Easy Coleslaw

My go-to recipe these days is Easy Coleslaw. I started with a version from my sister's recipe blog and came up with a number of coleslaw variations that are all cheap, easy and delicious.

Everyone that tastes this coleslaw recipe loves it! I've served it at a committee meeting luncheon, and taken it over to a friend's house for dinner. I make this so often, that I don't even need to consult the directions any longer. Coleslaw salad is a fresh tasting lunch, or stellar side dish. Its also popular to serve at wedding or baby showers.

One of the best features of creating this coleslaw is its versatility. Add in left over chicken or pork, if you wish, to make a satisfying dinner. Leave the meat out, and its a tasty vegetarian dish. Stir in other vegetables that you enjoy (broccoli, cucumber, tomatoes, jicama, etc.... get creative!)

Leave out the cheese if you wish, or punch up the flavor with a different variety. Of course, selecting a different dressing will entirely change the flavor. Traditional coleslaw dressings are sweet, but I prefer to dial down the sugary taste, personally.

Ingredients:

• One bag of prepared coleslaw greens (2-3 cups shredded cabbage)
• 1/2 c. chopped green onions
• 1 small can (8 oz) sliced black olives
• 1/2 c. chopped red or green bell pepper
  
• 1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 c. low-fat poppyseed dressing
• 1/2 c. Asian Chow Mein noodles (crunchy)
  

Directions:

Combine first four ingredients in a serving bowl. Right before serving, add dressing and Chow Mein noodles (they will get soft if you add them too soon). Stir and enjoy!

This recipe serves 6-8 people as a side dish and about 5 as a main dish.

**NOTE: if you would rather make your own coleslaw mixture than buy the pre bagged variety, just take one head of cabbage and coarsely chop or use a food processor. Add julienned carrots (2-3 medium carrots), as well. Mix it up with green and red cabbage for new taste varieties.

Fresh salads are one thing on which you won't have to compromise when cutting costs. The basic recipe above is about $2 per serving. And, I must say, its so much fresher, crunchier and flavorful than getting coleslaw at Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Fast food does not mean you should cut corners on taste. You have to go to the grocery store at least once a week. Pick up these ingredients too. It takes less than 15 minutes to make.

Fast, Fresh, Cheap and Tasty. What more could you want in a meal?

Regardless of the time of year, coleslaw is a healthy addition to your meal planning. We never tire of the fresh taste and ability to make our own salad recipe just for us. Some days, we stick with the poppyseed dressing. Others, we've gone as light as oil and balsamic vinegar. Leftover vegetables? Stir them in! Same thing with cuts of meat. My sister even takes extra chicken nuggets (not sure I would do that, but it could work!)

This Easy Coleslaw recipe is so simple, you'll turn to it time and again through the potluck season. Its always comfortable around ribs or hamburgers.

Try it out and, as always, let me know in the comments what you think.

Any new suggestions? Changes you would make?