Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the cabbage:
- Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage.
- Cut the cabbage in half, then into quarters, and remove the core.
- Use a sharp knife to finely chop the cabbage into small, rice-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can use a food processor with a chopping attachment to achieve an even finer consistency. The finer the cabbage, the better it will absorb the dressing.
- Shred the carrot:
- Peel the carrot and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. Make sure the carrot is shredded thin enough to blend well with the cabbage.
- Mince the onion:
- Use a sharp knife to finely mince the onion. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference for onion flavor, but 2 tablespoons will give a balanced flavor without overpowering the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Combine the wet ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sugar, milk, and buttermilk.
- Whisk or use a hand mixer to beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be well combined, with no lumps of mayonnaise.
- Add the acidic ingredients:
- Pour in the lemon juice and white vinegar, and whisk again until everything is fully incorporated. These ingredients will add a bright tang to the dressing, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Season the dressing:
- Add the salt and pepper to taste. Start with the recommended amounts, then adjust to your liking after mixing the dressing with the vegetables.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables with the Dressing
- Add the cabbage, carrots, and onion:
- Once the dressing is smooth, add the finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrot, and minced onion to the bowl.
- Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the vegetables into the dressing, ensuring that every piece is thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Let It Sit
- Refrigerate:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator.
- For the best results, let the coleslaw sit for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Overnight is even better as the cabbage softens slightly and absorbs more of the dressing, which enhances the flavor.
- Stir before serving:
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Taste again, and if needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for extra tang.
