Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with everything from burgers to BBQs. However, the standard coleslaw recipe can be taken to new heights with a few gourmet touches, creating a dish that’s as sophisticated as it is delicious. Gourmet Coleslaw takes the familiar mix of cabbage and carrots and adds a fresh, creative spin with unique ingredients and a flavorful dressing that elevates it into something truly special.
At the heart of gourmet coleslaw is its crisp, fresh vegetables. The combination of finely shredded cabbage, carrots, and sometimes even kale or Brussels sprouts offers a satisfying crunch that forms the perfect base for the dish. These vegetables provide both texture and a neutral canvas to complement the dressing, which is where the magic happens. Unlike traditional slaw, which typically uses a simple mayonnaise-based dressing, gourmet coleslaw often features a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made from ingredients like Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and fresh herbs.
The dressing is key to giving the coleslaw a more complex flavor profile. A hint of Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard adds a zesty, sharp bite, while a touch of honey or maple syrup balances the acidity with natural sweetness. For an extra kick, some recipes incorporate ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even a splash of hot sauce to enhance the tanginess and bring a refreshing brightness to the dish.
What truly makes gourmet coleslaw stand out is the addition of unique elements like roasted nuts, dried fruits, or fresh herbs. Crushed pecans, walnuts, or almonds provide a nutty crunch, while dried cranberries, raisins, or golden apples introduce a subtle sweetness that contrasts with the tangy dressing. Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil can also be added for an aromatic touch, giving the dish a pop of color and flavor.
Gourmet coleslaw is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for all kinds of meals. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, fish tacos, or a vegetarian sandwich, it brings a refreshing balance to any dish. It’s also a great addition to picnics, BBQs, or potlucks, where its vibrant colors and bold flavors are sure to impress.
This elevated version of coleslaw isn’t just a side dish, it’s an opportunity to transform a classic into something extraordinary. With its fresh ingredients, balanced dressing, and creative additions, gourmet coleslaw is the perfect way to refresh a traditional favorite. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a go-to for special occasions, casual gatherings, or any meal that needs a burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage large
- 1 green bell pepper large
- 3 carrots medium
- 1/3 jar Kroger Old Fashioned Bread & Butter Pickles
- 1 cup honey
- 2 cups Duke’s mayonnaise
Instructions
- Chop all veggies using a food processor with a blade that looks like it has wings.
- Add an ounce of pickle juice.
- Stir well.
- Store in the fridge.
Nutrition
I tried this but it turned out way too sweet for me. Maybe using less honey would help?
I don’t know about adding honey to coleslaw… Seems weird. I usually just stick to the basics. Anyone else feel this way?
I thought coleslaw was supposed to be made with vinegar? This honey thing is weird.
I made it for a picnic and everyone loved it!!! Will definitely bring it to parties now.
Really? I don’t understand what’s so great about coleslaw. Isn’t it just a bunch of veggies and mayo?
That sounds amazing! I’m glad it was a hit at your picnic. Coldslaw is perfect for parties!
Isn’t Duke’s just mayo? Why add so much? It gets all gloppy eww. I’ll stick to my grandma’s recipe.
I hear ya! Duke’s is rich, but it makes it creamy. Maybe try using less? Grandma’s recipes always have a special touch!
Yummy! I used apple cider vinegar instead of pickle juice. It tasted great! My family loved it!
Well, my family loved it. But my husband said it smells like a jar of pickles… haha! Whatever, it was a hit at the BBQ!
Who knew making coleslaw could be this simple! I might make it for my next BBQ.
It looks good, but I don’t think honey belongs in coleslaw. Way too sugary for my taste.
This sounds so crunchy and sweet-tangy. The mix of honey + pickles is exactly my vibe—definitely trying it next weekend!
Yesss crunchy + sweet-tangy is the best combo. The honey with the pickles really does something magical to the slaw!
I tried this recipe, and it was just okay. Too much mayo for my taste, next time I’ll use less. But I love pickles, so that part was good!
I’m not sure about the 1 cup honey though… that seems like it could overpower the cabbage. Maybe cut it in half and taste?
meh, it was ok. I prefer mine with raisins or apples. More flavor that way.
Can I substitute the honey with sugar? I’m not a fan of honey.
Nice recipe but I used Miracle Whip instead of Duke’s. Hope that’s okay? Still tasted good.
Miracle Whip?! That’s a bold choice! But hey, if it tasted good, who cares, right? 😊
I dunno, man. Miracle Whip ain’t the same as Duke’s. It could ruin the flavor.
