a plate with coleslaw. text reads, make your own garden coleslaw
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Creating Fresh Garden-to-Table Coleslaw

Coleslaw is cool and refreshing, and you can harvest a lot of the ingredients right in your garden! There’s something incredibly satisfying about harvesting fresh vegetables from your own garden and turning them into a delicious meal. If you grow a cabbage patch in your backyard, you’re in for a treat! 

Let’s look at the simple process of making this wonderful treat that goes great with any number of meals and is a fantastic side dish at cookouts, too!

Serves: 6 – 8 

Ingredients

To start your garden-to-table coleslaw adventure, gather the following fresh ingredients:

  • 1 medium-sized cabbage (approximately 2 pounds)
  • 2 large carrots
  • 1 medium-sized onion (red or white)
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup of sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

Before you dive into the coleslaw-making process, make sure you have the right tools and containers on hand:

  1. Cutting Board: A large, sturdy cutting board for chopping and shredding vegetables.
  2. Sharp Knife: A sharp chef’s knife for precise and efficient cutting.
  3. Box Grater or Food Processor: To grate the carrots and cabbage quickly.
  4. Large Mixing Bowl: Large enough to toss and mix the coleslaw.
  5. Small Bowl: For whisking together the dressing ingredients.
  6. Whisk: To blend the dressing smoothly.
  7. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
  8. Storage Container: An airtight container for storing the coleslaw in the refrigerator.

Steps to Making Fresh Coleslaw

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started! 

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

  • Wash the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or insects.
  • Using your knife, remove the tough outer leaves and cut the cabbage in half.
  • Shred the cabbage finely using a box grater or a food processor. If using a box grater, take your time so you get thin, uniform shreds.
  • Next, peel and grate the carrots with the grater or food processor. You can adjust the coarseness to your preference.
  • Finally, finely chop the onion. You can choose between red or white onions, depending on your flavor preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the dressing is smooth and well-mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

  • In your mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and chopped onion. Toss them together to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

Step 4: Dress Your Coleslaw

  • Pour the creamy dressing you prepared earlier over the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the dressing into the vegetables until they are well-coated. Make sure not to overdo it; a light touch is key to achieving a delightful, crunchy texture.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  • Cover your coleslaw with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend and the coleslaw to become refreshingly crisp and cool.
  • Once chilled, serve your fresh garden-to-table coleslaw as a side dish or alongside your favorite barbecue, sandwiches, or grilled meats.

Creating coleslaw from freshly harvested cabbage and other garden ingredients is a rewarding kitchen venture that allows you to appreciate the fruits of your labor. With a few simple steps, you can transform your garden’s bounty into a delicious, homemade dish that will leave your taste buds craving more!

About Us

Tom and Sarah Greenwood are the dynamic duo behind “Yards Improved,” dedicated to the joys and challenges of gardening, pool maintenance, and lawn and patio care. With Tom’s passion for landscape design and Sarah’s enthusiastic approach to gardening, they share their journey of transforming their backyard into a thriving retreat. We strive to offer practical advice aimed at helping you enhance your outdoor space.