Red, White, and Blue Cole Slaw Salad
I remember the first time I made this cole slaw for a summer barbecue. My initial thought was, “Cole slaw is cole slaw, right?” But as I tasted the bacon mingling with the creamy dressing, the crisp cabbage, and the bursts of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes, I knew I was experiencing something special. The salty blue cheese added a welcome tang that cut through the richness, and I realized this wasn’t just any side dish; it was a flavor explosion that completely elevated the entire meal. It’s been a staple at every one of my family get-togethers ever since!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Dietary Type: Varies (see notes)
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 6 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup coleslaw dressing
- ½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Equipment Needed
- Large, deep skillet
- Large bowl
Instructions
- First, cook the bacon: Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet.
- Fry the bacon over medium-high heat until it is evenly browned and crispy. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning.
- Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Let the bacon cool slightly.
- Crumble the bacon: Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, crumbled bacon, and coleslaw dressing.
- Mix well: Thoroughly mix all ingredients until the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing and the bacon is distributed throughout the salad.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled blue cheese over the cole slaw.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cole slaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill properly.
- Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Make sure the bacon is extra crispy for the best texture in the cole slaw. If you prefer, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for less mess.
- Dressing Adjustment: Taste the cole slaw before chilling and adjust the amount of dressing to your liking. Some prefer a drier slaw, while others prefer it creamier.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The bacon can be cooked and crumbled a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves time when assembling the salad.
- Prevent Soggy Slaw: If making the salad ahead of time, consider adding the tomatoes and blue cheese just before serving to prevent the cole slaw from becoming soggy.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of sugar to the coleslaw dressing.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Red, White, and Blue Cole Slaw Salad is best served chilled. It makes a fantastic side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any summer gathering. The vibrant colors and flavors also make it a great addition to sandwiches or wraps.
To store leftovers, transfer the cole slaw to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly over time as the cabbage absorbs the dressing. Avoid leaving the cole slaw at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can become unsafe to eat. Reheating is not recommended, as it can further compromise the texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 431 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 339 kcal | N/A |
| Total Fat | 37.7 g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g | 54% |
| Cholesterol | 50.1 mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 844.2 mg | 35% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.4 g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% |
| Sugars | 11.6 g | N/A |
| Protein | 9.3 g | 18% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Omit the bacon and blue cheese for a vegetarian version. For a vegan version, replace the coleslaw dressing with a vegan mayo-based dressing and omit the bacon and blue cheese. Consider adding toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Different Cheese: If you don’t like blue cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese, goat cheese, or even shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cabbage Variety: Use a mix of green and red cabbage for added color and texture. You can also add shredded carrots for extra sweetness and nutrients.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the coleslaw dressing for a spicy kick.
- Sweeten it Up: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the coleslaw dressing for a sweeter flavor.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in your coleslaw dressing.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I make this cole slaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the tomatoes and blue cheese just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Q: How long does the cole slaw last in the refrigerator?
A: The cole slaw will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage is a great time-saver. Just make sure it is fresh and crisp.
Q: What can I substitute for coleslaw dressing?
A: If you don’t have coleslaw dressing, you can make your own using mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amounts to your liking.
Q: Can I freeze this cole slaw?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage and dressing will change significantly and become watery when thawed.
Final Thoughts
This Red, White, and Blue Cole Slaw Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The combination of salty bacon, creamy dressing, crisp cabbage, sweet tomatoes, and tangy blue cheese creates a truly unforgettable experience. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Feel free to experiment with different variations and share your feedback. Pair it with grilled chicken, burgers, or pulled pork for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!