Did I miss the part where you put salt? I feel like it needs more flavor, what do you think?
This is the best coleslaw I have ever made! The honey adds such a unique sweetness! Definitely a keeper.
I don’t know about putting honey in coleslaw. Sounds weird to me. Just stick with the traditional vinegar.
I actually love the idea of honey in coleslaw! It adds a nice sweetness that balances the tang. Give it a shot before knocking it!
Nah, honey don’t belong in coleslaw, it’s supposed to be tangy! Keep it simple with vinegar, that’s how my grandma made it.
The ingredient list confused me a bit (1 head cabbage, 1 cup honey, and a third-jar of pickles?). But the flavor profile sounds legit. I’ll try it with the measurements you gave.
This coldslaw recipe is amazing! The honey adds a sweet twist that I didn’t expect. Definitely making it again for the picnic!
I tried this too! The honey really makes a difference. Great for summer gatherings!
Easy and delicious! But can we talk about jarred pickles? Just not the same as fresh.
I ain’t got time for that, just put some pre-made slaw mix with the mayo and honey haha! 😂
Not sure about the “ounce of pickle juice” step—how much is that like 2 tablespoons? I followed it once with a guess and it was a little strong. Still tasty though.
Good question! An ounce by volume is about 2 tablespoons (since 1 fl oz ≈ 29.6 mL). If yours was strong, I’d start with ~1 tbsp next time and adjust after tasting.
Coleslaw? More like cold slaw! LOL. But honestly, I like it. Very refreshing in summertime!
Haha, love your sense of humor! Coleslaw is definitely a summer staple. I make a batch every week! 🍽️
Ehh, it was alright. My kids wouldn’t eat the veggies, just picked them out. So kinda a fail for me.
it’s coldslaw not coleslaw… but whatever, I guess.
Loved this! I added some apples for a twist and it was sooo good! 🥗
That sounds interesting! I’ve never thought to add apples. Might try it next time! 🍏
Apples? Really? I don’t know if that would work. Sounds kinda weird.
Meh. Too sweet. I also found the cabbage too watery after a day in the fridge. Might need less honey or more mayo.
Food processor tip is on point, but “blade that looks like it has wings” is kinda funny lol. Either way, I’m down—coldslaw should always be fast.
Haha right? That “wings” blade description is exactly how I’d explain it too. Coldslaw is my kind of recipe—chop, mix, done. Thanks for the tip!
This is the best coleslaw I’ve ever tasted! The sweetness from the honey and pickles is just divine. I added some nuts for crunch, and it was amazing!
This coleslaw is literally the best thing I’ve ever made! So crunchy and the honey gives it such a nice sweetness. 5 stars!
I don’t know about adding pickles… sounds weird to me. 🤨
This coleslaw is a game changer! The honey gives it just the right sweetness. My family loved it!
This coldslaw is amazing! So sweet and tangy. I never thought to add pickles. Will make it again!
Easy and delicious! I used spicy pickles instead, and wow!! Also, what’s with the food processor? Just chop it by hand for a rustic feel! 😄
Choppin by hand sounds legit! But that food processor makes it easier for folks like me who can’t chop good. 😅
I totally agree! Spicy pickles give it an awesome twist! But I love using the food processor; it saves so much time!
I don’t know about adding so much honey. Seems too sweet for my taste. Anyone else feel that way?
I totally get that! Honey can be overpowering sometimes. Maybe just half a cup would be enough?
Nah, I think the honey balances it out nicely. Just need to try it once!
I followed the recipe but it ended up too sweet for my taste. Next time, I’ll cut down on the honey.
Yum!! Can’t wait to try this. My wife makes horrible coleslaw, maybe I should give it a shot!
Cabbage is gross. 🥴
I used to think that too, but this slaw is sooo good! 😋
I don’t know about using mayo for coleslaw. My mom always used vinegar. Guess it’s a southern thing?
Vinegar is classic! Mayo? I don’t know… That sounds weird. But, whatever… try it, and see if it tastes good or not.
I used to think mayo was a no-go too, but this recipe changed my mind! It’s actually super creamy and delicious. Maybe give it a shot?
Good recipe but I made too much! Next time I will half it.
Is it necessary to put the pickles? I never liked them! 🥴
You can totally skip the pickles! Just add a bit more honey for sweetness. 😄
Quick and easy recipe! Just how I like it. My husband loved it too! Thanks, Leon!
