Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Recipe

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Jamie Oliver, the king of simple yet stunning recipes, has a way of turning everyday dishes into showstoppers. The Jamie Oliver’s coleslaw is no exception. Packed with vibrant vegetables, zesty dressings, and often a surprise ingredient or two, they bring excitement and freshness to the classic slaw we all know and love.

How to make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw

Jamie Oliver’s coleslaw is a fresh, crunchy twist on the classic cabbage salad, known for being lighter, brighter, and a bit more flavorful than traditional creamy versions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Jamie Oliver’s coleslaw (serves 4-6):

For the vegetables:

• 1/2 a white cabbage (about 400g) – core removed and finely shredded
• 2 medium carrots – peeled and julienned or grated
• 1 red onion – thinly sliced into fine rings
• 1 apple (optional, for a touch of sweetness) – cored and julienned
• A handful of fresh parsley – finely chopped (optional, for freshness)

For the dressing:

• 4 tablespoons natural yogurt or mayonnaise (or a mix of both, depending on your preference)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Start by prepping all your vegetables. Shred the cabbage as finely as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for that perfect texture.
2. Peel and grate (or julienne) the carrots. Thinly slice the red onion into fine rings, allowing its flavor to spread evenly through the slaw.
3. If you’re using an apple for sweetness, cut it into matchstick-sized pieces or grate it. This will add a gentle fruity note to your coleslaw.
4. Add all prepped vegetables to a large bowl for mixing.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a separate bowl or jar, combine your yogurt or mayonnaise (or a mix of both) with the Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and honey (if using).
2. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the acidity (vinegar) or sweetness (honey) as needed.
3. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Toss the Coleslaw

1. Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Start with half the dressing and toss everything together gently to coat. Add more dressing gradually, depending on how creamy you like your coleslaw.
2. Toss in the freshly chopped parsley and stir again for an added pop of color and herbaceous flavor.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. For best results, allow the coleslaw to chill in the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
2. Serve as a side dish with grilled meats, burgers, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for sandwiches and wraps.

Tips for Perfect Coleslaw

• Choose Fresh Veggies: The key to an amazing Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw is using the freshest vegetables you can find. Firm cabbage and crisp carrots ensure a satisfying crunch.
• Use a Mandoline (Carefully!): To get ultra-thin slices of cabbage or onion, a mandoline slicer can be invaluable. Just be cautious and use a guard for safety.
• Customize the Dressing: Prefer a tangy slaw? Add more vinegar. Love it sweet? Use more honey or try grated apple in the mix.
• Add a Twist: Jamie Oliver often includes unique ingredients in his recipes. Try adding fennel, beetroot, or even raisins for an extra layer of flavour.
• Make It Your Own: Swap out yogurt or mayo with vegan alternatives for a dairy-free version. Olive oil dressings can also make for a lighter, healthier coleslaw.

What to serve with

Jamie Oliver’s coleslaw is an incredibly versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, adding a refreshing crunch, creamy texture, and zesty flavor.

1. BBQ Favorites

Jamie’s coleslaw is a must-have side dish for your barbecues! Its tangy and creamy flavor balances beautifully with smoky, grilled meats.

• Burgers: Slather your favorite burger with a generous heap of coleslaw for added crunch and tanginess. Beef burgers, chicken burgers, or even veggie patties pair fantastically with this slaw.
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Coleslaw on pulled pork sandwiches adds that perfect contrast of creamy freshness to the rich, barbecue flavor.
• Ribs and Chicken: Whether it’s sticky barbecue ribs, grilled chicken wings, or a whole roast chicken, coleslaw adds a cooling element to the meal.
• Grilled Sausages/Hot Dogs: Top your grilled hot dogs or sausages with a spoonful of coleslaw—it’s absolutely delicious!

2. Roasted or Grilled Proteins

Coleslaw isn’t just for summery BBQs. It’s a great accompaniment to roasted or grilled proteins:

• Roast Chicken or Turkey: The cold, creamy slaw contrasts beautifully with the warm, juicy chicken or turkey.
• Grilled Fish or Seafood: Jamie’s coleslaw works wonders with grilled salmon, prawns, or even simple white fish like cod. You can also try it with fish tacos!
• Steak: Whether you enjoy ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, coleslaw provides a light balance for the richness of the meat.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the wonderful things about Jamie Oliver’s recipes is their adaptability, and his coleslaw is no exception. You can swap or substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs, personal preferences, or what’s available in your pantry.

1. Cabbage Substitutes

Cabbage is the backbone of coleslaw, but there are plenty of other vegetables that can bring texture and flavor.

• Savoy Cabbage or Napa Cabbage: Both are excellent substitutes for white cabbage. Savoy has a slightly milder and softer texture, while Napa adds a tender crunch.
• Red Cabbage: For a pop of color, red cabbage works wonderfully. You can even mix red and white cabbage for visual flair.
• Brussels Sprouts: Finely shredded raw Brussels sprouts can mimic the taste and texture of cabbage while adding a unique twist.
• Kale (Lacinato or Curly): For a more nutrient-dense option, finely chop kale into thin ribbons. Massaging the kale with a bit of olive oil helps soften it.

2. Carrot Variations

Carrots add sweetness, crunch, and color, but there are other options if you don’t have them:

• Beets: Raw, grated beets add an earthy sweetness and rich color to your coleslaw. Golden beets are great for a less earthy flavor.
• Sweet Potato: Julienne or grate raw sweet potatoes as a fun, unexpected substitute for carrots.
• Daikon Radish: A mild, crisp alternative that also gives your coleslaw a subtle pepperiness.

3. Red Onion Alternatives

Red onion brings a mild sharpness to Jamie’s classic coleslaw. If you’re looking to soften the flavor (or don’t have onions on hand), try these substitutes:

• Spring Onions (Scallions): A milder, more delicate onion flavor. Use both white and green parts for color and flavor.
• Shallots: These are sweeter and more subtle than red onions, making them a good replacement.
• Leeks: Very finely sliced, leeks provide a light onion flavor with a soft texture.
• Chives: For a hint of oniony freshness without the strong bite, use chopped chives.

4. Apple Substitutes (Optional)

If you’re including apple for sweetness and crunch, but don’t have one available, try these alternatives:

• Pear: Provide similar sweetness with a softer texture—ensure it’s firm and not overripe.
• Fennel Bulb: Julienned fennel has a natural, subtle sweetness and a refreshing, slightly liquorice-like taste.
• Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Add a chewy element of sweetness to mimic the apple’s flavor without introducing more crunch.
• Cucumber: Adds a fresh and neutral crunch if sweetness isn’t essential.

5. Parsley and Fresh Herbs

The parsley in Jamie’s coleslaw recipe adds freshness, but feel free to experiment:

• Coriander (Cilantro): Perfect for adding a zesty, herbaceous twist.
• Mint: Finely chopped mint leaves can lighten up the coleslaw and add a unique, cooling flavor.
• Dill: A great pairing if you’re serving the slaw with fish or seafood.
• Basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic note for an Italian-inspired spin.
• Skip It: If herbs aren’t available, the coleslaw will still taste amazing—rely on the dressing for flavor.

Final Thoughts

With its perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and vibrant flavor, Jamie Oliver’s coleslaw is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

More Jamie Oliver’s Recipes:

• Copycat Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne
• Jamie Oliver’s Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne Recipe