslaw makes a delicious and healthy snack on its own. It’s perfect for satisfying afternoon cravings or packing in a lunchbox.

Bonus Pairing:

• Coleslaw Charcuterie Board: Elevate your next charcuterie board with a bowl of creamy coleslaw! The vibrant colors and contrasting textures add a delightful touch, and it pairs beautifully with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this creamy coleslaw recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser! It’s a versatile and delicious way to add a touch of summer magic to any meal.

This creamy coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely make it ahead of time for a stress-free summer gathering. Here are some tips on storing your coleslaw to ensure it stays crisp, flavorful, and delicious:

Before You Dress:

• Shredding Savvy: The key to storing coleslaw lies in separating the dressing from the vegetables. Shred your cabbage and carrots as close to serving time as possible. Freshly shredded vegetables will maintain their crispness for longer.

Dressing It Up:

• Dress to Impress (Later): Prepare the dressing and store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This way, the dressing’s acidity won’t wilt the vegetables prematurely.

Mixing and Matching:

• Just Before Serving: Once you’re ready to serve, toss the shredded vegetables with the chilled dressing.
• Leftover Love: Any leftover dressed coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the coleslaw will lose some of its crispness as it sits.

Tip:

• Portion Control: Consider making a smaller batch of coleslaw if you know you won’t finish it within a few days. Leftover coleslaw that has been sitting with dressing for a longer period is more susceptible to spoilage.