Simple & Zesty Paula Deen Coleslaw Recipe Ideas

Paula Deen’s coleslaw brings a tangy, refreshing twist to traditional side dishes that instantly elevates your dining experience.

Southern-style cooking champions this crisp salad as a crowd-pleasing accompaniment with remarkable versatility.

Creamy yet light, this recipe combines fresh vegetables in a harmonious blend that captures classic comfort food essence.

Its simple preparation makes it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

The vibrant mixture offers a perfect balance of crunch and smooth dressing that complements numerous main courses.

Each bite delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Summer gatherings and family picnics become more memorable with this irresistible side dish: get ready to impress everyone at the table.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Spicy Kick Coleslaw: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a fiery, zesty flavor that will wake up your taste buds.
• Greek-Inspired Coleslaw: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and a splash of olive oil for a Mediterranean flair.
• Apple Crunch Coleslaw: Incorporate diced green apples into the vegetable mix for a crisp, sweet element that adds complexity and texture to the classic recipe.
• Herb Garden Coleslaw: Boost the herb profile by adding fresh chopped basil, mint, or cilantro to create a more vibrant and aromatic side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

Paula Deen’s coleslaw masterpiece brings Southern charm to classic summer gatherings.

Classic ingredients dance together with zesty dressing, creating incredible flavor harmony.

Crisp cabbage and vibrant vegetables meld seamlessly with creamy mayonnaise-based sauce.

Louisiana’s culinary spirit shines through each refreshing bite of this traditional side dish.

Southern kitchens whisper generations of delicious memories within this simple recipe.

Louisiana hospitality welcomes you to savor, share, comment, and spread delightful coleslaw love with friends and family.

Why Paula Deen’s Coleslaw is a Crowd Favorite

• Whip Up a Quick Flavor Explosion: This coleslaw recipe transforms simple vegetables into a taste sensation in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize Your Creamy Crunch: The flexible recipe allows you to adjust seasonings perfectly, creating a personalized side dish that balances tangy, sweet, and creamy elements with a satisfying crisp vegetable texture.
• Master an Effortless Crowd-Pleaser: With basic ingredients and straightforward preparation, this coleslaw delivers restaurant-quality results that work beautifully for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and casual family dinners without requiring advanced cooking skills.

Key Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Cabbage: Crisp base for coleslaw, choose fresh and firm heads for the best texture.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, look for bright orange and smooth carrots.
• Parsley, Chives: Fresh herbs that provide a light, herbal note and green color accent.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that binds the coleslaw together, use good quality for best flavor.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp and tangy flavor, finely chopped for even distribution.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the mayonnaise.

• Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory elements, helps round out the overall flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of all ingredients.
• Celery Seed: Adds a subtle, distinctive flavor typical in classic coleslaw recipes.

Making Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

Step 1: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Grab a large mixing bowl. Finely shred green cabbage, carrots, fresh parsley, and chives. Use a sharp knife or food processor to create thin, uniform cuts. Gently toss the vegetables to distribute them evenly.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Finely diced red onion
• Fresh lemon juice
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Celery seed

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Blend Coleslaw

Pour the creamy dressing over the chopped vegetables. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly, ensuring every vegetable piece gets coated with the tangy dressing.

Step 4: Season and Taste

Sample the coleslaw and adjust seasonings as needed. Add extra salt, sugar, or pepper to match your flavor preference.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the coleslaw sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For best results, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Coleslaw tastes even better when chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Chill and Enhance: Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to boost flavor and create a crisp, refreshing texture.
• Rest and Marinate: Give the salad 10 minutes after mixing to allow ingredients to meld together, softening cabbage and deepening overall taste.
• Customize the Dressing: Experiment with salt, sugar, and lemon juice levels until you achieve a perfect sweet-tangy balance that makes your taste buds dance.
• Slice with Precision: Shred cabbage and carrots uniformly and finely, creating a smooth, easy-to-eat mixture that looks as good as it tastes.
• Prioritize Freshness: Select vibrant, crisp vegetables directly from the produce section, steering clear of pre-packaged options that lose their zesty crunch and flavor over time.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Coleslaw

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal the coleslaw in an airtight glass container to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy vegetables. Glass containers create a better seal and prevent unwanted odors from seeping into your delicious side dish.
• Drainage Method: Place a paper towel at the bottom of the storage container to absorb excess moisture that can make your coleslaw soggy. This simple trick helps preserve the fresh crunch of your cabbage and keeps the texture appealing for days.
• Temperature Control: Keep coleslaw consistently chilled between 35-40°F in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Avoid storing near the door where temperature fluctuations can compromise the salad's quality and potentially promote bacterial growth.

Paula Deen Coleslaw Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s Coleslaw blends crisp cabbage with a creamy, tangy dressing that celebrates Southern comfort. Crunchy vegetables and zesty mayo create a perfect side dish for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues that you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 (1.5 pounds/680 grams) head cabbage, quartered, cored, and shredded
• 2 (about 1 cup/240 milliliters) carrots, peeled and shredded
• 3 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon celery seed
• 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Dressing:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise

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Instructions

1. Peel and shred the green cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating thin, uniform strips that will provide a crisp texture to the coleslaw.
2. Grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor, ensuring they are finely cut to blend seamlessly with the cabbage base.
3. Finely chop the fresh parsley and chives, releasing their aromatic oils and adding a vibrant green color to the salad mixture.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, finely minced red onion, freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground celery seed until the dressing becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Transfer the shredded vegetables into a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful and textured foundation for the coleslaw.
6. Gradually pour the creamy dressing over the vegetable mixture, using a spatula or large spoon to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the tangy mixture.
7. Gently fold and toss the ingredients, making sure the dressing thoroughly penetrates and blends with the cabbage and carrot strands.
8. Taste the coleslaw and fine-tune the seasoning, adding additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to achieve your desired flavor profile.
9. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to slightly soften while maintaining their crisp texture.

Notes

• Chilling transforms this classic side dish, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while creating a crisp, refreshing texture that elevates your entire meal.
• Resting the coleslaw for 10-15 minutes before serving helps break down the cabbage’s tough fibers, making each bite more tender and flavorful.
• Balancing the dressing requires careful tasting and adjusting, ensuring the perfect blend of tanginess, sweetness, and creaminess that complements the fresh vegetables.
• Shredding vegetables uniformly guarantees a consistent mix, preventing any chunky or uneven bites that might disrupt the coleslaw’s smooth texture.
• Selecting peak-fresh ingredients is crucial, as crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots will provide the ultimate crunch and natural sweetness to this beloved side dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg