Red & Green Coleslaw: A Burst of Color and Flavor

There are few side dishes that evoke a sense of pure, unadulterated joy quite like a vibrant coleslaw. For me, this Red & Green Coleslaw is more than just a salad; it’s a technicolor memory of countless summer barbecues and family gatherings. I can still picture Grandma Betty’s picnic table, laden with potato salad, deviled eggs, and this very coleslaw, its ruby red and emerald green hues a beacon of freshness against the backdrop of grilled meats. It was always the first bowl to be emptied, a testament to its irresistible crunch and perfectly balanced dressing.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Approximately 6 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This coleslaw is a celebration of crisp textures and bright, natural flavors, elevated by a simple yet inspired dressing.

• 1/2 head red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 head green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 1 green onion, finely chopped (white and green parts)
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup Kraft Classics Coleslaw Dressing
• 3 tablespoons Kraft Apple Jelly

Ingredient Notes:

• Cabbage: For the best texture, I recommend shredding the cabbage yourself rather than buying pre-shredded. It retains a superior crispness. If you prefer a finer shred, a mandoline is your best friend.
• Carrots: Again, shredding your own carrots will give you a fresher, more vibrant flavor and texture.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a wonderful herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the dressing. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley is generally preferred for its fuller flavor.
• Green Onion: Using both the white and green parts of the green onion provides a delightful mild oniony bite and a visual appeal.
• Golden Raisins: These offer a delightful sweetness and chewiness that beautifully complements the crunch of the cabbage. If you can’t find golden raisins, regular raisins will work, though the color will be slightly darker.
• Kraft Classics Coleslaw Dressing: This is the foundation of the dressing and provides that classic creamy, tangy base.
• Kraft Apple Jelly: This might seem like an unusual ingredient for coleslaw, but it’s the secret to a touch of fruity sweetness and a glossy finish that truly elevates this recipe. It brings a subtle complexity that balances the tang of the dressing.

Equipment Needed

For this straightforward coleslaw, you won’t need any specialized kitchen equipment.

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and cutting board (or mandoline for shredding cabbage and carrots)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

The beauty of this Red & Green Coleslaw lies in its simplicity and speed. It comes together in a flash, allowing you more time to enjoy your meal.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded red cabbage, finely shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, finely chopped parsley, finely chopped green onion, and golden raisins. Toss these ingredients gently to distribute them evenly. This forms the fresh, crunchy base of your coleslaw.
2. In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the Kraft Classics Coleslaw Dressing and the Kraft Apple Jelly.
3. Whisk the dressing and jelly together until the jelly is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and well blended. The apple jelly will dissolve into the dressing, creating a beautifully emulsified and slightly glossy sauce.
4. Pour the prepared dressing mixture over the cabbage and carrot mixture in the large bowl.
5. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that all the vegetables and raisins are evenly coated with the dressing. Continue tossing until the coleslaw reaches your desired consistency and all ingredients are well integrated.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’m always looking for ways to enhance even the simplest of dishes. Here are a few tricks to make this Red & Green Coleslaw truly shine:

• Achieve the Perfect Shred: For that signature coleslaw crunch, aim for a consistent, fine shred of your cabbage and carrots. A mandoline can be a game-changer, but a sharp knife and a steady hand will do the trick. Uniformity in size ensures even coating with the dressing and a pleasant mouthfeel.
• The Power of Resting: While this coleslaw is delicious served immediately, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to soften just slightly, becoming even more tender and flavorful.
• Don’t Overdress (Or Do!): The recipe calls for a specific amount of dressing, but your personal preference might vary. Taste a bit of the coleslaw after tossing, and if you prefer it creamier, add a tablespoon or two more of the coleslaw dressing. Conversely, if you like a lighter coating, you might have a little extra dressing left over.
• Finishing Touches: For an extra pop of color and freshness, reserve a little finely chopped parsley and a few thinly sliced green onion rings to sprinkle over the top just before serving.
• Texture Play: If you enjoy a bit of crunch from something other than vegetables, consider adding a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds in the final toss for a delightful nutty element.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Red & Green Coleslaw is incredibly versatile and serves as the perfect accompaniment to a wide array of dishes.

Serving: This coleslaw is fantastic alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, burgers, ribs, or even fish tacos. Its bright, refreshing flavor profile cuts through the richness of barbecued meats and grilled fare beautifully. For a potluck or picnic, serve it chilled in a pretty serving bowl, perhaps garnished with a few extra fresh parsley leaves.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. The texture will soften slightly over time as the dressing continues to macerate the vegetables, but it will remain delicious. It’s best enjoyed within the first two days for optimal crispness. This coleslaw is not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the raw vegetables will be compromised upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	276.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	128 g
Total Fat	14.2 g	21 %
Saturated Fat	2.1 g	10 %
Cholesterol	10.8 mg	3 %
Sodium	348.1 mg	14 %
Total Carbohydrate	38.5 g	12 %
Dietary Fiber	4.5 g	18 %
Sugars	27.3 g	109 %
Protein	3.2 g	6 %

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• For a Tangier Kick: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing mixture along with the coleslaw dressing and apple jelly.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, you can reduce the amount of apple jelly to 2 tablespoons or even omit it entirely, relying solely on the coleslaw dressing. Conversely, if you have a sweet tooth, you could add a touch more jelly or even a teaspoon of honey.
• Herbaceous Boost: Swap out some or all of the parsley for fresh cilantro for a more Southwestern flair, or add a bit of fresh dill for a brighter, more herbaceous profile.
• Spicy Surprise: For those who like a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño can be added to the vegetable mixture before tossing.
• Different Raisins: If golden raisins aren’t available, dried cranberries or even chopped dried apricots can offer a different fruity sweetness and chew.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this coleslaw a few hours in advance. It’s even better when allowed to rest for at least 15-30 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Q: How long does this coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
A: It will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Q: My cabbage isn’t very crisp. What can I do?
A: Ensure you are using fresh cabbage. If you’ve shredded it yourself, try to make the shreds as fine and uniform as possible. Resting it in an ice bath for a few minutes after shredding and before draining can also help revive crispness.

Q: Can I use mayonnaise instead of the Kraft Coleslaw Dressing?
A: You could, but it would fundamentally change the flavor profile. The Kraft Classics Coleslaw Dressing provides a specific tang and seasoning that works in harmony with the apple jelly. If you opt for mayonnaise, you’ll likely need to add other seasonings like vinegar, sugar, and salt to achieve a similar balance.

Q: What makes this coleslaw a “fresh twist” as mentioned in the original description?
A: The “fresh twist” likely refers to the delightful combination of red and green cabbage for visual appeal and texture, along with the unexpected but delicious inclusion of apple jelly in the dressing, which adds a fruity sweetness and glossy finish that elevates it beyond a standard coleslaw.

Final Thoughts

This Red & Green Coleslaw is a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something truly memorable. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat, bringing a burst of freshness and flavor to any meal. I encourage you to whip up a batch for your next gathering, or simply to brighten up a weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that will quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire, bringing smiles and satisfied sighs to your table. Happy cooking!