Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a colorful, crunchy twist on the classic coleslaw. It’s all about adding a little flair to the usual coleslaw with vibrant red cabbage which brings both texture and a deep, rich color. In Jamie’s version, there’s a balance of sweet, tangy and creamy flavors that make it stand out. It’s a great side dish for barbecues, family dinners or even just a quick snack when you want something fresh.
What makes this coleslaw different from others is its simplicity and the freshness of the ingredients. Red cabbage has a bit more bite compared to green cabbage and when combined with a creamy dressing, it’s a perfect pairing. Jamie’s coleslaw recipe tends to feature a few surprising additions that elevate the usual slaw game-ingredients like apples and mustard that give it a unique flavor profile. It’s a real showstopper for anyone who might not usually be into coleslaw.
Jamie Oliver Coleslaw Red Cabbage Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Making Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw is super easy and you likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Red Cabbage: The star of the show! It’s packed with flavor and color.
- Carrot: A fresh, crunchy addition to give the slaw some sweetness and texture.
- Apple: Typically a tart variety like Granny Smith which adds a juicy, sweet element to balance the cabbage’s bitterness.
- Mayonnaise: For the creamy dressing base. You can use regular mayo or a lighter version if you prefer.
- Mustard: A little Dijon mustard to add sharpness and depth to the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: To bring a bit of tanginess to the overall flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps to loosen up the dressing, giving it a silky texture.
- Honey: For a touch of sweetness that contrasts with the tangy lemon and mustard.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, naturally, to bring everything together.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need anything fancy to make this coleslaw. The essential items are simple and easy to find:
- Sharp Knife and Chopping Board: For slicing the cabbage, carrots and apples. A sharp knife makes the job easier and safer.
- Grater: A box grater or a food processor for shredding the carrots and cabbage (if you’re using a processor, just be sure to keep the pieces relatively small).
- Large Mixing Bowl: To toss all the ingredients together. The bigger, the better so you don’t end up with a mess.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the dressing ingredients before adding them to the slaw.
- Whisk: To combine the mayo, mustard, honey and lemon juice into a smooth dressing.
- Serving Spoon: To mix everything up and serve it with style!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage
Here’s how to bring all those ingredients together:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Start by finely shredding your red cabbage and carrots. If you’re using a food processor, make sure the texture is still nice and shredded, not too fine. Chop your apple into thin matchstick slices or julienne it.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together your mayo, mustard, honey, lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick. add a bit more lemon juice or olive oil if you need it to loosen up.
- Combine the Slaw: Once your cabbage, carrots and apple are prepped, toss them together in the large mixing bowl. Pour over the dressing and mix everything thoroughly until the veggies are well-coated.
- Let It Sit: This step is optional but if you have the time, let the coleslaw sit for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to marry and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Serve: Once it’s ready, serve immediately or store in the fridge for later. It’ll hold up well for a day or two but the cabbage is best when it’s fresh and crunchy.
What I Learnt
One of the things I love about Jamie’s red cabbage coleslaw is how it teaches you that coleslaw doesn’t have to be just a basic side dish. It can have so much more depth with the right balance of flavors. The addition of honey, mustard and apple was a bit of a revelation! The tart apple adds a really fresh bite that works well with the creamy mayo dressing and the honey is a great contrast to the tang of the mustard and lemon juice.
I also learned that red cabbage is actually a great option for coleslaw, especially if you’re looking for a slightly more sophisticated flavor. It’s not as mild as green cabbage which gives the dish a bit more character. The color it brings to the table is also pretty amazing. this slaw is a visual feast as much as a tasty one.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage
Jamie Oliver’s red cabbage coleslaw is already delicious but there’s always room for a few fun twists to make it even more personal. For starters, try switching up the dressing. The classic mayo-based dressing is creamy and comforting but you could swap it out for a tangy yogurt-based dressing or even a dairy-free option if you want a lighter, more refreshing version. A bit of lemon zest in the dressing can add an extra pop of freshness too.
For the cabbage itself, mix in some shredded carrot, apple or even a small amount of finely chopped fresh mint. The apple will add a nice balance of sweetness and acidity that pairs really well with the sharpness of the red cabbage. If you’re looking to add a little crunch, consider sprinkling in some sunflower or pumpkin seeds just before serving.
Adding a bit of spice can really elevate the flavors. A few dashes of cayenne pepper or a touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing will add an unexpected zing. If you’re in the mood for something extra savory, finely chopped shallots or a sprinkle of grated parmesan will bring a deeper, umami flavor to the dish.
Lastly, don’t forget about the seasoning. A pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper and even a drizzle of honey can be perfect balance in the flavor profile. It’s all about finding the right mix of flavors to suit your taste.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftovers are always a win with coleslaw but it’s essential to store it correctly to keep the flavors fresh. If you’re planning to save some for later, first, make sure the coleslaw has cooled down before sealing it in an airtight container. Coleslaw tends to lose its crunch if it’s stored for too long, so it’s best to eat it within 2-3 days.
If you’re worried about the cabbage getting too soggy, store the dressing separately and toss it into the coleslaw just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and fresh for longer. And when storing it, place a piece of parchment paper or a clean paper towel inside the container to help absorb excess moisture.
You can also freeze coleslaw, though the texture will change when thawed. If you want to try it, pack it tightly into a freezer-safe container and use it within a month. After thawing, the cabbage will be softer but the flavors will still be there.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage?
Coleslaw is one of those sides that pairs well with just about anything. For a classic combination, serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken, burgers or ribs. The crunch and tang of the coleslaw balance out the richness of the meat perfectly.
If you’re aiming for a more vegetarian-friendly meal, it’s a great accompaniment to a hearty veggie burger or falafel. The freshness of the coleslaw complements the flavors without overpowering them. For a lighter meal, pair it with a grilled fish fillet, like salmon or trout, where the creaminess of the coleslaw acts as a contrast to the delicate fish.
Coleslaw can also be a great topping for tacos. A small scoop of coleslaw adds that perfect extra crunch and tang. Or, if you’re having a picnic, it pairs beautifully with sandwiches, particularly those with smoky meats or cheeses.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw?
You’ll need red cabbage, carrots, apple, lemon juice, and a simple dressing made from mayonnaise, yogurt, and a bit of vinegar or mustard.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw Ahead Of Time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours, so prepping it in advance works well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.
Is There A Way To Make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Recipe Healthier?
You can swap out the mayonnaise for a lighter option like Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayo. Also, try adding extra veggies like bell peppers for more crunch.
