When it comes to side dishes or dips that perfectly complement a meal, two crowd-pleasers often come to mind: Creamy Coleslaw and Creamy Guacamole. Both are versatile, fresh, and easy to make, but they bring distinctly different flavors and textures to the table. Whether you’re looking for something tangy and crunchy or smooth and savory, these recipes have you covered. Let’s take a closer look at how these two iconic recipes differ, how to make each, and how you can enjoy them to their fullest potential.
Easy Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Coleslaw is a staple side dish at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks, loved for its cool and tangy bite that pairs perfectly with rich, smoky meats. This creamy coleslaw recipe takes a classic approach with finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and green onions, all coated in a luscious mayonnaise-based dressing.
Ingredients for the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups finely chopped cabbage
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Ingredients for the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp buttermilk
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the cabbage and shred the carrots, either by hand or in a food processor for convenience. Thinly slice the green onions by hand. Set all vegetables aside.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Mix Everything Together: Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the coleslaw and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld. However, it can be served immediately if needed. Enjoy it as a refreshing side for your next meal!
Serving Suggestions:
This creamy coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled or smoked meats, especially pulled pork, barbecue chicken, or brisket. It’s also a great topping for sandwiches, adding a cool crunch to burgers, sliders, or even tacos.
Helpful Tips:
- Make-Ahead: Coleslaw is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors develop beautifully when allowed to sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Add a Twist: For a tangier kick, you can swap out the buttermilk for plain yogurt or sour cream, or add a dash of Dijon mustard.
- Customizable Veggies: While cabbage and carrots are traditional, you can add other veggies like bell peppers, apples, or even raisins for added texture and sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour (or overnight for best results)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
So Creamy Guacamole Recipe
On the other hand, creamy guacamole is a must-have for any Mexican-inspired meal or as a dip for chips. It’s a simple, fresh dip that delivers a creamy texture with a bit of heat and citrusy brightness. This recipe features ripe avocados, red onions, jalapeños, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic, resulting in a rich yet refreshing guacamole that can elevate any dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 large hass avocados
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh diced cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Avocados: Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
- Mix in the Vegetables: Add the diced red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro to the mashed avocado. Stir well to combine.
- Add Lime Juice: Pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice to add a zesty kick and prevent the avocado from browning.
- Season and Serve: Season the guacamole with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly and serve immediately with tortilla chips, as a topping for tacos, or as a side for grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions:
Creamy guacamole is versatile and can be used in many ways:
- Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or vegetable sticks.
- Use it as a topping for tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.
- Add a dollop to salads or grain bowls for extra creaminess.
- Spread it on toast or sandwiches for a healthy twist.
Helpful Tips:
- Ripe Avocados: The key to creamy guacamole is perfectly ripe avocados. They should be soft but not mushy. If the avocado yields to gentle pressure, it’s ready to use.
- Adjust Spice: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeño, or omit it entirely.
- Keep it Fresh: To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole when storing in the fridge.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 6g
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
The Verdict: Creamy Coleslaw vs. Creamy Guacamole
Both creamy coleslaw and creamy guacamole bring something special to the table. The coleslaw offers a tangy, crunchy contrast to rich main dishes, while the guacamole delivers a creamy, zesty freshness perfect for chips or as a topping. Each recipe is easy to customize and can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, making them ideal for quick meal prep or last-minute gatherings.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cool, crisp side like creamy coleslaw or a smooth and flavorful dip like creamy guacamole, both recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy these crowd-pleasers at your next party or family dinner!