Making coleslaw takes a little bit of work. Between buying the vegetables you need, shredding them all to the same size, and mixing the perfect dressing, it's a salad that takes a little bit of foresight. While opting for homemade coleslaw instead of homemade usually results in a better flavor , we wouldn't blame you if you don't have the energy to make it sometimes.
Plus, while store-bought coleslaws can often be plagued by a flat, one-note, slightly metallic taste and a goopy consistency, the good news is that improving them is more simple than you think. All it takes is an ingredient or two. Store-bought coleslaw is incredibly welcoming to additional ingredients , with fresh herbs or extra vegetables amping up its vibrancy and making it taste like homemade slaw .
Some ingredients can give your coleslaw new flavor notes and stretch it even further, while others bring brand-new textures or create a better sense of balance. To make sure you get your ingredient additions right, we called in the pros. Michelle Morey, a recipe developer and owner of food blog Barefoot In The Pines , and Grace Vallo, chef and founder of Tastefully Grace , were kind enough to bring their coleslaw expertise to the table and tell us all the tips and tricks you need for the best-ever store-bought coleslaw.
1. To amp up store-bought coleslaw's subtle sweetness, add shredded apples Coleslaw's sweet-and-sour flavor profile is a huge part of its appeal, but store-bought versions can often lose sight of t.