Enjoy a simple and delicious coleslaw recipe with crisp cabbage, grated carrots, and a creamy vegan dressing. Easy to make and perfect for any meal, plus learn how to double the recipe effortlessly for a crowd!
This simple and delicious coleslaw recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a refreshing, crunchy side dish. With its blend of shredded cabbage and grated carrots, it’s both light and satisfying. The creamy vegan dressing, made with mayo, lemon juice, maple syrup, and dill, adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, this coleslaw is incredibly easy to make and even easier to double, ensuring you have enough to go around. Enjoy it as a vibrant addition to any meal or as a standalone crunchy treat!
Discover the Versatility and Flavor of Coleslaw: A Delicious and Nutritious Side Dish
Coleslaw is more than just a classic side dish; it’s a versatile, delicious, and nutritious addition to any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a crisp side for a vegan dinner, bringing it to a BBQ, or serving it at a potluck, coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. With its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, it pairs well with a variety of dishes and keeps well as leftovers. Let’s explore why coleslaw is such a fantastic choice and delve into the health benefits of its main ingredients: cabbage and carrots.
Why Coleslaw is a Delicious and Versatile Dish
Coleslaw’s appeal lies in its versatility. This dish can be tailored to suit any flavor profile, making it a fantastic choice for various occasions. Here are some reasons why coleslaw shines as a side dish:
Customization: Coleslaw can be easily customized to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, or if you want to add extra ingredients like apples, raisins, or nuts, coleslaw is adaptable and can be made to your liking.
Pairing Potential: This side dish complements a wide range of main courses. It’s a perfect match for vegan burgers, grilled tofu, or roasted vegetables. Its crunch and tanginess provide a delightful contrast to richer dishes.
Perfect for Any Event: Coleslaw is ideal for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. It’s easy to make in large quantities, and its flavors often improve after a few hours of chilling in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for preparing ahead of time.
Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, coleslaw is a hassle-free dish that can be quickly whipped up. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Enjoy Coleslaw as Leftovers
One of the great advantages of coleslaw is how well it keeps. The flavors meld together as it sits, making it even tastier the next day. Here’s why coleslaw is great as leftovers:
Improved Flavors: As coleslaw chills in the refrigerator, the flavors of the dressing have more time to penetrate the cabbage and carrots. This often results in a more robust and harmonious taste.
Convenient and Ready: Having coleslaw prepared ahead of time means you can grab a quick, healthy side dish without any extra effort. It’s a great option for meal prepping or having on hand for busy days.
Versatile Uses: Leftover coleslaw can be repurposed in various ways. Add it to sandwiches or wraps for a crunchy texture, mix it into grain bowls, or use it as a topping for tacos or baked potatoes.
Health Benefits of Cabbage and Carrots
Coleslaw is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The primary ingredients, cabbage and carrots, offer several health benefits that make this dish a smart choice for a balanced diet.
Cabbage: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that’s loaded with health benefits:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and manganese. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and helps with collagen production, while vitamin K supports bone health.
High in Fiber: The fiber in cabbage aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. It can also contribute to heart health by helping to lower cholesterol levels.
Antioxidants: Cabbage contains antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Low in Calories: Cabbage is low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight while still enjoying a hearty serving of vegetables.
Carrots: A Crunchy Nutrient Boost
Carrots are another vegetable rich in nutrients:
High in Beta-Carotene: Carrots are renowned for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
Rich in Antioxidants: Besides beta-carotene, carrots contain other antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Good Source of Fiber: Carrots provide dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Supports Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in carrots can contribute to better heart health by helping to manage blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.
Coleslaw: A Great Addition to Vegan Meals
Coleslaw is an excellent addition to a variety of vegan meals, thanks to its crisp texture and versatile flavor. Here are some ways to incorporate coleslaw into your vegan meal planning:
As a Side Dish: Pair coleslaw with vegan BBQ, grilled portobello mushrooms, or a hearty lentil stew. Its crunch and tanginess provide a perfect counterpoint to savory and spicy dishes.
In Wraps and Sandwiches: Add coleslaw to vegan wraps, sandwiches, or burgers for an extra layer of flavor and texture. It works particularly well in a vegan BBQ jackfruit sandwich or a veggie-packed wrap.
Topped on Salads: Use coleslaw as a topping for salads or grain bowls. It adds a crunchy element and enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.
Picnics and Potlucks: Coleslaw is a classic choice for potlucks and picnics, as it can be made in advance and is always a hit with guests. It’s a colorful and tasty addition to any spread.
How to Make Your Coleslaw Recipe Stand Out
To elevate your coleslaw recipe and make it unique, consider experimenting with different ingredients and dressings. Here are a few ideas:
Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint for an added burst of flavor.
Include Fruits: Try adding fruits like apple slices, pineapple chunks, or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Experiment with Dressings: Swap out the vegan mayo for avocado or cashew-based dressings for a different flavor profile.
Add Crunch: Incorporate nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or chopped almonds, for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.
Conclusion
Coleslaw is a delicious, versatile, and nutritious side dish that can enhance a variety of meals. Its ability to be customized to fit different tastes, its convenience as leftovers, and the health benefits of its core ingredients make it a valuable addition to any meal plan. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, potluck, or enjoying it as a side for a vegan dinner, coleslaw is sure to impress with its crisp texture and vibrant flavors. Embrace the versatility of coleslaw and enjoy this timeless dish in new and exciting ways!
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Simple Delicious Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 10 min Total time: 40 min
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
1/2 large purple or green cabbage, shredded and thinly chopped
3 carrots, peeled and grated
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp dried dill
1/4 tsp celery salt (or substitute with regular salt)
Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables:
Shred and thinly chop the cabbage. You can use a knife, a mandoline slicer, or a food processor to get the cabbage finely shredded.
Peel and grate the carrots. A box grater or food processor works well for this.
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, maple syrup, dried dill, celery salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Combine and Toss:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
Pour the sauce over the vegetables and toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve:
For best results, let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to become even more flavorful.
How to Easily Double the Recipe
If you’re hosting a larger gathering or just want to have extra coleslaw on hand, doubling the recipe is straightforward. Simply multiply each ingredient by two:
1 whole large cabbage (instead of 1/2)
6 carrots (instead of 3)
For the sauce:
1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
4 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp celery salt (or regular salt)
Black pepper to taste
Instructions for Doubling:
Increase the Quantity:
Shred and chop the entire cabbage and grate the 6 carrots as described in the original recipe.
Mix the Sauce:
In a larger bowl, combine the doubled amount of vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, maple syrup, dried dill, celery salt, and black pepper.
Combine and Toss:
Mix the shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a larger bowl, then add the doubled sauce and toss well.
Chill:
Let the doubled coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Doubling the recipe is as simple as scaling up the quantities and using a larger bowl to mix. It’s a quick and efficient way to prepare a larger batch of coleslaw without any additional hassle. Enjoy your coleslaw with your favorite meals or as a standalone fresh and crunchy side dish!
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