Bacon and Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Coleslaw, a classic dish, often serves as a crunchy, sweet side at picnics and barbecues. This Bacon and Blue Cheese Coleslaw reimagines the traditional recipe by incorporating the bold flavors of smoky bacon and sharp blue cheese, transforming it into a gourmet side dish that's both visually appealing and delightfully complex in taste. The creamy dressing, enhanced with a hint of tanginess, perfectly complements the rich blue cheese and the salty, crispy bacon, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Serving Size

• Serves 6

Grocery Items Needed

• 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar to create the dressing. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Add the crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon to the coleslaw. Mix gently to distribute throughout the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, toss the coleslaw again and garnish with fresh parsley.

Expert Tips

• For an extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the coleslaw.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaire in the dressing.
• To enhance the smoky flavor, consider using smoked blue cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Bacon and Blue Cheese Coleslaw as a refreshing side dish at your next barbecue or picnic. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially pork and chicken. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh baguette and a light, fruity dessert like lemon sorbet.

Nutrition Facts per Serving

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 470mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 8g
• Allergens: Dairy (Blue Cheese), Eggs (Mayonnaise)

We encourage you to share this unique take on a classic dish with friends and family. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add other vegetables to make this recipe your own. Enjoy the process of cooking and the joy it brings!