Ah, Irish Style Coleslaw – a dish that holds a special place in my heart! I remember the first time I tasted this delightful slaw at a cozy Irish pub while on a trip with friends. It was served alongside a hefty helping of corned beef, and right then and there, I knew I had found a new favorite. The crunch of the cabbage, the sweetness of the carrots, and that creamy tanginess of the dressing—it all comes together in a way that just feels like home.
What I love most about this coleslaw is that it’s not your average side dish. It has that perfect balance of crunch and creaminess that complements just about any meal. Whether it’s a big helping of Irish stew or some ribs fresh off the barbecue, this coleslaw does it all with style. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
What’s in Irish Style Coleslaw?
Cabbage: The star of the show! I use about 4 cups of finely shredded green cabbage, which gives a lovely crunch. If you want to jazz it up visually, go ahead and toss in some red cabbage!
Carrots: Just 1 cup of grated carrots adds a pop of color and sweetness to this dish. They also provide a great texture that’s different from the cabbage.
Mayonnaise: This creamy goodness (1/2 cup) brings everything together. I’m a fan of using full-fat mayo for that rich, velvety texture, but feel free to use a lighter version if you prefer.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a tablespoon gives a tangy kick to the dressing, balancing out the sweetness of the sugar and carrots.
Sugar: A tablespoon of sugar is all it takes to enhance those natural flavors. Don’t worry, the dressing won’t be overly sweet; it just brings everything into harmony.
Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon of this zesty condiment adds depth to the dressing. Trust me; it may seem like a small amount, but it makes a big difference.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste! These two humble ingredients really help in bringing out the flavors.
Is Irish Style Coleslaw Good for You?
Absolutely! While coleslaw may have a reputation for being a side dish somewhat heavy with mayonnaise, the star ingredients like **cabbage** and **carrots** are packed with health benefits.
Cabbage: This leafy green is low in calories but high in fiber, making it great for digestive health. Plus, it’s rich in vitamins C and K!
Carrots: With their bright orange hue, these beauties are loaded with beta-carotene—great for your vision and skin. They also provide a nice crunch, making this slaw satisfying.
I do recommend being mindful of the mayonnaise intake if you’re watching your calories or prefer a lighter version; you could substitute it with Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
– 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
– 1 cup carrots, grated
– 1/2 cup red cabbage, finely shredded (optional for color)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 6 as a side dish.
How to Make Irish Style Coleslaw?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, and red cabbage (if using).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture.
4. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the coleslaw to chill.
6. Serve as a side dish with your favorite Irish meals or barbecue dishes.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
You can totally get creative with this coleslaw! Sometimes, I like to add chopped green onions or even a handful of raisins for some added sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some shredded apples—a lovely twist!
This coleslaw makes a perfect companion for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a vibrant picnic spread. I even love putting a scoop on top of a hearty bean burger for a bit of extra crunch.
So, there you have it—my go-to recipe for Irish Style Coleslaw! I encourage you to give it a try, because trust me, once you do, you might just find yourself making it a regular on your dinner table. Let me know how it goes; I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!
