There’s a certain comfort in a bowl of creamy coleslaw that instantly brightens up any meal. One day, while trying to add a fresh twist to dinner leftovers, I reached for a head of cabbage and some colorful carrots lurking in my fridge. What emerged was an incredibly vibrant Irish Style Coleslaw that not only paired beautifully with everything but also had my friends asking for the recipe!
This delightful slaw is a breeze to whip up, taking just 10 minutes of hands-on time plus a little chill time to meld those delicious flavors. With a velvety dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and a hint of Dijon mustard, it elevates the humble cabbage to new heights. Not only is it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues and cozy family dinners, but it also offers great versatility—feel free to tweak the veggies to your liking!
Join me in creating this quick and easy coleslaw that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests raving, making every meal feel a little bit like a celebration.
Why is Irish Style Coleslaw a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in just 10 minutes with minimal fuss.
Creamy Delight: The blend of mayo, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard makes for a luscious dressing.
Flavorful Twist: With fresh cabbage and carrots, it’s a vibrant side that turns any meal into a feast.
Versatile Side: Customize with your favorite veggies for a personal touch!
Family Favorite: Perfect for summer BBQs or cozy dinners, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
If you’re looking for more easy side dishes, check out our quick coleslaw recipe!
Irish Style Coleslaw Ingredients
• Get ready to create a colorful dish!
For the Slaw
- ½ head white cabbage – a crisp base that adds crunch and nutrients.
- 8 ounces carrots – shredded for a sweet, vibrant burst of color.
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise – provides a creamy texture that brings everything together.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt – adds tang and lightness; you can substitute with sour cream if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – this adds a subtle zing to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream – enriches the dressing for a velvety finish.
- ⅛ teaspoon guar gum or xanthan gum – helps thicken the dressing for a smoother consistency.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – balances the tartness, adjust to taste.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt or onion powder – adds depth to the flavor profile of your Irish Style Coleslaw.
This coleslaw is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to adapt to your personal tastes. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Irish Style Coleslaw
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Combine the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, heavy whipping cream, guar gum, sugar, and garlic salt. Whisk until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
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Add the Veggies: Toss the shredded cabbage and carrots into the dressing. Make sure each vegetable piece is fully coated for the best flavor and texture.
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Mix Well: Gently mix everything together until the veggies are well incorporated with the dressing, creating a beautiful, colorful slaw.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and chill the coleslaw in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Helpful Tricks for Irish Style Coleslaw
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Fresh Cabbage: Use fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture. Avoid wilted or browning cabbage, as it impacts the slaw’s overall quality.
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Custom Dressings: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients. More Greek yogurt adds tang, while less sugar can create a zesty flavor in your Irish Style Coleslaw.
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Chill for Flavor: Allow the coleslaw to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time blends the flavors and enhances the taste beautifully, making every bite delightful.
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Grate Carrots: Use a box grater for grating your carrots to ensure even slices. This prevents larger, crunchy bites that might not mix well with the creamy dressing.
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Mixing Method: When combining vegetables with dressing, use a gentle folding technique instead of stirring vigorously. This maintains their crunch and keeps your coleslaw looking inviting.
How to Store and Freeze Irish Style Coleslaw
Fridge: Store your Irish Style Coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and maintains its creamy texture.
Freezer: While coleslaw can be frozen, it may lose its crunch. If needed, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, but expect some textural changes upon thawing.
Serving Size: For best flavor, savor the coleslaw after chilling; the dressing melds beautifully over time. Give it a good stir before serving, and enjoy!
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat coleslaw; simply serve it cold or at room temperature for the best experience.
Irish Style Coleslaw Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting options to customize your coleslaw and make it your own!
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Vegan: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and skip the heavy cream for a plant-based delight.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a zesty punch that ignites the senses.
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Crunchy Additions: Toss in some chopped apples or nuts for a refreshing crunch, creating texture and a sweet surprise in every bite.
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Herbed Bliss: Mix in freshly chopped dill or parsley to enhance flavors, giving your coleslaw a vibrant garden-fresh fragrance.
