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“I just made a batch of this. So delicious! I’ve made lots of slaw before, but I think it’s the buttermilk that makes the difference.” ~Desiree
buttermilk coleslaw is a new bbq favorite
Coleslaw is a summer cookout basic that we all too often default to the supermarket deli counter. But those plastic tubs don’t hold a candle to my homemade buttermilk coleslaw! Frankly, it’s hard to stop eating once you start.
why put buttermilk in your coleslaw?
Buttermilk is a classic Southern ingredient, but maybe not so much in other parts of the country. I’m doing my best to change that, it’s always in my fridge because I use it every chance I get.
- Old fashioned buttermilk was the thin liquid, or whey, leftover when you churned butter.
- Today, buttermilk is a cultured milk product, sold in the same place you find regular milk.
- There’s no butter in buttermilk ~ it’s a healthy lowfat milk that has a wonderful tangy flavor and makes so many recipes, from biscuits to coleslaw, so much better!
- Buttermilk contains healthy active cultures just like yogurt, kefir, and kombucha.
- Don’t worry about having leftover buttermilk, you can freeze it for later use ~ measure out 1 cup servings and freeze in heavy duty zip lock freezer bags or small freezer safe container.
ok, so what’s my secret ingredient??
It’s. …..horseradish! The kind you’ll find in a jar in your supermarket. You can use creamed horseradish, or regular, which is a little stronger. Look for them where you find the mustards and other condiments. Horseradish gives this buttermilk coleslaw that extra kick that sets it apart from the others. It doesn’t make it hot or spicy, but gives it a nice edge.
Did you know that you can easily make your own horseradish sauce? If you want to buy it instead, I love this one.
Note the long luxurious shreds!
No soggy grated bits for me, I slice my cabbage by hand with a sharp knife or on my mandoline, which allows me to get nice longs shreds that keep their crunch longer. When you shred cabbage too finely, say on a box grater, it will turn to mush quickly.
buttermilk coleslaw troubleshooting
Cabbage is 92% water, and once it’s shredded and dressed, it slowly starts to weep out some of that moisture.
Solution #1 Enjoy your slaw within a few hours of being made, before it has a chance to get soggy.
Solution #2 Slicing your cabbage rather than grating it helps keep it crisp.
Solution #3 Partially drain excess moisture just before serving, and toss with more dressing, if needed.
Solution #4 Some recommend salting/rinsing/drying the cabbage ahead of time, as a way to reduce sogginess, but I think that’s way too much trouble.
The general rule for most food is no more than 2 hours, especially if your slaw is made with mayo, sour cream, or other dairy. If you need to have your slaw out for longer, consider placing the bowl in another bowl of ice to keep it cool, and maybe serve a non-dairy vinegar slaw instead of a creamy one.
I don’t recommend making coleslaw more than several hours ahead, (the sweet spot is 2 hours ahead) but you can shred all your veggies (keep them wrapped in plastic in the fridge) and make your dressing up to 2 days ahead. Just toss and serve when ready.
You’re in luck, the veggies in slaw are extremely low cal, all the calories are in the dressing: in the mayo, specifically. Buttermilk is a naturally low fat product. You might try substituting yogurt for the mayo in this recipe. If you want a super healthy lean coleslaw consider dressing it with vinegar alone, or vinegar with just a touch of oil. I consider this the ultimate diet food ~ it’s satisfying and delicious.
It can be ideal for a keto diet ~ cabbage is low in carbs, and you can make a luxurious dressing with mayo and sour cream. Just omit the sugar.
more barbecue sides to try
- Perfect Cornbread Recipe
- Mediterranean Bean Salad
- Guinness Battered Onion Rings
- New England Baked Beans
- Creamy Fruit Salad with Coconut Dressing
Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw
Ingredients
- small head green cabbage, shredded
- 3 carrots, peeled and shredded
dressing
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp sour cream, optional
- 1-2 tsp prepared horseradish
Instructions
- To shred the cabbage: remove loose outer leaves from the cabbage. Slice in half, vertically, through the root.
- Remove the core from each half. Set the halves, cut side down, and slice in half again, vertically. Slice as thinly as you can with a large sharp knife.
- I like to shred my carrots in a food processor fitted with the shredding disk because it makes thicker, dryer shreds.
- Put the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- Whisk the dressing together and taste to adjust any of the elements.
- Toss the slaw with enough dressing to moisten thoroughly, but not drench (save the rest for freshening up the slaw later, if necessary.)
- Chill the slaw until ready to serve. For best texture, serve the same day it is made.
Nutrition
Hi Sue, which mandoline specifically do you use. The link to the Amazon page has several. Also do you use gloves?
Many thanks for all that you do!
I’ve gone through multiple mandolines, Nancy, and I use ones that have guards. I’m still undecided on the best one, but this Oxo model is good.
Awesome recipe Sue. I love buttermilk and never thought of using it in coleslaw, and the horseradish adds a little spice to life and the coleslaw. I’m also looking for new recipes to add horseradish to. (great sinus clearing agent) Oh Yes!! Thanks!!
I just made a batch of this. So delicious! I’ve made lots of slaw before, but I think it’s the buttermilk that makes the difference.
I think so, thanks Desiree.
I’m confused. The cabbage in the photos of the coleslaw does not look like Savoy cabbage.
So sorry Debra, I used green cabbage. I’ve ben on a coleslaw tear lately, testing and tasting, and I often use Savoy, but not for this classic recipe. Thanks for catching that!
This sounds wonderful but for some reason, horseradish makes me break out in a rash! And I love it. But is there a substitute for it? Dijon?
Yes, mustard is a classic ingredient in this kind of coleslaw, so use your favorite.