Semi-Creamy Coleslaw

20 minutes total
Makes 6 - 8 servings

I've been making this coleslaw for more than 30 years.

Some members of our big, blended family liked mayo, some didn't. So I made a simple vinaigrette and added a discreet dollop of mayo. It added a little body and a touch of creaminess, and everybody liked it.

Lately I’ve been adding a splash of shio koji. This mix of rice, salt, and koji, the fungus used to make miso and soy sauce, adds a salty-sweet umami flavor that enhances almost anything. But you can leave it out and the coleslaw will still be delicious.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

For the shopping list

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, finely chopped (see below)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground
  • toasted sesame seeds, to serve (optional)

From our shop

1 teaspoon of  Italian Fine Sea Salt
$7.00– Trapani - Sicily
Out of stock

1 tablespoon of  Liquid Shio Koji
$10.00– Nagano - Japan
(optional)
2 tablespoons of  Gravenstein Apple Cider Vinegar
$16.00– Napa - California
Out of stock

3 tablespoons of  Madre Terra
$25.00– Sicily - Italy
3 tablespoons of  Mayo
$7.00– Greenville - South Carolina

Equipment

From the kitchen

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Chef's Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • Whisk

What you'll have to do

Step 1

Cut the half green cabbage through the core, then make an angled cut through each piece to cut out the central core. Cut the core about 5 or 6 thin slices, then chop the slices even smaller.

Step 2

Set each quarter on a flat side and slice thinly, then turn the slices 90 degrees and slice thinly again. You want thin, small pieces.

Step 3

In a bowl large enough to hold the cabbage, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of shio koji (if using) in 2 tablespoons of vinegar, then add 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and stir in 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step 4

Add the cabbage and toss well, then add 3 tablespoons of mayo and toss again. Taste and add salt if needed. We like this best after it sits for an hour or two.

More recipes

Picnic Limas

Picnic Limas

Take these sweet and tangy baby lima beans on your next picnic, even if it’s inside at your kitchen table.

Check this recipe

Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Grilled Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

Does mayo solve everything? Maybe not, but it definitely makes grilled chicken better.

Check this recipe