Growing up, I remember my mom making coleslaw at every family BBQ. It was her signature dish. The crunch of the cabbage, the tang of the dressing, and that perfect balance of sweet and savory-it was a tradition that brought everyone together. But I had no idea what went into making a truly great coleslaw until I discovered Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw recipe. This one changed everything. It’s fresh, vibrant, and way more exciting than the standard creamy coleslaw I had grown used to. So, if you’re looking to shake up your coleslaw game, keep reading.
Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage Recipe
When I first tried Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw, I was hooked. It’s not just any coleslaw. The red cabbage adds a beautiful color and texture, while the ingredients come together in a way that’s both bold and refreshing. Unlike typical coleslaws, Jamie’s version is a bit lighter and feels like it has more layers of flavor.
The best part? It’s super easy to make. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. Just fresh ingredients and a few simple steps. You get a crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet salad that works perfectly as a side dish or even as a topping for burgers or tacos.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to bring Jamie’s red cabbage coleslaw to life:
- Red Cabbage – The star of the dish. It’s crunchy and gives the coleslaw a gorgeous purple hue.
- Carrots – Adds sweetness and extra crunch.
- Apple – A little bit of tartness and a subtle sweetness. You can use a green apple or a sweeter variety depending on your preference.
- Mayonnaise – For creaminess and smooth texture.
- Greek Yogurt – A tangy balance to the mayo, giving it a lighter feel.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for brightness.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a sharp, zesty flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and bitterness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – For a touch of sharpness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – Dill, parsley, or chives can elevate the flavor with a fresh, green kick.
- Salt and Pepper – Season to taste. Don’t skip this!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw:
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Prep The Vegetables
- Start by shredding the red cabbage finely. You want it to have a nice, bite-sized crunch. The carrots should be grated, and the apple should be julienned or finely chopped.
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Mix The Base
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all together until smooth and creamy.
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Toss Everything Together
- Add the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and apple to the dressing. Toss well, ensuring everything is coated. You’ll want the cabbage to be fully dressed with the tangy mayo mixture.
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Season
- Taste as you go. Add salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. You may also want to add a little more honey if you prefer a sweeter coleslaw.
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Chill And Serve
- Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors meld together better after a bit of time. If you’re in a rush, though, you can serve it right away.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive into the science behind some of these ingredients:
- Red Cabbage: Rich in antioxidants and fiber. The color comes from anthocyanins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also high in Vitamin C, making this coleslaw a healthier option than you might think!
- Greek Yogurt: It’s not just for breakfast. Greek yogurt is packed with probiotics, which help promote gut health. The tanginess it brings balances the richness of the mayo and adds depth to the flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its health benefits, apple cider vinegar helps with digestion. It adds the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness and creaminess in the coleslaw. The slight tartness also keeps it from feeling too heavy.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that gives a warm, rounded sweetness to the dish. Unlike refined sugar, honey has antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
Expert Tips
- Cut the cabbage finely: To get the perfect coleslaw texture, make sure your cabbage is shredded finely enough that it picks up the dressing but still keeps that satisfying crunch.
- Make ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors develop and get more intense. So, it’s a great make-ahead dish.
- Play with herbs: A little fresh dill or parsley can really elevate the dish, adding freshness and vibrancy to the creamy base.
- Vary the sweetness: If you prefer a more tart coleslaw, reduce the amount of honey. If you’re a fan of sweet coleslaw, you can add more honey or even a bit of sugar.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie Oliver’s coleslaw is a perfect balance of flavors, there are plenty of ways to mix it up:
- Add nuts or seeds: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Spicy twist: Stir in a bit of sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick. The heat works surprisingly well with the creaminess of the dressing.
- Add fruit: Sliced grapes or even dried cranberries can add a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- Swap mayo for sour cream: If you want a slightly different texture, sour cream can replace the mayo. It’ll give the coleslaw a different kind of creaminess.
Final Words
What makes this Jamie Oliver Red Cabbage Coleslaw so fantastic is its simplicity and versatility. It’s not just a side dish-it’s a dish that can easily be dressed up or down. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, fish, or even as a topping for tacos, it’ll always be a crowd-pleaser. The balance of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, tangy dressing, and a touch of honey makes it refreshing and satisfying.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage Recipe Different?
It uses red cabbage for a vibrant color and a slightly sweeter crunch compared to traditional coleslaw.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
What Other Ingredients Are In Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw?
Besides red cabbage, it includes carrots, a tangy dressing made from vinegar, mustard, and a little bit of honey.