Cheese slaw is a delicious twist on the classic coleslaw that brings a creamy, cheesy flavor to your table. This easy-to-make side dish combines fresh, crunchy vegetables with shredded cheese and a tangy dressing, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight side, cheese slaw adds a flavorful punch to any meal.
We love how versatile this recipe is—you can customize it with your favorite cheeses and veggies to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while keeping things fun and tasty. Let’s dive into this simple cheese slaw recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make our delicious cheese slaw, we start with fresh vegetables and rich cheese, then pair them with a creamy, tangy dressing. Here is everything you need to create this flavorful side dish.
Vegetables and Cheese
- 3 cups shredded green cabbage (finely sliced for crunch)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (adds natural sweetness and color)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (provides bold cheesy flavor)
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions (for a mild onion bite)
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for a creamy base)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds bright tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (gives depth and a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon honey (balances acidity with subtle sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (enhances all flavors)
| Dressing Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Creamy base |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | Tanginess |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | Depth and mild heat |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon | Balances acidity with sweetness |
| Salt | To taste | Flavor enhancer |
| Black pepper | To taste | Adds mild spice |
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for a fresh herbaceous note)
- ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (adds crunch and texture)
- ½ cup frozen sweet corn, thawed (provides bursts of sweetness)
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (introduces vibrant color and slight crunch)
By using these ingredients, we craft a cheese slaw that’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor to complement any meal.
Tools and Equipment
To craft the perfect Cheese Slaw, having the right Tools and Equipment on hand streamlines the preparation process and ensures consistent results. Below is a list of essential items we recommend for creating this creamy, cheesy side dish:
- Large Mixing Bowl: Use a spacious bowl to combine shredded vegetables, cheese, and dressing without spilling.
- Box Grater or Food Processor: For shredding the green cabbage, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese evenly and efficiently.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Ideal for finely chopping green onions and any optional add-ins like bell peppers or fresh herbs.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for safe and precise chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee the perfect balance of dressing ingredients like mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.
- Whisk or Fork: To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly until creamy.
- Salad Tossing Spoon or Tongs: Use these to gently combine the slaw without bruising the delicate vegetables and cheese.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | Combine all ingredients |
| Box Grater/Food Processor | Shred cabbage, carrots, and cheese |
| Chef’s Knife | Chop green onions and optional add-ins |
| Cutting Board | Provide a stable surface for cutting |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Measure dressing components accurately |
| Whisk or Fork | Mix dressing ingredients thoroughly |
| Salad Tossing Spoon/Tongs | Toss the slaw evenly without damage |
Tip: If you prefer ultra-fine shredding, a food processor equipped with a shredding disc can save time and effort, especially when preparing larger batches.
Having these tools organized and ready helps us focus on building the vibrant flavors that make our Cheese Slaw Recipe both visually enticing and delicious.
Preparation
To create our delicious Cheese Slaw, precise preparation of the fresh ingredients is essential. Let’s start by preparing the vegetables and grating the cheese to build a perfect texture and balance of flavors.
Preparing the Vegetables
We begin with fresh vegetables. First, take 3 cups of shredded green cabbage and spread them out on a clean surface to ensure even shredding. Use a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform, thin strands—this guarantees a tender bite without overpowering crunch.
Next, shred 1 cup of carrots finely to add vibrant color and natural sweetness. Our goal is to maintain a crisp texture that contrasts with the creamy dressing.
Finally, finely chop ½ cup of green onions. The sharp, slightly pungent taste of the onions will brighten the slaw with a subtle hint of freshness.
We recommend rinsing all vegetables in cold water and patting dry thoroughly. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and affect the slaw’s creaminess.
Grating the Cheese
For the signature cheesy flavor, we use sharp cheddar cheese. Measure 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It’s crucial to achieve even shredding for consistent distribution and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
You can use a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding disc. If using a box grater, grate the cheese against the widest holes to create thin, tender shreds that blend well with the vegetables.
Here’s a quick summary of the preparation steps in table form:
| Ingredient | Preparation Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Green Cabbage (3 cups) | Thinly shredded, dried | Tender yet crisp base for slaw |
| Carrots (1 cup) | Finely shredded | Adds sweetness and vibrant color |
| Green Onions (½ cup) | Finely chopped | Provides freshness and sharpness |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) | Evenly shredded | Delivers creamy, tangy cheesy flavor |
With our vegetables and cheese perfectly prepped, we can now move on to crafting the creamy, tangy dressing that brings our Cheese Slaw together.
Making the Dressing
To create the creamy, tangy dressing that defines our Cheese Slaw Recipe, we follow a few precise steps to balance flavor and texture perfectly.
Ingredients for the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Dressing Preparation
- Combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey in a medium bowl.
- We use a whisk or fork to blend these ingredients thoroughly. This ensures a smooth, homogeneous texture without lumps.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Adding salt gradually helps enhance the flavors.
- Pepper adds subtle heat that balances the honey’s sweetness and vinegar’s tang.
- Whisk until the dressing is creamy and well-emulsified
- The dressing should glide off the whisk in a slightly thick but pourable consistency.
- If it feels too thick, a teaspoon of cold water can be added to adjust the texture.
