Creamy Cole Slaw

Article by Layla Khoury-Hanold

Cole slaw is a classic side of shredded cabbage in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing. It’s versatile and can be served as a salad, a side or a topping for sandwiches. Chef Bobby Flay’s take features finely shredded cabbage, carrots and onions in creamy, tangy dressing. With Bobby’s simple slaw recipe, you’ll learn how to properly prep your ingredients to obtain the necessary textures, the key ingredients for making a flavorful coleslaw dressing and a piece of cooking advice that extends to every dish you make.

How to Make Creamy Cole Slaw Like a Pro

Finely shred the cabbage. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to finely shred green cabbage for the base of your cole slaw.

Use a box grater to shred the carrots and onions. Bobby shreds the carrots and Spanish onions on a box grater to obtain the desired texture.

Make a flavorful, creamy dressing. Bobby mixes together high-quality mayo for richness and creaminess, sour cream for creaminess and tanginess, lots of mustard powder for savory depth, celery salt for a savory, vegetal quality and red wine vinegar for balanced acidity (though white vinegar works too). A mix of sugar, salt and pepper balances the flavors.

Don’t overdress the coleslaw. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss to coat, aiming for a lightly creamy slaw.

Season to taste. Once the dressing has been added, add more salt and pepper if needed to ensure that the cole slaw is well-seasoned according to your preference.

What Is In Coleslaw?

Coleslaw is a cold salad that often includes:

• Shredded cabbage

• Shredded carrots

• Shredded onions

• Dressing: either be creamy, typically mayonnaise-based, or tangy, usually vinegar-based

Bobby Flay’s creamy coleslaw features cabbage, carrots and onion, and his coleslaw dressing is made with mayonnaise, sour cream and red wine vinegar along with seasonings including mustard powder, celery salt, sugar, salt and pepper.

How Long is Coleslaw Good For?

Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What to Serve With Coleslaw

Serve coleslaw with classic barbecue, cookout and picnic fare such as pulled pork, burgers, ribs, fried chicken and hot dogs. Try making some of Bobby’s best recipes, such as Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Perfect Burger, Honey-Mustard Glazed Ribs in Oven and Broiler and Fried Chicken. Coleslaw pairs well with other cookout sides like Bobby’s fan-favorite Mesa Grill’s Southwestern Potato Salad, Crunchy Avocado Salad or Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges.