Coleslaw is a popular side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. This crunchy and flavorful salad is typically made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a dressing made of mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. While coleslaw is often served with barbecue dishes and fried chicken, it can also be a delicious addition to many other meals. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best food pairings for coleslaw, from classic combos to unexpected pairings. Whether you’re looking to mix up your lunch routine or plan a dinner party menu, we’ve got you covered!
The Best Main Courses to Pair with Coleslaw
When it comes to serving coleslaw as a side dish, it pairs perfectly with a range of main courses. One of the most popular main course pairings for coleslaw is barbecue food, especially pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. The vinegar-based coleslaw preparations help complement the rich and smoky flavors of barbecue meat, providing a palate-cleansing contrast to the fatty and rich meat.
Seafood is another great main course option to pair with coleslaw. The acidity and crunch of coleslaw make it an ideal accompaniment to fried fish or shrimp, fried calamari, or even grilled salmon and tuna. In general, any dish that is enhanced by fresh, tangy flavors will benefit from coleslaw as a side dish. When considering the ideal main course to serve with coleslaw, think about the balance of flavors and textures, and consider the overall theme of the meal.
Top Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes to Serve with Coleslaw
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you know how important it is to pair the right foods together for a satisfying meal. When it comes to coleslaw, there are many vegetarian and vegan dishes that make the perfect complement. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
For a classic pairing, try serving coleslaw with a hearty vegan burger or veggie dog. The crunch and coolness of the slaw complements the savory flavors of the burger or dog, making it the perfect combination. Another option is to pair your coleslaw with a vegetarian BBQ sandwich, such as pulled jackfruit or seitan, for a sweet and tangy flavor sensation. You can also add coleslaw atop of veggie tacos, burritos, or Quesadillas, which adds an excellent crunch to them.
In summary, coleslaw is a versatile side dish that can pair well with many vegetarian and vegan dishes. Whether you opt for a classic burger, BBQ sandwich, or Mexican-inspired dish, the cool and crunchy texture of coleslaw is a refreshing addition that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Kicking Up Your BBQ Game: Coleslaw and Grill Pairings
When it comes to summertime grilling, coleslaw is a must-have side dish. However, selecting the right pairing for your coleslaw can take your BBQ game to the next level. One classic pairing is with grilled meats, such as barbecue chicken or pork chops. The tanginess and crunchiness of the coleslaw perfectly complement the smoky and savory flavors of grilled meat.
For a vegetarian option, consider pairing coleslaw with grilled vegetables such as corn, asparagus, or broccoli. The light and fresh taste of coleslaw is a perfect match for the charred and slightly sweet flavors of grilled veggies. Adding coleslaw to a grilled vegetable mix also brings contrasting textures that create a more complex, satisfying flavor profile. With these grill pairing options, coleslaw is no longer just a boring side dish but an ingredient that can take any BBQ dish to the next level.
Get Creative with International Cuisine and Coleslaw
When it comes to international cuisine, there are endless possibilities to pair with coleslaw. One popular option is Mexican cuisine, where coleslaw can be used as a topping for tacos, quesadillas or as a side dish. The acidity of the coleslaw cuts through the rich flavors of the Mexican dishes and gives a refreshing touch. Another great option is Asian cuisine, where coleslaw can be used as a (nontraditional) topping for a sizzling stir-fry dish, or a side dish for sushi. The sweet and sour tones in coleslaw complement the umami flavor found in Asian cuisine.
For those who want to try something more adventurous, coleslaw can be used to create fusion cuisine. For example, combining coleslaw with Indian cuisine to make a coleslaw-stuffed samosa or using it as a topping for butter chicken. Or, using coleslaw as a filling for a pita wrap, with added Lebanese spices and roasted veggies to create a unique Middle Eastern dish. The versatility of coleslaw makes it an ideal ingredient for getting creative with different international cuisines.
Spicing Things Up: Coleslaw and Mexican Cuisine Pairings
Spicing things up with coleslaw and Mexican cuisine is a match made in heaven. Coleslaw provides a cooling and refreshing contrast to the bold and spicy flavors typically found in Mexican dishes. Adding a dollop of coleslaw to your favorite tacos, burritos, or nachos can elevate the dish and provide a unique texture and flavor.
One popular way to incorporate coleslaw into Mexican cuisine is by making a fish taco. The crunchy cabbage and creamy dressing of coleslaw complement the crispy fish and tangy salsa. Another option is to add coleslaw as a topping for carne asada tacos or grilled chicken fajitas. The sweetness of the coleslaw works perfectly with the savory flavors of the meat. So next time you’re craving some Mexican food, consider adding coleslaw to the menu for a refreshing twist.
Delicious Desserts That Complement Coleslaw Perfectly
Desserts are always a treat, and when they are paired with coleslaw, the taste buds are left amazed. Coleslaw is a refreshing and creamy side dish that complements many savory dishes, but it also pairs incredibly well with sweet treats. The crisp and tangy flavor profile of coleslaw creates a perfect balance with sweet desserts, making it a perfect choice to serve after a heavy meal.
One of the best desserts that complement coleslaw is apple pie. The tangy and sweet flavor of the apple pie blends perfectly with the refreshing and creamy coleslaw, creating an ultimate flavor bomb. Other desserts that go well with coleslaw include blueberry cheesecake, peach cobbler, and strawberry shortcake. Whether it’s a dinner party or a casual summer cookout, adding dessert alongside coleslaw is sure to be a hit with everyone’s taste buds as it leaves them wanting more.
The Perfect Sides to Serve with Coleslaw at Your Next Party
The key to hosting a successful party is to offer a range of tasty and complementary sides to go with your main dishes. Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of food options, and can be the perfect addition to any party spread.
To create a balanced menu, consider serving coleslaw with grilled meats such as chicken, pork chops, or steak. The cool and crunchy texture of coleslaw pairs well with the smoky and savory flavors of grilled meats, making it a perfect accompaniment for backyard cookouts or summer barbecues. You can also serve coleslaw alongside sandwiches and burgers, or as a topping for hot dogs, sausages and other grilled items.
Other great options for pairing with coleslaw include classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes, or even seafood dishes such as fish tacos or crab cakes. With a versatile side dish like coleslaw, there are endless options to create a delicious and well-rounded meal that will keep your guests coming back for more.
The Conclusion
Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that can be paired with a wide variety of foods. Its tangy and creamy taste complements many dishes, and it can even be used as a topping for sandwiches or burgers. Coleslaw is also a healthy option, as it contains the nutrients of vegetables like cabbage and carrots.
When deciding what food to pair with coleslaw, it is essential to consider the flavor profiles of both the coleslaw and the main dish. For example, the creamy and tangy flavor of coleslaw pairs well with spicy or savory foods, while sweet coleslaw pairs well with BBQ or grilled meats. It is also important to adjust the seasoning and dressing of the coleslaw to complement the main dish and to balance the flavors.
In conclusion, coleslaw is a versatile and delicious side dish that can enhance the flavor of many foods. Whether it’s paired with a classic BBQ meal or used as a topping for a sandwich, coleslaw adds a refreshing taste to any dish. So, why not try experimenting with different coleslaw pairings and discover your favorite combinations?