Coleslaw, with its crunchy texture and tangy flavor, is a beloved side dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, and casual dinners. But what goes well with coleslaw to create a balanced and satisfying meal? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the best dishes, drinks, and desserts that pair perfectly with coleslaw. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or looking for a fresh twist on dinner, these pairings will elevate your coleslaw experience.
What Goes Well with Coleslaw?
What Main Dishes Pair Well with Coleslaw?
Main dishes set the tone for the meal, and coleslaw can complement a variety of flavors and textures. Let’s explore some classic and unique main dishes that pair wonderfully with coleslaw.
Classic Main Dishes
Barbecue Ribs: Smoky and Tender
Barbecue ribs, with their smoky flavor and tender meat, are a classic pairing with coleslaw. The tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness of the ribs, creating a harmonious balance.
Fried Chicken: Crispy and Juicy
Fried chicken’s crispy exterior and juicy interior make it a perfect match for coleslaw. The refreshing crunch of the coleslaw complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Unique Main Dishes
Fish Tacos: Fresh and Flavorful
Fish tacos, with their fresh and flavorful ingredients, pair excellently with coleslaw. The tangy slaw adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall taste of the tacos.
Pulled Pork Sandwich: Savory and Tender
Pulled pork sandwiches are another great match for coleslaw. The savory, tender pork combined with the crunchy, tangy slaw creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
How to Make Classic Barbecue Ribs
Ingredients:
- 2 racks of baby back ribs
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs.
- Mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.
- Place ribs on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours until tender.
- Remove from oven and brush with barbecue sauce.
- Broil for 5 minutes until sauce is caramelized.
- Serve with coleslaw.
Table of Classic and Unique Main Dishes
| Main Dish | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Barbecue Ribs | Smoky, tender | Cuts richness with tangy coleslaw |
| Fried Chicken | Crispy, juicy | Complements with refreshing crunch |
| Fish Tacos | Fresh, flavorful | Adds delightful crunch to tacos |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | Savory, tender | Creates a satisfying, balanced meal |
What Drinks Complement Coleslaw?
Classic Drink Pairings
Iced Tea: Cool and Refreshing
Iced tea is a classic beverage that pairs beautifully with coleslaw. Its cool, refreshing taste balances the tangy flavor of the slaw.
Lemonade: Sweet and Tart
Lemonade’s sweet and tart flavor is a perfect match for coleslaw. It adds a burst of citrusy freshness to your meal.
Unique Drink Pairings
Craft Beer: Bold and Flavorful
Craft beer, with its bold and varied flavors, can elevate your coleslaw experience. A light lager or a citrusy IPA works particularly well.
Sparkling Water with Mint: Light and Refreshing
Sparkling water with a hint of mint is a light, refreshing option that complements the flavors of coleslaw. It’s also a great non-alcoholic choice.
How to Make Classic Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 tea bags
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil 4 cups of water in a pot.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add 4 cups of cold water.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices if desired.
Table of Classic and Unique Drink Pairings
| Drink | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Iced Tea | Cool, refreshing | Balances tangy flavors |
| Lemonade | Sweet, tart | Adds citrusy freshness |
| Craft Beer | Bold, varied | Elevates with intensity |
| Sparkling Water with Mint | Light, refreshing | Complements with minty freshness |
What Desserts Pair Well with Coleslaw?
Classic Desserts
Apple Pie: Sweet and Comforting
Apple pie is a classic dessert that pairs well with coleslaw. The sweet, comforting flavors of the pie are a delightful contrast to the tangy slaw.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy and Indulgent
Chocolate chip cookies offer a chewy, indulgent treat that complements the simplicity of coleslaw. They’re a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
Unique Desserts
Lemon Sorbet: Light and Refreshing
Lemon sorbet provides a light, refreshing dessert that pairs beautifully with coleslaw. Its tangy, icy flavor cleanses the palate and adds a burst of citrus.
Caramel Flan: Creamy and Decadent
Caramel flan is a creamy, decadent dessert that offers a rich contrast to coleslaw. The smooth, caramelized flavor is a luxurious way to finish your meal.
How to Make Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled
- 1/2 cup shortening, chilled
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, butter, and shortening. Mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll out dough and place in a pie dish.
- In another bowl, mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour apple mixture into the crust and cover with a top crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Table of Classic and Unique Desserts
| Dessert | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pie | Sweet, comforting | Contrasts tangy flavors |
| Chocolate Chip Cookies | Chewy, indulgent | Ends meal on a sweet note |
| Lemon Sorbet | Light, refreshing | Cleanses palate, adds citrus burst |
| Caramel Flan | Creamy, decadent | Provides rich contrast |
What Appetizers Complement Coleslaw?
Classic Appetizers
Deviled Eggs: Creamy and Tangy
Deviled eggs, with their creamy and tangy filling, make a great appetizer to serve alongside coleslaw. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Pigs in a Blanket: Savory and Fun
Pigs in a blanket, with their savory sausage wrapped in pastry, are a fun appetizer that pairs well with coleslaw. They’re perfect for casual gatherings and add a playful touch to your meal.
Unique Appetizers
Caprese Skewers: Fresh and Colorful
Caprese skewers, made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, are a fresh and colorful appetizer that complements coleslaw. The bright flavors and easy-to-eat presentation make them a hit.
Spinach Artichoke Dip: Creamy and Savory
Spinach artichoke dip is a creamy, savory appetizer that pairs beautifully with coleslaw. Serve it with crackers or bread for a delightful start to your meal.
How to Make Classic Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Instructions:
- Hard boil the eggs and cool them in ice water.
- Peel the eggs and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Remove the yolks and place them in a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika and serve chilled.
Table of Classic and Unique Appetizers
| Appetizer | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Deviled Eggs | Creamy, tangy | Easy and crowd-pleasing |
| Pigs in a Blanket | Savory, fun | Perfect for casual gatherings |
| Caprese Skewers | Fresh, colorful | Bright flavors and easy presentation |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Creamy, savory | Delightful start to your meal |
Conclusion
Coleslaw is a versatile and beloved side dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes, drinks, desserts, and appetizers. From classic barbecue ribs and iced tea to unique fish tacos and craft beer, the possibilities are endless. By exploring these pairings, you can create a balanced and satisfying meal that showcases the best of coleslaw. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect match and elevate your coleslaw experience.
FAQs
What main dishes go well with coleslaw?
Barbecue ribs, fried chicken, fish tacos, and pulled pork sandwiches are great choices.
What drinks pair well with coleslaw?
Iced tea, lemonade, craft beer, and sparkling water with mint complement coleslaw beautifully.
What desserts go well with coleslaw?
Apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, lemon sorbet, and caramel flan are delicious options.
What appetizers go well with coleslaw?
Deviled eggs, pigs in a blanket, Caprese skewers, and spinach artichoke dip make excellent starters.
Can coleslaw be served for breakfast?
Yes, it can be paired with breakfast dishes like avocado toast or served as a light side for a hearty morning meal.