Coleslaw may not be the star of side dishes, like baked beans or potato salad, but if it’s missing, people notice. Some of our favorite summer foods, from hot dogs to barbecue sandwiches, benefit from a dab of coleslaw, if not a big spoonful on the plate.
This July 4, give it a place of prominence with this Best-Ever Coleslaw recipe.
Store-bought slaw mix is a time saver, but if time allows, shred your own. A food processor can do this in no time compared to doing it by hand on a grater. While you’re at it, grate some carrots into it, not only for color but also for beta carotene, crucial for healthy vision, skin and immune function.
Perhaps the most important factor in making good coleslaw is the dressing. Do not — may I repeat, do not — buy bottled coleslaw dressing. Honor your cabbage and carrots by making your own. You do them great disservice if you don’t.
Finally, while I like vinegar-based coleslaw, containing no mayonnaise at all, I think the best coleslaw to go with your July Fourth hot dog, burgers and barbecue is a mayonnaise-based. Consider it more than a condiment. It’s a cooling side dish to your summertime meal.