Bring back the cherished flavors of Chick-fil-A's coleslaw, blending crunchy cabbage and carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing, into your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ideal for those longing for the fast-food giant's discontinued side or looking to infuse their meals with a bit of Southern flair. This coleslaw is the perfect companion for summer barbecues or as a complement to a fried chicken sandwich and crispy waffle fries, promising to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
The Chick-fil-A coleslaw has its roots in traditional Southern cuisine, a staple at picnics and family gatherings. It was removed from the menu to make room for new items, but it remains a beloved recipe among fans.
Its compatibility with dishes like instant pot pulled pork or as a topping for a bbq chicken salad sandwich makes it versatile for various occasions. Remember to cover and refrigerate your coleslaw at least 2 hours before serving, as the flavor deepens when it sits in the refrigerator.
What You’ll Need
To make Chick-fil-A's coleslaw, you will need several ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Begin with bags of pre-shredded green cabbage to save time, or you can opt for shredding your own cabbage and carrots for a fresher taste.
The dressing is a simple yet delicious combination of mayonnaise, white vinegar, dry mustard, and sugar, creating a balance of sweetness and tanginess that's hard to resist.
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped carrots
- 3 to 5 cups shredded green cabbage
Preparing the Dish
Creating this coleslaw is a breeze and doesn't require any cooking, making it a convenient side dish to prepare. Start by finding a medium bowl, as this will be your primary mixing bowl throughout the process.
You'll want to ensure that the bowl is large enough to hold all the ingredients and give you enough room to toss to coat the cabbage mix thoroughly.
- In the medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, 4 teaspoon white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon dry mustard, and 1 teaspoon salt together until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the 3 to 5 cups of shredded green cabbage and 1 cup of finely chopped carrots to the bowl with the dressing.
- Use the mayonnaise and whisk to mix the dressing and vegetables, ensuring that the cole-slaw mix is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the creamy coleslaw for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to coat once more, ensuring the dressing hasn't settled at the bottom.
The key to the perfect consistency is in the balance of the dressing. If the coleslaw seems too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise to achieve the desired creaminess.
Conversely, if it's too wet, add more shredded green cabbage to absorb the excess dressing. Remember, the coleslaw will release more moisture as it sits in the refrigerator, so it's best to start with a slightly thicker consistency.
Optional Variants
If you're looking to add a personal touch or cater to various dietary needs, there are numerous ways to tweak the Chick-fil-A coleslaw recipe. Here are some suggestions:
- For a lighter version, use reduced fat mayonnaise or a mayonnaise substitute.
- Add a hint of sweetness with honey mustard or a sugar substitute.
- For extra crunch, include green onions or celery seed.
- If you prefer, omit the carrots or add red cabbage for a pop of color.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of the coleslaw can help you make informed decisions about portion sizes and dietary compatibility. The following information is for a single serving size:
- Calories: Varies depending on mayonnaise used
- Protein: < 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10g
- Fat: Varies depending on mayonnaise used
Factors to Consider
When preparing this coleslaw, it's important to consider the freshness of the ingredients, as this can significantly affect the taste and texture of the final product. Here are additional tips for success:
- For the best flavor, use fresh cabbage and carrots rather than pre-packaged mixes.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar to suit your taste preferences.
- Consider the dressing's acidity level and adjust the amount of white vinegar if necessary.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Require
To ensure a smooth preparation process, you'll need a few basic kitchen tools. Here's what to have at the ready:
- A medium to large mixing bowl
- A whisk or a fork for mixing the dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- A knife and cutting board if shredding your own cabbage and carrots
Prep Time
The total prep time for Chick-fil-A coleslaw is minimal, making it a fantastic option for quick meals or unexpected guests. Here's an estimate of the time involved:
- Preparation: 15 minutes for shredding and chopping (if not using pre-shredded ingredients)
- Mixing: 5 minutes to combine the dressing and vegetables
- Chilling: At least 2 hours in the refrigerator
Final Touches
Presentation can elevate the humble coleslaw to a dish that's both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some ways to serve your coleslaw:
- Serve in a clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the cabbage and carrots.
- Top with a sprinkle of parsley or chives for an added touch of green.
- Pair with classic Southern dishes like grilled chicken or beef barbecue for a complete meal.
What to do with Leftovers?
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your leftover coleslaw. Follow these guidelines:
- Store in an airtight container to keep the coleslaw fresh.
- Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 5 days for the best quality.
Recipe Notes
Here are a few additional notes to keep in mind when making the Chick-fil-A coleslaw:
- This recipe is an excellent potluck recipe, as it can be made in large quantities and is generally well-liked.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by altering the sugar and vinegar ratios to your preference.
What is the coleslaw sauce made of?
The coleslaw sauce, essential to creating the perfect coleslaw mix, is typically made from a base of mayo combined with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, mustard, and salt to add flavor. Some recipes, including the popular Chick-fil-A coleslaw, may also incorporate sugar to balance the acidity.
Add mayonnaise and whisk together with the other ingredients until smooth to make the dressing. This creamy dressing gives coleslaw its signature taste, beloved in many copycat Chick-fil-A coleslaw recipes.
What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw?
The main difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw lies in the dressing. Cabbage slaw is generally any salad made from shredded cabbage, which might be dressed with vinaigrettes or lighter dressings.
Coleslaw, on the other hand, refers to a type of cabbage slaw dressed with a creamy mayo-based sauce. This distinction is important for those looking to make coleslaw, particularly when aiming for a recipe for Chick-fil-A or similar creamy, mayo-dressed slaws.
Is coleslaw made from raw cabbage?
Yes, coleslaw is made from raw cabbage. The base of most coleslaw recipes is shredded cabbage, often combined with shredded carrots and sometimes other vegetables.
This mixture is then tossed with the coleslaw dressing to make the final dish. The raw nature of the cabbage provides a crunchy texture that is a key characteristic of coleslaw, including the Chick-fil-A cole slaw, making it a fresh and crisp addition to meals.
Chick Fil A Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped carrots
- 3 to 5 cups shredded green cabbage
Instructions
- In the medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, 4 teaspoon white vinegar, ¼ teaspoon dry mustard, and 1 teaspoon salt together until sugar is dissolved.
- Add the 3 to 5 cups of shredded green cabbage and 1 cup of finely chopped carrots to the bowl with the dressing.
- Use the mayonnaise and whisk to mix the dressing and vegetables, ensuring that the cole-slaw mix is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate the creamy coleslaw for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to coat once more, ensuring the dressing hasn't settled at the bottom.
The key to the perfect consistency is in the balance of the dressing. If the coleslaw seems too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise to achieve the desired creaminess.
Notes
- This recipe is an excellent potluck recipe, as it can be made in large quantities and is generally well-liked.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by altering the sugar and vinegar ratios to your preference.
More Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
Chick-fil-A Biscuit Recipe
Chick-fil-A Lemonade Recipe
Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade Recipe
Chick-fil-A Tortilla Soup Recipe
Chick-Fil-A Market Salad Recipe
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