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Tangy Twist: Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness that complements the tangy dressing beautifully.
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Asian Flair: Incorporate sesame oil and rice vinegar while swapping carrots for shredded cabbage to create a delightful Asian-inspired coleslaw.
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Creamy Avocado: Substitute Greek yogurt with mashed avocado to add creaminess and a subtle, buttery flavor.
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Nutty Flavor: Mix in a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or almonds for a nutritious crunch and a nutty finish to your Irish Style Coleslaw.
What to Serve with Irish Style Coleslaw?
Looking to create the perfect meal that highlights the freshness and comfort of creamy coleslaw?
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky grilled chicken elevates the meal, balancing the creamy slaw’s richness. A drizzle of barbecue sauce complements both beautifully.
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BBQ Ribs: Tender ribs bring a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the coleslaw’s crunch, creating a delightful contrast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Roasted Potatoes: Crispy golden roasted potatoes provide a crunchy texture, enhancing every bite alongside the creamy coleslaw. Seasoned with herbs, they bring a warm satisfaction to the table.
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Burgers: Savory beef or veggie burgers topped with your favorite fixings create a fun, casual vibe. The coleslaw serves as a cool, creamy side, brightening up each delicious bite.
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Grilled Shrimp Tacos: These tacos offer a fresh and zesty twist! The coleslaw adds texture and enhances the flavor of the shrimp, making each bite a flavor fiesta.
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Chilled White Sangria: A refreshing pint of white sangria with fruity notes perfectly juxtaposes the creaminess of the coleslaw, making it ideal for summer gatherings.
Combine these ideas for a delightful spread that turns any meal into a celebration, bringing warmth, comfort, and smiles to everyone at the table!
Make Ahead Options
These Irish Style Coleslaw preparations are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can easily prepare the dressing—mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mustard, cream, and seasonings—up to 48 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. The shredded cabbage and carrots, however, should be prepped no more than 24 hours ahead to prevent them from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy your coleslaw, just combine the chilled dressing with the fresh veggies, mix well, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This way, you get the freshest taste with minimal effort during busy weeknights!
Irish Style Coleslaw Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best cabbage and carrots for my coleslaw?
Absolutely! For optimal freshness, look for a cabbage that feels heavy for its size, with no dark spots or blemishes. The leaves should be tight and crisp. Carrots should be firm and have a vibrant orange color, avoiding any that are soft or have dark spots. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in your Irish Style Coleslaw!
How long can I store Irish Style Coleslaw in the fridge?
You can store your Irish Style Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may start to become soggy due to the moisture from the vegetables. To keep it fresh, make sure the container is well-sealed, and enjoy it chilled for the best experience!
Can I freeze Irish Style Coleslaw? If so, how?
While it’s possible to freeze Irish Style Coleslaw, I wouldn’t recommend it as the texture may suffer. If you must freeze it, portion it into airtight containers, trying to eliminate as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—just remember that the cabbage may become mushy when thawed. To serve, simply place it in the fridge overnight to thaw before enjoying it.
What if my coleslaw dressing is too thick or too thin?
If your dressing turns out too thick, simply whisk in a little bit of milk or buttermilk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, adding a touch more mayonnaise or a bit more xanthan gum can thicken it right up! Tasting as you go is key to achieving the perfect balance.
Is this coleslaw recipe allergy-friendly?
Very! This Irish Style Coleslaw can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. For a dairy-free option, swap out the Greek yogurt and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and almond milk. Always check for specific allergies, especially regarding ingredients like mayonnaise and mustard, and ensure you’re using safe brands if serving to guests.
Can I add other veggies or ingredients to my coleslaw?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment by adding other shredded vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, or even mix in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an extra flavor boost. Just remember to keep the proportion of dressing consistent to ensure a well-balanced and delicious Irish Style Coleslaw!
Creamy Irish Style Coleslaw That Transforms Your BBQ Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, heavy whipping cream, guar gum, sugar, and garlic salt. Whisk until creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Toss the shredded cabbage and carrots into the dressing, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Gently mix everything together until the veggies are well incorporated with the dressing.
- Cover and chill the coleslaw in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
