Melodee Coleslaw Recipe
Unlock the flavors of Mel-o-dee Restaurant's famous coleslaw with our homemade recipe! Simple, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. Get cooking today!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Side Dish
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 150 calories
Melodee Coleslaw
Mel-o-dee Restaurant's coleslaw is a beloved staple among locals and visitors alike in New Carlisle, Ohio. With its crisp texture, tangy dressing, and perfect balance of flavors, it's no wonder this coleslaw has earned a reputation for being absolutely delicious.
What sets Mel-o-dee's coleslaw apart is its simplicity and freshness. Made with just a handful of ingredients including cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, every bite bursts with vibrant flavors. The cabbage and carrots are shredded to the ideal thickness, ensuring a satisfying crunch in every mouthful.
Even though the original recipe is closely guarded, one of the major attraction to Mel-o-dee's coleslaw is the homemade dressing. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from honey creates a dressing that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables, I believe. The balance of flavors is impeccable, making this coleslaw a standout side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.
Whether enjoyed alongside a hearty plate of fried chicken or as a refreshing accompaniment to a summer barbecue, Mel-o-dee's coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser through and through. It's the kind of dish that brings people together, evoking memories of shared meals and good times. And while the exact recipe may remain a closely guarded secret, the love and care that go into every batch of Mel-o-dee's coleslaw are unmistakable, making it a cherished tradition for generations of diners.
Do well to try out our simplified homemade replica.
Recipe
Discover the secret behind Mel-o-dee Restaurant's legendary coleslaw! Dive into our homemade recipe for a crisp, tangy delight that's perfect for any occasion. Let's uncover the magic!
Ingredients
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Method Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Give it a final toss before serving, and adjust seasoning if needed.
This homemade version of Melodee Coleslaw recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Feel free to add in some chopped green onions, shredded apples, or a sprinkle of celery seeds for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade coleslaw!
Recipe Video
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Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 75 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Melodee Coleslaw, Melodee Coleslaw Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Melodee Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that can be served in various ways to complement different meals and occasions. Here are some popular ways to serve Melodee Coleslaw:
- As a Side Dish: Serve Melodee Coleslaw alongside classic comfort foods such as fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled burgers. Its refreshing crunch and tangy flavor balance out rich and savory main dishes perfectly.
- In Picnics and Barbecues: Pack Melodee Coleslaw in airtight containers and bring it along to picnics, backyard barbecues, or potluck gatherings. It's a refreshing and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and other barbecue favorites.
- As a Topping or Garnish: Use Melodee Coleslaw as a topping or garnish for tacos, hot dogs, sliders, or fish tacos. Its crunchy texture and tangy dressing add a delightful contrast to the flavors and textures of these dishes.
- In Sandwiches or Wraps: Add Melodee Coleslaw to sandwiches, wraps, or sliders for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It works especially well in pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ chicken wraps, or fish tacos, adding a refreshing crunch and tangy kick to each bite.
- On a Salad Bar: Include Melodee Coleslaw as part of a salad bar or buffet spread for gatherings and events. It's a colorful and refreshing addition that complements other salads, vegetables, and toppings.
- With Seafood: Serve Melodee Coleslaw alongside seafood dishes such as fried shrimp, grilled fish, or fish and chips. Its crisp texture and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of seafood.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cabbage and carrots for the best flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables will give your coleslaw a crisp and vibrant taste.
- Shred Uniformly: Shred the cabbage and carrots uniformly for consistent texture throughout the coleslaw. You can use a mandoline slicer, food processor, or a sharp knife for this.
- Refrigeration Time: Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and for the coleslaw to become chilled, enhancing its taste and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the coleslaw before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, honey, or vinegar according to your taste preferences.
- Customize: Feel free to customize the coleslaw to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional ingredients such as chopped green onions, shredded apples, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of celery seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve Cold: Coleslaw is best served cold, so make sure to keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. This helps maintain its crispness and freshness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the coleslaw ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Double or Halve the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on your needs. Just adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Cabbage Substitute: If you don't have cabbage on hand, you can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix, which typically includes shredded cabbage and carrots. Alternatively, you can use shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, or broccoli stems for a different flavor profile.
- Carrot Substitute: If you're out of carrots, you can omit them or replace them with shredded apple for a slightly sweeter coleslaw. Jicama or radishes can also add a crunchy texture similar to carrots.
- Mayonnaise Substitute: For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise. Vegan mayonnaise made from plant-based oils is a suitable alternative for those following a vegan diet.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Substitute: If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute. Lemon juice can also add acidity and brightness to the dressing.
- Honey Substitute: Agave nectar, maple syrup, or brown sugar can be used as alternatives to honey for sweetness in the dressing. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- Salt and Pepper Substitute: If you prefer, you can use seasoned salt or a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for added flavor instead of plain salt and pepper.
Remarks
Bring the taste of Mel-o-dee's iconic coleslaw to your table and create memories with every bite. Embrace simplicity, savor freshness, and enjoy the magic of homemade goodness. Here's to many more delicious moments shared with loved ones!