Dressing Flavor Profile Overview
| Ingredient | Flavor Contribution | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Creamy base | Provides richness and thickness |
| Apple cider vinegar | Tangy acidity | Balances creaminess with brightness |
| Dijon mustard | Mild pungency and depth | Enhances complexity and tang |
| Honey | Natural sweetness | Softens acidity and adds balance |
| Salt and Pepper | Seasoning and gentle heat | Enhances overall flavor profile |
“The dressing is the heart of our cheese slaw — creamy, tangy, and balanced, it ties together the fresh veggies and sharp cheddar with every bite.”
Once mixed, set the dressing aside while we prepare to combine it with our freshly shredded vegetables and cheese to maintain its vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
Assembling the Cheese Slaw
Now that we have our fresh vegetables shredded and the creamy dressing perfectly blended, it’s time to bring everything together. Assembling the cheese slaw correctly ensures each bite bursts with balanced, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
Combining Ingredients
Start by placing the shredded green cabbage, carrots, and sharp cheddar cheese into a large mixing bowl. Next, add the finely chopped green onions along with any optional add-ins like fresh herbs or toasted nuts. This step lays the foundation for the vibrant textures and flavors of our cheese slaw.
In this phase:
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green cabbage | 3 cups (shredded) | Shredded | Crisp base |
| Carrots | 1 cup (shredded) | Shredded | Natural sweetness, crunch |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup (shredded) | Shredded | Creamy, cheesy flavor |
| Green onions | ½ cup (finely chopped) | Finely chopped | Mild pungency, freshness |
| Optional add-ins | Varies | Chopped or toasted | Added texture & flavor nuances |
Tossing and Mixing
Once all ingredients are combined, pour the creamy, tangy dressing evenly over the mixture. Using a salad tossing spoon or tongs, gently toss everything together. Our goal is to coat each shred and shred of cheese thoroughly with the dressing without bruising the vegetables.
Pro tip: Toss the slaw with care to maintain the crispness of the cabbage and prevent the cheese from clumping. Gradually folding ingredients ensures an even distribution of flavors and a perfect harmony of texture.
Remember to taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed after tossing to elevate the dish’s flavor profile just right.
By following these steps, our cheese slaw will achieve its signature creamy, tangy, and cheesy balance ready to complement any meal beautifully.
Chill and Serve
Allowing the cheese slaw to chill enhances its flavors and texture, ensuring a perfectly creamy and tangy experience with every bite. Let’s explore how to prepare it ahead and the best ways to serve this delicious side dish.
Make-Ahead Tips
Chilling the cheese slaw for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here are some expert tips for successful make-ahead preparation:
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other fridge odors.
- For best texture, toss the slaw gently before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.
- If you plan to make it more than 24 hours ahead, keep the shredded cheese separate and add it just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Stir well but carefully after chilling; overmixing can bruise the delicate cabbage and alter the crisp texture.
| Make-Ahead Timeline | Storage Tips | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | Cover and refrigerate in serving bowl | Toss gently before serving |
| 24 hours | Store shredded cheese separately | Combine with veggies and dressing fresh |
Serving Suggestions
Our cheese slaw shines as a versatile side, complementing many main dishes with its creamy and tangy profile. Here are our favorite ways to serve it:
- Grilled meats and BBQ: Pair with ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken to add a fresh contrast to smoky flavors.
- Sandwich topping: Use as a flavorful crunchy layer on burgers or pulled meat sandwiches.
- Picnic and potluck: Serve chilled in a large bowl with a salad spoon or tongs for easy self-serving.
- Snack or light meal: Enjoy alongside crackers or artisan bread for a quick snack packed with veggies and cheese.
We recommend garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or toasted sunflower seeds for added color and crunch, rounding out this satisfying dish perfectly.
Conclusion
Cheese slaw offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite that’s both easy to make and endlessly adaptable. With its creamy, tangy dressing and vibrant mix of veggies and cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion.
By keeping a few simple tips in mind, we can ensure each batch turns out perfectly balanced and full of flavor. Whether served alongside grilled dishes or enjoyed on its own, cheese slaw brings a delicious, colorful boost to our meals every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cheese slaw?
Cheese slaw is a creamy, cheesy version of traditional coleslaw, made with shredded cabbage, carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy dressing. It’s a flavorful side dish perfect for barbecues or quick meals.
What ingredients do I need for cheese slaw?
You’ll need shredded green cabbage, carrots, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Optional add-ins include fresh herbs, nuts, corn, or bell peppers.
How do I prepare the vegetables for cheese slaw?
Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to shred cabbage and carrots, and finely chop green onions. Rinse and dry the veggies well to avoid watering down the dressing.
What makes the dressing for cheese slaw special?
The dressing is a balanced mix of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. It’s creamy and tangy, tying together the fresh veggies and sharp cheddar cheese perfectly.
Can I customize cheese slaw?
Yes! You can swap in different cheeses, add fresh herbs, nuts, sweet corn, or bell peppers to change the flavor and texture according to your preference.
What kitchen tools do I need to make cheese slaw?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl, box grater or food processor, sharp chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk or fork, and salad tongs or spoons for tossing.
How should I combine the ingredients for best results?
Gently toss the shredded vegetables, cheese, and dressing in a large bowl to coat everything evenly without bruising the veggies. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Can I make cheese slaw ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare in advance by chilling the slaw for at least one hour to enhance flavors. Keep shredded cheese separate if storing for more than 24 hours to prevent moisture issues.
What are some serving suggestions for cheese slaw?
Serve cheese slaw as a side with grilled meats, a topping for sandwiches, or a refreshing salad for picnics and potlucks. Garnish with green onions or toasted seeds for extra crunch.