Crunchy Coleslaw Salad (Print Version)

Refreshing blend of cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing with a crunchy sunflower seed topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage
02 - 2 cups finely shredded red cabbage
03 - 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

05 - 2/3 cup mayonnaise
06 - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
08 - 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Toppings

11 - 1/2 cup roasted unsalted sunflower seeds

# Cooking Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, mix the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions until evenly distributed.
02 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Just prior to serving, sprinkle the roasted sunflower seeds on top, reserving some for garnish if desired.
05 - Serve immediately to preserve crunchiness, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a softer texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It stays crunchy and fresh for hours, which means less last-minute scrambling at a cookout.
  • The dressing is just creamy enough to feel indulgent without overshadowing the vegetables themselves.
  • You can prep it in the time it takes to heat up the grill, and it actually improves slightly as it sits.
02 -
  • Don't dress the coleslaw more than two or three hours ahead—the cabbage will begin to weep liquid and dilute the dressing, making it taste watery instead of creamy.
  • Save the sunflower seeds for the very end; if you add them too early, they'll absorb moisture and lose that crisp snap that makes them worthwhile.
  • Cold vegetables make better slaw, so chill your cabbage and carrots for at least thirty minutes before shredding if you have the time.
03 -
  • If you find your dressing tastes too rich, thin it slightly with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of honey to restore balance.
  • Investing in a good quality mayonnaise and using room-temperature ingredients when you're whisking the dressing will give you the smoothest, most emulsified result.
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