Creamy Crème Fraîche Coleslaw: Your Ultimate Fresh & Flavorful Summer Side Dish
Looking for a vibrant, easy-to-make side dish that brings a burst of freshness and flavor to any meal? Our Crème Fraîche Coleslaw recipe is exactly what you need. This classic cabbage salad gets an irresistible upgrade with a rich, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing, making it a perfect companion for your next barbecue, picnic, or simple weeknight dinner.
Combining crisp, colorful vegetables like white and red cabbage, carrots, and red onions with a unique dressing featuring garlic and caraway seeds, this coleslaw offers a delightful crunch and a savory, aromatic twist. It’s not just a side; it’s a refreshing experience that balances sweet, sour, and creamy notes in every bite.
Why This Creamy Crème Fraîche Coleslaw Stands Out
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate summer side dishes that are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare. This Crème Fraîche Coleslaw fits the bill perfectly. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of summer: bright, refreshing, and effortlessly delicious. Forget heavy, overly sweet coleslaws; this recipe strikes a beautiful balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The secret lies in the dressing. Unlike traditional coleslaws that often rely solely on mayonnaise, our recipe incorporates crème fraîche. This French cultured cream lends an unparalleled richness and a delicate tang that elevates the entire dish. Its slightly sour profile cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and the robust flavor of the vegetables, creating a harmonious blend that’s both creamy and light. The addition of crushed garlic provides a gentle, aromatic warmth, while caraway seeds introduce an earthy, subtly spicy note that is surprisingly complementary to the crisp cabbage.
The combination of finely chopped white and red cabbage, julienned carrots, and diced red onions not only provides a stunning visual appeal but also a fantastic textural contrast. Each mouthful delivers a satisfying crunch, making this coleslaw a vibrant, flavorful, and truly delightful addition to any table. It’s an easy win for any home cook looking to impress with minimal effort.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crème Fraîche Coleslaw
Coleslaw is renowned for its versatility, and this Crème Fraîche version is no exception. Its creamy texture and balanced sweet-and-sour profile make it an ideal accompaniment for a wide array of main courses, especially during the warmer months. It truly shines as a side dish for your next BBQ, providing a refreshing counterpoint to rich, smoky grilled meats.
Imagine this coleslaw piled high next to succulent Cantonese Char Siu, where its coolness and tang beautifully cut through the sweetness and fattiness of the pork. It’s also fantastic with hearty grilled Beer Brats, adding a much-needed crunch and fresh flavor to a classic sausage dish. And for seafood lovers, a serving alongside tender grilled salmon skewers offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes, enhancing the natural flavors of the fish.
Beyond the grill, this creamy coleslaw is a fantastic topping for pulled pork sandwiches, providing moisture and a tangy kick. Serve it with fried chicken, fish and chips, or even as a refreshing side to spicier dishes. It’s also excellent simply paired with a light sandwich for lunch. Its bright flavors make it suitable for picnics, potlucks, and any occasion where a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-transport side is desired. Don’t be afraid to experiment; you’ll find it complements almost anything!
Tips for Making the Best Crème Fraîche Coleslaw
Achieving the perfect coleslaw is all about fresh ingredients and a well-balanced dressing. Here are some extra tips to ensure your Crème Fraîche Coleslaw is always a hit:
- Vegetable Preparation: While pre-shredded cabbage and julienned carrots from the supermarket can save you a lot of time, finely chopping them yourself offers a superior texture. A mandoline slicer or the shredding attachment of a food processor can make quick work of cabbage, creating uniform, delicate strips. For carrots, a julienne peeler is a great tool, or simply slice them thinly and then cut into matchsticks. The finer the chop, the better the dressing will coat each piece, and the more harmonious the flavors will be.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Coleslaw always tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Once you’ve mixed the dressing with the vegetables, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, an hour or two before serving. This allows the vegetables to slightly soften and absorb the delicious dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your coleslaw. You might want to add a pinch more sugar for sweetness, a dash more vinegar for tang, or a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Personalize it to your preference!
- Add Crunch & Color: For an extra layer of texture and visual appeal, consider adding a handful of toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds just before serving. A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or dill can also add another dimension of herby freshness.
- Making Ahead: This coleslaw is an excellent make-ahead dish. Prepare it a few hours in advance, or even the day before, to deepen the flavors. If making it more than 12 hours ahead, you might want to keep a small portion of the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent the coleslaw from becoming watery.
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Andréa
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Ingredients
Dressing
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ cup crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
Coleslaw
- 3 cups white cabbage, finely chopped
- 3 cups red cabbage, finely chopped
- 3 cups carrots, julienne cut
- 2 red onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Make the dressing
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In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, crème fraîche, sugar, white wine vinegar, caraway seeds, and crushed garlic. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Set aside.6 tablespoons mayonnaise, ½ cup crème fraîche, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, 2 cloves garlic
Coleslaw
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In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped white cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, and diced red onions. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of the colorful vegetables.3 cups white cabbage, 3 cups red cabbage, 3 cups carrots, 2 red onions
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Evenly pour the prepared crème fraîche dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large bowl.
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Using tongs or large spoons, mix everything thoroughly until all the vegetables are beautifully coated with the creamy dressing. Ensure no dry spots remain.
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For a final touch of freshness and color, sprinkle the finely chopped fresh parsley over the salad just before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley
Notes
2. Crème Fraîche Alternatives: If crème fraîche is unavailable or you prefer an alternative, you can substitute it with an equal amount of full-fat sour cream. For a lighter version, plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for creaminess) can also be used, though it will impart a slightly tangier flavor. Adjust sugar levels if using Greek yogurt to balance the tartness.
3. Storage and Make-Ahead: This coleslaw tastes best when chilled for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can easily prepare it a day in advance. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it will remain delicious, the vegetables might soften slightly over time. If you plan to store it for more than 24 hours, you might consider keeping the dressing and vegetables separate and combining them just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
4. Customization: Feel free to customize your coleslaw! You can add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or even apples for a touch of sweetness. For extra crunch, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) just before serving. A pinch of celery seed can also be a nice aromatic addition to the dressing if you enjoy its flavor.
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Crème Fraîche and why use it in coleslaw?
Crème fraîche is a type of soured cream that originated in France. It’s richer and less tangy than sour cream, with a higher fat content that makes it less prone to curdling when heated (though we’re using it cold here!). In coleslaw, crème fraîche provides a luxurious, velvety texture and a sophisticated, slightly nutty flavor that elevates the dressing beyond a simple mayonnaise base. It offers a balanced tang without being overly sour, contributing to a truly gourmet creamy coleslaw experience.
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Crème Fraîche Coleslaw is an excellent make-ahead dish. Preparing it a few hours in advance, or even the day before, allows the flavors of the dressing to fully meld with the vegetables, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious salad. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re making it more than 12-18 hours ahead, you might consider keeping a small portion of the dressing separate and stirring it in just before serving to refresh the flavors and moisture, preventing the salad from becoming watery.
How long does homemade coleslaw last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Crème Fraîche Coleslaw will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. While it’s still safe to eat after this period, the vegetables may start to lose some of their crispness and the dressing might become thinner. For best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days.
Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
Yes, coleslaw is very adaptable! To add more flavor and texture, consider incorporating other finely shredded vegetables like bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color), thinly sliced celery for extra crunch, or even a grated apple for a touch of sweet-tartness. You can also experiment with herbs beyond parsley, such as fresh dill or chives. For a different spice profile, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For added protein and richness, some crumbled bacon or toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can be a delightful addition when served.
More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore
If you loved this creamy Crème Fraîche Coleslaw, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our fresh and flavorful salad creations. Perfect for any season or occasion, these recipes are designed to bring joy and zest to your table. From hearty pasta salads to light and refreshing jar salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Roasted Tomato Pasta Salad
- Summer Salad in a Jar
- Tzatziki Recipe