When you stop at your favorite barbecue spot, you don’t look forward to the meat alone — you also crave those classic sides, like coleslaw. What is it about this crunchy, refreshing dish that makes vegetables seem like a treat? To learn more about coleslaw and how it became a sought-after item on restaurant menus, consult the guide below.

Your Guide to Coleslaw

Origins

While you might think of this dish as a peripheral addition to your plate, it once had a front-and-center reputation. In ancient Rome, they served a strikingly similar food — a mixture of cabbage, eggs, vinegar, and seasonings. In what is now New York, Dutch settlers made a salad out of shredded cabbage that they grew themselves. They called it “koosla.” When mayonnaise was invented in the mid-1700s, it became an inextricable part of conventional coleslaw.

Ingredients & Appeal

Today, most coleslaw recipes consist of chopped cabbage, vinegar, mayonnaise, and seasonings. However, common additives include carrots, onions, and lemon juice. More recent off-the-wall pairings include jicama, mustard, and raisins. Whether you like classic or experimental varieties, this dish is prized for its characteristic crunch and light, refreshing taste.

How People Eat It

Its unique taste makes coleslaw an excellent side dish for rich barbecue dishes, such as ribs or pulled pork. Compared to a boring leaf of lettuce, coleslaw is an exciting addition to fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and other hearty entrees. If you attend a summer barbecue or cookout, you’ll probably find coleslaw in a serving dish next to other sides, such as potato salad or green beans. If you’re looking for a palate cleanser, add a heap to your plate to balance out the richer dishes with this tangy treat.

The next time you’re craving a barbecue meal with a side of coleslaw, head to Dickey's Barbecue Pit of Amelia, OH. They are proud to offer this beloved dish alongside their show-stopping brisket, pulled pork, and St. Louis-style ribs. When you’ve had enough of that rich hickory flavor, cool down with coleslaw, Miss Ollie Dickey’s iced tea, and complimentary soft-serve ice cream. For more information on their barbecue restaurant, visit the website or call (513) 802-2700 today.