Lol, who puts pickles in coleslaw? That’s just weird. Sticking to my usual recipe.
This slaw is simply amazing! I added some jalapeños for extra kick. Definitely a keeper!
Why do you need a food processor? I just chop with a knife. This is too much fuss for a salad!
Using a food processor makes everything quicker and more even. Chopping by hand takes forever! Just saying…
Too much mayo for all that cabbage. I suggest cutting it down a bit. Not a fan!
Simple and tasty! I used Miracle Whip instead of Duke’s, and it was still good. Will make again for sure!
This actually sounds dangerously good—honey + pickles is such a nice combo. I’d add a little salt and taste as I go, but overall great idea!
Wait, how do u chop the veggies? Can I do it by hand? 🤔
This isn’t coleslaw, it’s a dessert! Way too sweet, I’m sorry but yuck.
Coleslaw with pickles? That’s weird but I guess I’ll try anything once. 🤷♂️
I thought the same! But the pickles add a nice tang! You should definitely give it a shot! 😋
Made this for a BBQ and it vanished! Guests begged for the recipe. Will make it again! 🎉
Sounds yummy, but doesn’t coleslaw usually have some vinegar? Not sure about this version…
I actually think the pickles add a nice sweetness! I love this take on coleslaw. 😋
Love this recipe! Made it for a BBQ and it was gone in minutes! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. Will definitely make again.
Too much mayo for my taste. Next time I’ll cut it down to 1 cup.
I love how simple this is. Made it with my kids, they had a lot of fun chopping. Nice balance of flavors!
Chopping veggies? Sounds boring to me.
That sounds like a great way to bond with your kids! I’ll try it this weekend.
“Blade that looks like it has wings”??? 😂 I used the regular shredding disc and it came out fine. The result was creamy and crunchy, I’m impressed.
I’m not sure about the “wings” part… sounds kinda like you’re guessing the blade lol. But if it’s creamy and crunchy then yeah, that means you did it right. Mine always turns watery if I overdo it though.
Right? 😂 “Wings” is the perfect description. I also use the shredding disc and get that same creamy-crunchy vibe. Makes coldslaw feel fancy.
Easy recipe but can we talk about the amount of mayo?! Duke’s is good, but that’s a lot! Next time I will definitely reduce it.
Simple recipe! Love it! Can’t wait to try!
Mine came out a little too sweet and I swear I used less honey. Also, I forgot the fridge step once… won’t do that again.
Ugh, yeah—happens. Honey + the pickle sweetness can stack up fast, especially if the jar is already a bit sweet. Next time maybe cut honey a little more *and* double-check you actually used the fridge step before it had time to bloom in sweetness.
So easy to make! I’m not great in the kitchen, but this turned out perfect. Thanks!!
That’s awesome to hear! It’s great when recipes turn out well, even for beginners. Keep cooking!
Not for me. Too much pickle juice. Can anyone tell me what Kroger even means?
This coleslaw is AMAZING! The honey adds a perfect touch sweetness ❤️
Coleslaw is ok, but good coleslaw is hard to find. This one might just be it!
Wow. simple and good.
I used Miracle Whip instead of Duke’s bc that’s what I had, and it still turned out good!
Sounds good, but what’s a food processor? Can I just chop things by hand? 🤔
Eh, not for me. I thought it was gonna be fresh, but it tasted too creamy. Gonna stick with my crunchy recipe.
Cabbage and mayo? Gross. Not for me. But my buddy loves crafty slaws like this. Different strokes I guess.
This slaw saved my BBQ! Everyone loved it, but I actually used a different brand of pickles. Will try the recommended ones next time!
Too sweet for my taste. My grandma made it differently. Also, what’s with the green pepper? Never seen that in coleslaw.
I dunno, this seems like a lot of mayo. Last time I made slaw it was with vinegar and not sweet. Is this even a traditional recipe?
I get what you’re saying! Traditional slaw is definitely more on the tangy side. But sometimes it’s fun to switch it up. This one sounds super creamy!
This slaw is awesome! The sweetness from the honey really makes it pop! I added some chili flakes for a kick. Definitely a keeper!
I was skeptical about the pickles, but wow! It really worked. Great balance of flavors!
Honey coleslaw feels wrong to me. Like why are we making dessert when we want side dish. Might be okay for people who like sweet slaw, I guess.
Yummm!!! Perfect side dish for summer. I can’t stop eating it. 10/10!