Name: Extra Creamy Coleslaw Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ small head of cabbage, shredded (you can use store bought coleslaw mix, it's usually a 14 ounce bag); 2 carrots, grated (eliminate if using store bought coleslaw mix that contains carrots); ¼ cup dried apricots, chopped (about 6-7 apricots); 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed); 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice; 1 tablespoon raw cashews; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; orange zest for garnish (optional)

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This extra creamy coleslaw recipe has a secret ingredient that will create the creamiest coleslaw dressing. The cabbage and carrots are coated with a rich, creamy dressing that won’t be runny. The flavor of this coleslaw is citrussy with a hint of sweetness. The best past, it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

How to Prevent Coleslaw from Becoming Watery or Soggy?

The challenge with coleslaw, despite how simple it is to make has always been that it is too watery and soggy, even if it has been sitting only for a little while. The accumulation of watery dressing at the bowl’s bottom makes a soggy slaw that will take over everything else on your plate. If you like the added crunch of coleslaw on a sandwich, there is nothing more unappetizing as a soggy sandwich bun. Who wants that?

Since cabbage is made up of about 93% moisture, it tends to release that moisture turning coleslaw into a watery mess. Most people suggest one solution to eliminate the excess moisture, that solution is purging the water from the cabbage.

This can be done by adding salt to the shredded cabbage, then tossing it in a colander placed over a bowl. Let it sit for 1 to 4 hours; the salt will gradually extract the water. After it has drained completely, rinse the cabbage in the colander to remove the salt, allow it to drain again, and then transfer it to a bowl. NO, we don’t want to do this!

We have a simpler solution to a coleslaw dressing that will coat every shred of cabbage and carrot and will stay coated even the next day. The secret lies in the combination of ingredients used to make the coleslaw dressing. We need sweetness, creaminess and balanced acidity. We made this coleslaw dressing recipe using dried apricots for sweetness and added raw cashews for extra creaminess. This recipe gave us the perfect, rich coleslaw without any sogginess. See image below:

How to Make Extra Creamy Coleslaw

You will need a high-speed blender to make the creamy dressing for the coleslaw.

Ingredients:

1/2 small head of cabbage, shredded (you can use store bought coleslaw mix, it’s usually a 14 ounce bag)
2 carrots, grated (eliminate if using store bought coleslaw mix that contains carrots)
1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped (about 6-7 apricots)
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon raw cashews
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
orange zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
Place all ingredients, (except orange zest garnish) into a high powered blender and until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
You can serve it right away or even the next day.
Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with grated orange zest, if desired, for an extra flavor and pop of color.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

Store the extra creamy coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It is best consumed within 24 hours, the cabbage will start to soften, the longer it is stored and will lose some of its crunchy texture.
If you have stored it overnight, it may become a little bit thick when you first remove if from the refrigerator. This is in part of the dressing being cooled. The simplest way to thin it is by adding a tablespoon or two of liquid. This can be a combination of orange juice and lime/lemon juice. Just add the juices and mix. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Variations:

This extra creamy coleslaw recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Add Garlic or Onion:

If you prefer the flavor of fresh onions or garlic, you can add a tablespoon of chopped onion or minced fresh garlic to this creamy coleslaw recipe.

2. Spice it Up:

If you like a bit of heat, you can add some diced jalapenos, pinch of cayenne pepper or red crushed pepper to the dressing. This will give the coleslaw a spicy kick that pairs well with the sweetness of the apricots.

3. Citrus Burst:

For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add the zest and juice of a lemon to the coleslaw just before serving. This will add a bright and refreshing twist to the apricot coleslaw.

Final Thoughts

This extra creamy coleslaw recipe is a combination of sweet and tangy flavors that will be a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish, this coleslaw is sure to be one of your favorite sides to make this summer season. Speaking of barbeques, here are a few other side dish ideas for you to try.

Feel free to get creative with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients or trying out some of the variations mentioned above. Enjoy!

6 Servings