So, I buy these "cole slaw kits" in the supermarket for a couple of bucks. They're basically a bag full sliced cabbage & a little grated carrot, and include a generous plastic squeeze packet of cheap, chemical-y, over-sweetened Italian dressing. It's enough for 2-3 side dishes, or one decent bowl for one person which can sub for a meal if you're not that famished.
Here's how I fix it:
1. Dump the slaw mix in a bowl. The stuff I buy mostly fills a 16oz soup bowl.
2. Squeeze in 1/2-3/4 of the included "dressing", to taste. I prefer less rather than more.
3. Put in a generous dollop, a pretty big forkful or two, of mayonnaise.
4. Give it a couple of decent tablespoons of vinegar. I use white but red might work. Try to err on the side of not overpowering it... you don't want to turn the dressing into runny, acidic liquid.
5. A tablespoon or two of extra-fine garlic powder.
6. A few dashes of Liquid Smoke. Watch out with that stuff, a tiny bit is good, a little more is better, too much (which is less than you probably think) is kind of acrid and sour. Also, full disclosure, I believe this stuff is pretty unhealthy. Do your own research.
That's it. Mix it all up good and enjoy. Looks like ordinary cole slaw, tastes way better.
It might take some experimentation. You don't want the taste of any one ingredient to overpower the rest. Done right, all combine nicely into a one slightly creamy, slightly acidic, slightly smoky, slightly savory, just-barely-sweet single taste.
