Mardi Gras Slaw: A Colorful & Delicious Recipe for Your Celebration

Mardi Gras Slaw: Get ready to laissez les bons temps rouler with a vibrant and flavorful side dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of New Orleans! Forget the same old boring coleslaw; this recipe is a celebration of color, texture, and the bold flavors that define Mardi Gras cuisine.

Mardi Gras, meaning “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a festive carnival celebrated before the start of Lent. It’s a time for indulgence, feasting, and revelry, and the food is just as important as the parades and music. While gumbo and jambalaya often steal the spotlight, a refreshing slaw like this one provides a welcome counterpoint to the richer dishes, cleansing the palate and adding a delightful crunch.

What makes this Mardi Gras Slaw so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. The crisp cabbage and colorful bell peppers are tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing with a hint of Cajun spice that will leave you wanting more. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time, making it ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or a quick weeknight side. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add some healthy vegetables to your meal while enjoying a taste of Louisiana’s vibrant culture. So, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with this unforgettable slaw!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Slaw:
• 1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
• 1 small head red cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
• 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• For the Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Toasted pecans or walnuts
• Crispy fried onions
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Preparing the Slaw Base

1. Shred the Cabbage: This is the foundation of our Mardi Gras Slaw! Start by removing the outer leaves of both the green and red cabbages. Cut each cabbage head into quarters, remove the core, and then thinly shred each quarter. You can use a sharp knife, a mandoline slicer (be careful!), or a food processor with a shredding attachment. I prefer a knife for more control over the thickness. Aim for fine shreds, about 1/8 inch thick. Place the shredded green and red cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash and dry the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. Cut off the tops and bottoms, remove the seeds and membranes, and then thinly slice each pepper. I like to slice them into strips about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. The variety of colors really makes this slaw pop! Add the sliced bell peppers to the bowl with the cabbage.
3. Slice the Red Onion: Peel the red onion and cut it in half from top to bottom. Place the flat side down on your cutting board and thinly slice each half. I find that slicing against the grain helps to reduce the onion’s sharpness. Add the sliced red onion to the bowl.
4. Shred the Carrots: You can either buy pre-shredded carrots or shred them yourself using a box grater. If you’re shredding them yourself, peel the carrots first. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl.
5. Chop the Fresh Herbs: Rinse and dry the cilantro and green onions. Roughly chop the cilantro and thinly slice the green onions. These herbs add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the slaw. Add them to the bowl.
6. Toss the Vegetables: Using your hands or a pair of tongs, gently toss all the vegetables together in the bowl until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that each bite will have a mix of colors and flavors.

Making the Creamy Creole Dressing

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and lime juice. The sour cream adds a nice tang, while the honey balances the acidity of the vinegar and lime juice. Make sure everything is well combined for a smooth and creamy base.
2. Add the Spices: Now for the flavor boosters! Add the Creole seasoning, celery seed, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Creole seasoning is key to that authentic Mardi Gras flavor, so don’t skip it! The celery seed adds a subtle earthy note, and the garlic powder enhances the overall savory taste. The cayenne pepper is optional, but I highly recommend it for a little kick.
3. Season to Taste: Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and then adjust as needed. Remember that the Creole seasoning already contains salt, so be careful not to over-salt the dressing.
4. Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more honey for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or Creole seasoning for more spice.

Assembling the Mardi Gras Slaw

1. Pour the Dressing Over the Slaw: Pour the creamy Creole dressing over the prepared slaw in the large mixing bowl.
2. Toss to Coat: Gently toss the slaw with the dressing until all the vegetables are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the slaw soggy. You want the vegetables to be nicely coated but still retain their crispness.
3. Chill the Slaw: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is crucial for the slaw to develop its full flavor potential. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
4. Adjust Seasonings (If Needed): After chilling, taste the slaw and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Creole seasoning.
5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Mardi Gras Slaw chilled. Before serving, you can garnish it with toasted pecans or walnuts, crispy fried onions, or fresh parsley, chopped. These garnishes add extra flavor and texture to the slaw. I love the crunch of the toasted pecans!

Tips for the Best Mardi Gras Slaw

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a great slaw is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Choose crisp, firm cabbages and bell peppers. Fresh herbs will also make a big difference in the flavor.
• Don’t Overdress the Slaw: Add the dressing gradually and toss until the vegetables are just coated. Overdressing the slaw can make it soggy.
• Make Ahead: This slaw can be made a day ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after it has had a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
• Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to customize the ingredients to your liking. You can add other vegetables, such as jicama or radishes, or use different types of herbs.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can omit the cayenne pepper from the dressing. Or, if you like it extra spicy, you can add more Creole seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Serving Suggestions: This Mardi Gras Slaw is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It’s perfect for serving with grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches. It’s also a great addition to a barbecue or potluck. I especially love it with pulled pork sandwiches or alongside some spicy jambalaya.

Conclusion:

This Mardi Gras Slaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor and texture that will elevate any meal. The creamy, tangy dressing perfectly complements the crisp vegetables, creating a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds singing. Trust me, this isn’t your average coleslaw! The unique blend of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes makes it an unforgettable addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh ingredients, and offers a delightful twist on a classic. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of color and excitement to any plate, whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or simply looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to brighten up your week. The combination of the crunchy cabbage, sweet bell peppers, and zesty dressing is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Looking for serving suggestions? This Mardi Gras Slaw is incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, especially blackened fish or chicken. Imagine it piled high on a pulled pork sandwich, adding a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the meat. It’s also delicious served alongside shrimp tacos, providing a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy filling. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with black bean burgers or grilled halloumi cheese.

And the variations are endless! Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your own preferences. If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For a sweeter slaw, add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins. You could also experiment with different types of cabbage, such as Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage, for a slightly different texture and flavor. Consider adding some chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some grilled pineapple for a tropical twist. The possibilities are truly limitless!

I personally love to add a handful of toasted pecans for a nutty crunch, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang. Sometimes, I even toss in some cooked shrimp for a complete and satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect combination.

I’m confident that you’ll absolutely love this Mardi Gras Slaw. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece.

I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, give this recipe a try and share your experience with me. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. Did you serve it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or something completely different? I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious slaw. Post a picture of your creation on social media and tag me so I can see your culinary masterpiece! Happy cooking, and laissez les bons temps rouler!