Before diving into the nitty-gritty of this comforting and easy-to-make coleslaw recipe, let’s talk about what you can pair it with. This coleslaw is versatile. It’s the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. Imagine it sitting next to some BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or even as a crunchy topping on a pulled pork sandwich. You can also pair it with grilled fish or burgers. Its tangy, creamy texture cuts through the richness of meats and elevates your meal game.
Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite recipes— Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw. If you’re on the lookout for a light, crunchy, and tangy side dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering, you’ve come to the right place. This coleslaw has consistently wowed my family and friends and has become a staple at our summer get-togethers.
What is Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw?
The Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw is a simple combination of creamy dressing, shredded cabbage, and a few herbs and seasonings. It’s named after the popular Midwestern restaurant, Iowa Machine Shed, which is known for its home-style recipes and hearty meals. This coleslaw recipe mirrors their approach—simple ingredients, bursting with flavor, and easy to prepare.
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Why You’ll Love this Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw Recipe?
Trust me, this coleslaw will quickly become a favorite, and here’s why:
Ease of Preparation: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for busy days!
Flavorful: The creamy dressing combined with a slight tang from apple cider vinegar and a hint of sweetness creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a family dinner, this coleslaw always earns a ton of compliments.
Versatile: Serve it with a variety of main courses, or even enjoy it on its own.
Make-Ahead: The flavors meld beautifully when made a day in advance, making it ideal for planning ahead.
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw
To craft this masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of creamy salad dressing (like Miracle Whip)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (for a tangy twist)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill weed (for an aromatic touch)
- 1 teaspoon of celery seed
- 12 cups of finely shredded cabbage (optional: a small handful of shredded carrot for added color)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Shredded Cabbage
Start by finely shredding your cabbage. If you choose to include carrots, grate them as well. You want the cabbage and any additional veggies cut thinly enough to absorb the dressing.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy salad dressing, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried dill weed, and celery seed. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Add the shredded cabbage (and carrots, if using) into the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything together until the cabbage is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Let It Chill
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
Here are a few tips to make your Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage will yield the crispiest and most delicious coleslaw.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the coleslaw too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Make Ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better the next day. Prepare it the night before for the best flavor.
- Don’t Over-mix: Toss the cabbage gently to ensure it stays crispy.
- Keep It Cold: Always serve coleslaw chilled. This helps maintain its refreshing crunch.
Storage Tips
Store your coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. If it starts to get watery, just give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delightful ways to serve this coleslaw:
- With BBQ Meats: Serve it as a side to smoked ribs or brisket.
- In Tacos: Use it as a crunchy topping for fish or shrimp tacos.
- On Sandwiches: Add it to pulled pork sandwiches for extra texture and flavor.
- As a Salad: Enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing salad.
- With Grilled Fish: Pair it with grilled fish like salmon or tilapia for a well-rounded meal.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw Recipe?
Sometimes, you might need to tweak the recipe based on the ingredients you have at hand. Here are some excellent substitutes:
- Greek Yogurt: Swap the creamy salad dressing for Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener.
- Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar can add a gentle, tangy flavor.
- Caraway Seeds: Substitute celery seed with caraway seeds for a different flavor twist.
- Purple Cabbage: Mix in some purple cabbage for added color and antioxidants.
Iowa machine shed coleslaw recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup of creamy salad dressing such as Miracle Whip
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill weed for an aromatic touch
- 1 teaspoon of celery seed
- 12 cups of finely shredded cabbage optional: a small handful of shredded carrot for added color
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shredded Cabbage
- Start by finely shredding your cabbage. If you choose to include carrots, grate them as well. You want the cabbage and any additional veggies cut thinly enough to absorb the dressing.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy salad dressing, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, dried dill weed, and celery seed. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
- Add the shredded cabbage (and carrots, if using) into the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything together until the cabbage is thoroughly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Let It Chill
- Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage will yield the crispiest and most delicious coleslaw.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you find the coleslaw too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Make Ahead: This coleslaw tastes even better the next day. Prepare it the night before for the best flavor.
- Don’t Over-mix: Toss the cabbage gently to ensure it stays crispy.
- Keep It Cold: Always serve coleslaw chilled. This helps maintain its refreshing crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
Absolutely. Mayonnaise works just fine. It will give your coleslaw a richer taste compared to the slight sweetness of Miracle Whip.
Q2: How do I prevent the coleslaw from becoming watery?
To prevent watery coleslaw, always salt your cabbage and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before mixing it with the dressing. This step draws out excess moisture.
Q3: Can I freeze Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw?
It’s not recommended. Freezing can affect the texture of the cabbage, making it soggy when thawed. Refrigerate leftovers and consume within three days for the best quality.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for vegan/vegetarian diets?
Vegetarians can enjoy it as is, just ensure that the salad dressing is free from animal products if you’re vegan.
Q5: Can I add fruits to this coleslaw?
Yes, you can! Adding fruits like apples or raisins can give a sweet crunch that complements the tangy dressing.
Q6: What can I do with leftover coleslaw?
Leftovers can be repurposed as a topping for sandwiches, burgers, or even mixed into a meatloaf as a moisture-rich filler.
Conclusion
This Iowa Machine Shed Coleslaw is a must-try for anyone who loves a good coleslaw. It’s straightforward to make and promises a burst of flavor with every bite. Go ahead, give it a try and let me know how it turns out. I guarantee it’ll become a staple at your family dinners and gatherings. Don’t forget to share this recipe and spread the love!
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more