I’ll never forget the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw. I had just moved to a new city, and it was winter. The kind of cold that sinks into your bones. A friend invited me over for dinner and served this vibrant, crunchy dish. It immediately brightened the room, both in color and flavor. There was something about the mix of textures-cabbage, carrots, and tangy apple-that felt comforting yet fresh. Since that night, Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw has become one of my go-to recipes for colder months. It’s a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory, and I’ve learned a lot from making it over the years.
Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw Recipe
When it comes to coleslaw, most people think of summer BBQs and picnics. But Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw flips that notion on its head. This recipe combines hearty, root vegetables and winter fruits to create a dish that feels hearty yet light. I first tried making this recipe when I was in search of a side dish that wasn’t just the typical mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a winter gathering. I stumbled upon Jamie’s version and immediately fell in love. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare and a big crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of Jamie’s Winter Coleslaw is that it doesn’t just rely on shredded cabbage for crunch. It uses a mix of cabbage, carrots, and fresh apples, tossed together with a tangy yogurt-based dressing. The winter spices like mustard and horseradish bring it to life, while the apples add that sweet note that ties everything together. It’s a coleslaw that can be made ahead and enjoyed for days, which makes it a great choice for busy weeks.
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw, the ingredients are simple but packed with flavor:
- 1 small white cabbage – A classic for coleslaw. You want it finely shredded for a crisp texture.
- 1 large carrot – Adds sweetness and crunch. Grate it finely.
- 1 large apple (a crisp variety like Braeburn or Granny Smith) – This adds a bright sweetness and contrasts beautifully with the cabbage and carrots.
- A small red onion – A subtle sharpness that enhances the flavor without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard – Brings some heat and tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar – Balances the sweetness of the apples and carrots.
- 200 grams of natural yogurt – A creamy base for the dressing.
- A pinch of ground horseradish – Optional, but adds a kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To bring everything together.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill (optional) – For extra freshness.
This combination of ingredients provides a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, along with a variety of textures that make each bite interesting.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw
Making Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw is pretty straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how:
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Prep The Vegetables
- Finely shred the cabbage. I’ve found that using a mandolin makes the process faster and more even.
- Grate the carrot and slice the apple into thin matchsticks (keeping the skin on for extra crunch and color).
- Finely chop the red onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in some cold water for 10 minutes.
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Make The Dressing
- In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, horseradish (if using), and salt and pepper.
- Whisk everything together until smooth. You’ll want the dressing to be thick, but not so thick that it doesn’t coat the vegetables.
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Toss The Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, apple matchsticks, and red onion together.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
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Chill And Serve
- Let the coleslaw sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I’ve always been fascinated by the science behind food and how certain ingredients work together. With Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw, there’s a beautiful balance between acidity, sweetness, and crunch, which is largely due to the combination of cabbage, apples, and the dressing.
- Cabbage: The cabbage is the base and provides the perfect crunch. It’s full of fiber and vitamin C. The outer leaves are tough, but the inner ones are more tender, making it ideal for coleslaw.
- Carrots: Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. They’re sweet, which contrasts well with the tartness of the vinegar and yogurt in the dressing.
- Apples: Apples are a classic addition to coleslaw. The natural sugar in apples helps balance the acidity of the dressing, while the texture provides a nice contrast to the crunchy cabbage.
- Yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing is essential to give the coleslaw its rich texture. Yogurt also adds a mild tang and is a healthier alternative to mayo.
- Horseradish: This ingredient is optional, but it brings heat. Horseradish contains compounds that give it its pungency and have been shown to help with digestion.
Each of these ingredients is not just there for taste, but they all work together in harmony, creating a satisfying dish that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Expert Tips
- Make Ahead: Coleslaw tastes even better the next day. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld together.
- Texture is Key: Make sure to finely shred or grate the vegetables. This ensures that every bite has a balance of crunch and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you want a sweeter coleslaw, add a little honey to the dressing. If you like it more tangy, increase the vinegar or mustard.
- Use Seasonal Apples: Since this is a winter recipe, choose apples that are in season, like Granny Smith or Braeburn. They add that perfect tartness to balance the dish.
Recipe Variations
Jamie’s recipe is fantastic as is, but if you want to experiment a bit, here are some variations to try:
- Add Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add an extra layer of flavor and crunch. I love adding these during the winter holidays.
- Swap the Yogurt: If you prefer a creamier version, swap out the yogurt for sour cream or even a bit of mayonnaise.
- Add a Citrus Twist: A splash of orange juice or a zest of lemon can add a refreshing citrusy kick to the dressing.
- Spicy Option: For some heat, toss in finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the dressing.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw is a dish I keep coming back to because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s crunchy, fresh, and versatile. You can serve it as a side dish, a topping for sandwiches, or even a light main course if you’re in the mood for something lighter. Every time I make it, I discover something new to love about it. Whether it’s the simple joy of combining fresh ingredients or the satisfaction of knowing I’m eating something healthy, this coleslaw is a keeper in my kitchen.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw Different From Regular Coleslaw?
Jamie Oliver’s winter coleslaw uses seasonal ingredients like red cabbage, carrots, and apples, making it a refreshing twist on the classic recipe.
Can I Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for the best texture, dress it just before serving.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Winter Coleslaw Vegan?
Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan as it doesn’t include any dairy or animal products.