This creamy Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe is the ultimate crunchy and tangy side dish you’ve been looking for. This simple, no-cook recipe is made with fresh, crisp white cabbage, grated carrots, and sharp onion, all brought together with a rich and zesty mayonnaise dressing. The result is a perfectly balanced coleslaw that is both refreshing and satisfying. As the perfect side dish for any summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck, this recipe makes a generous batch to serve 8-10 people.
Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium white cabbage (about 800g), core removed
- 2 large carrots, peeled
- 1 large onion or 2 medium onions, peeled
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 200g good-quality mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp caster sugar (optional)
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Hairy Bikers Coleslaw
- Prepare the vegetables: Using a sharp knife, slice the cabbage as thinly as possible. Alternatively, use the shredding attachment on a food processor or a mandoline. Grate the carrots using a coarse grater. Finely chop the onion.
- Combine the vegetables: Place the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and finely chopped onion into a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to toss them all together until they are evenly distributed.
- Mix the dressing: In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, caster sugar (if using), and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Season the dressing: Add a generous pinch of salt and a good grinding of black pepper to the dressing. Whisk again and taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary to get the balance of flavours just right for you.
- Combine and chill: Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring all the vegetables are coated in the creamy dressing. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Slice cabbage thinly: For the classic coleslaw texture, the key is to get the cabbage really fine. A sharp knife is essential, but a mandoline slicer can help you achieve consistent, wafer-thin slices safely.
- Chill before serving: Don’t skip the chilling time. This step is crucial as it allows the flavours of the dressing to meld together and infuse into the vegetables. It also slightly softens the cabbage for a better texture.
- Prevent watery coleslaw: Cabbage holds a lot of water. For an extra thick and creamy slaw, you can place the shredded cabbage in a colander, sprinkle it with salt, and let it sit for an hour. Rinse thoroughly and pat it completely dry before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Taste your dressing: Always taste the dressing on its own before you add it to the vegetables. This is your chance to balance the flavours perfectly—add more lemon for sharpness, a pinch of sugar for sweetness, or more pepper for a kick.
What To Serve Coleslaw
This classic, creamy coleslaw is the ultimate companion for so many dishes. It’s a must-have at any barbecue, served alongside grilled burgers, sausages, and barbecued ribs. It’s also the perfect partner for pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, and fish and chips. For a simple lunch, pile it high on top of a jacket potato or serve it as a side to a quiche or pasty.
How To Store Coleslaw Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, as the vegetables will soften and release more water over time.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended. Creamy, mayonnaise-based dressings do not freeze well and will separate when thawed, resulting in a watery texture and limp vegetables.
Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cabbage? Yes, this recipe works wonderfully with red cabbage for a vibrant, colourful twist. You can also use a mixture of red and white cabbage. Savoy cabbage is another great option.
- How can I make a lighter version of this coleslaw? For a lower-fat version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with low-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will also add a slightly tangier flavour to the dressing.
- Can I use a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix? Absolutely! Using a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots from the supermarket is a fantastic time-saver. Just add the finely chopped onion and the homemade dressing.
- My coleslaw seems a bit dry, what should I do? If your coleslaw seems a little dry for your liking, simply mix up a little extra dressing (a tablespoon of mayonnaise with a splash of vinegar and lemon juice) and stir it through.
Hairy Bikers Coleslaw Recipe
Description
A classic Hairy Bikers Coleslaw recipe that’s creamy, crunchy, and tangy. This easy, no-cook side dish is made with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion in a rich mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for any barbecue or picnic.
Ingredients
For the Vegetables:
For the Creamy Dressing:
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables: Finely shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and finely chop the onion. Place all vegetables in a large bowl.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar (if using), and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
