Southern coleslaw is a staple dish in many Southern households and is often served at backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. This tangy and crunchy side dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats and is a refreshing addition to any summer meal. While there are many variations of coleslaw, this particular recipe stands out for its use of celery seed, a key ingredient that adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish. In this article, we'll dive into the history of this beloved dish and share a simple and delicious recipe for Southern coleslaw with celery seed.
If you're looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, look no further than a classic southern coleslaw. This creamy and tangy slaw is the perfect complement to the smoky and juicy flavors of your beer can chicken. And the best part? It's easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
For a twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this southern smothered chicken recipe. The chicken is coated in a flavorful spice rub and then smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a deliciously crispy skin that will have your taste buds singing.
For a healthy and flavorful side dish, try these southern mustard greens. They are cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of vinegar for a perfectly balanced dish. The tanginess of the greens pairs well with the richness of the beer can chicken, making it a winning combination.
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Southern Coleslaw (Best Homemade Dressing)
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Shredded Red Cabbage, Shredded Carrots
If you want to take your coleslaw game to the next level, try making your own dressing with this recipe. The homemade dressing is a creamy and tangy blend of mayo, vinegar, sugar, and a secret ingredient that gives it that extra kick. Trust us, it's worth the extra effort.
No southern meal is complete without a good potato salad. This recipe combines tender potatoes, crunchy celery and onions, and a tangy dressing for a side dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, it's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
For a more traditional take on coleslaw, try this recipe that uses classic ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and green onions. The dressing is a simple mix of mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sugar, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion.
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Southern Creamy Cucumbers
Main Ingredients: Cucumbers, Sweet Onion, Reduced Fat Sour Cream, Apple
Looking for a light and refreshing side dish? These creamy cucumbers are the perfect choice. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a creamy dressing with dill and a touch of sugar for a sweet and tangy flavor. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken.
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Tangy Southern Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Mayonnaise, White Vinegar, Sugar, Celery Seed
If you prefer a tangy coleslaw over a creamy one, this recipe is for you. The dressing is a simple mix of vinegar, oil, and a touch of sugar, giving the cabbage and carrots a tangy and refreshing flavor. It's the perfect contrast to the rich and smoky beer can chicken.
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Creamy Southern Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Cabbage Coleslaw Mix, Shredded Carrots, Cabbage, Green
This coleslaw recipe is all about the creamy dressing. Made with mayo, sour cream, and a touch of dijon mustard, it gives the cabbage and carrots a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken. It's the ultimate summer side dish.
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The BEST Simple Southern Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Shredded Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, Mayonnaise, Apple
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious coleslaw, this recipe is your answer. With only five ingredients, it doesn't get much simpler than this. But don't let the simplicity fool you, this coleslaw is bursting with flavor and will be a hit at your next BBQ.
For a coleslaw that is creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, try this recipe. It combines classic ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and green onions with a simple dressing made of mayo, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. It's the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Southern Style Cole Slaw
Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Medium Carrot, Green Onions, Mayonnaise
This southern-style coleslaw has a unique twist that sets it apart from other recipes. A touch of hot sauce adds a subtle kick to the dressing, giving the cabbage and carrots a little extra kick. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken.
If you prefer potato salad over coleslaw, this southern-style version is a must-try. It's loaded with flavor from the addition of bacon, green onions, and a touch of Cajun seasoning. It's a hearty and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
This southern pea salad is a unique and tasty side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The sweet peas are combined with crunchy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing for a dish that is bursting with flavor. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
For a vegetarian option that still packs a punch of flavor, try this southern-fried tofu recipe. The tofu is coated in a crispy cornmeal breading and fried to perfection. It's a delicious and unexpected addition to your beer can chicken dinner.
This southern-inspired pickled shrimp recipe is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that will elevate your beer can chicken dinner to a whole new level. The shrimp is marinated in a tangy vinegar and spice mixture for a dish that is bursting with flavor.
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Southern-Inspired Fried Chicken Sandwich with Homemade...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Water, Paprika
If you're looking to switch things up from the traditional beer can chicken, try this southern-inspired fried chicken sandwich. The chicken is coated in a flavorful spice blend and fried to crispy perfection. Served on a toasted bun with homemade coleslaw and pickles, it's a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Southern-Style Slaw Burgers
Main Ingredients: Slaw Mix, White Vinegar, Water, Brown Sugar, Prepared
Burgers and coleslaw are a classic combination, and this recipe takes it to the next level. These southern-style slaw burgers are loaded with flavor from the addition of bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy coleslaw. It's a hearty and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings.
For a light and refreshing meal, try this southern chicken salad sandwich. The chicken is combined with crunchy celery and onions and coated in a tangy dressing. Served on a soft roll with lettuce and tomato, it's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
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Southern-Style Pickled Shrimp
Main Ingredients: Vidalia Onion, Lemon, Cider Vinegar, Canola Oil
If you're a fan of pickled foods, you'll love this southern-style pickled shrimp recipe. The shrimp is marinated in a vinegar and spice mixture for a tangy and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. It's a unique and tasty side dish that will impress your guests.
The History of Southern Coleslaw
The Origins of Coleslaw
Coleslaw, which literally translates to "cabbage salad," has been around for centuries. It originated in the Netherlands and was brought to the United States by Dutch immigrants in the 1700s. The traditional recipe consisted of shredded cabbage, vinegar, and oil, and was served as a side dish to accompany heavy meat dishes.
The Southern Twist
In the South, coleslaw took on a new flavor profile with the addition of mayonnaise, sugar, and other ingredients. This version of coleslaw became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, and today, it is a quintessential dish in Southern cuisine. While the classic Southern coleslaw recipe typically includes cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise, the addition of celery seed is what sets it apart from other coleslaw variations.
The Role of Celery Seed in Southern Coleslaw
Flavor and Texture
Celery seed is the dried seed of the celery plant and has a distinct earthy, slightly bitter flavor. When used in coleslaw, it adds a unique tanginess that perfectly balances out the sweetness from the mayonnaise and sugar. The seeds are also small and round, which adds a subtle crunch to the dish, enhancing its overall texture.
Health Benefits
Aside from adding flavor and texture, celery seed has several health benefits. It is high in fiber and contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body. It also has been known to improve digestion and may have anti-cancer properties.
Recipe for Southern Coleslaw with Celery Seed
Now that we know the history and importance of celery seed in Southern coleslaw, let's dive into the recipe. Here's what you'll need:
1 small head of cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, shredded
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage and carrots.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss until evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy Your Homemade Southern Coleslaw!
With its tangy, crunchy, and slightly sweet flavor, this Southern coleslaw recipe with celery seed is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or simply looking for a delicious side dish, give this recipe a try and taste the delicious history of Southern coleslaw.