Vegan coleslaw is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer salad or a flavorful addition to your next barbecue, this classic recipe is sure to please. Made with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, vegan coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy.
One of the great things about vegan coleslaw is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can make it with a variety of different vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, and onions, and customize the dressing to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a creamy dressing made with vegan mayo or a tangy vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, there’s a vegan coleslaw recipe out there that’s perfect for you.
If you’re new to vegan cooking, don’t worry – making vegan coleslaw is easier than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch of this delicious side dish in no time. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds (and your health) will thank you!
Ingredients
When it comes to making vegan coleslaw, the ingredients are pretty straightforward. Here are the key components you’ll need to make a delicious and satisfying coleslaw:
Cabbage
Cabbage is the star of the show in coleslaw. For this recipe, you’ll want to use baby cabbage, which is more tender and sweeter than regular cabbage. You can also use regular green cabbage or a mix of green and red cabbage.
Carrots
Carrots add color, crunch, and sweetness to the coleslaw. You can shred them using a box grater or a food processor.
Onion
Onion adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the coleslaw. You can use red onion or white onion, depending on your preference.
Vegan Mayonnaise
Vegan mayonnaise is the base of the coleslaw dressing. You can use store-bought or homemade vegan mayo. Look for a brand that is egg-free and dairy-free.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and tanginess to the coleslaw dressing. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a spicy and pungent flavor to the coleslaw dressing. You can use whole grain mustard or yellow mustard as a substitute.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds sweetness and depth to the coleslaw dressing. You can use pure maple syrup or another liquid sweetener like agave nectar or honey (if you’re not strictly vegan).
Salt
Salt enhances the flavors of the coleslaw and helps to balance the sweetness and acidity of the dressing.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the coleslaw dressing. You can use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Overall, these ingredients work together to create a flavorful and satisfying vegan coleslaw. With a bit of chopping and mixing, you can have a fresh and healthy side dish that pairs well with sandwiches, burgers, and more.
Preparation
Preparing vegan coleslaw is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few easy steps. To make this recipe, you will need to shred cabbage and carrots, chop onion, prepare the dressing, and mix everything together.
Step 1: Shred the Cabbage and Carrots
The first step in preparing vegan coleslaw is to shred the cabbage and carrots. You can do this by using a sharp knife or a food processor. If you are using a food processor, be sure to use the shredding blade. You will need about 5 cups of shredded cabbage and 1 cup of shredded carrots.
Step 2: Chop the Onion
Next, chop the onion into small pieces. You can use either white or red onion, depending on your preference. Chop about 1/4 cup of onion and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
To prepare the dressing, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped onion. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
That’s it! Your vegan coleslaw is now ready to serve. You can enjoy it immediately or refrigerate it for later. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or any other occasion where you want a refreshing and healthy side dish.
Tips and Variations
Making vegan coleslaw is easy and fun, but it’s also versatile. You can add your own twist to the classic recipe by trying out some of these variations:
Add Some Spice
If you like your coleslaw with a bit of heat, consider adding some spice. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or mix in some chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers. For a milder kick, try adding some paprika or chili powder.
Make it Creamier
If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, you can adjust the dressing to your liking. You can add more vegan mayo or sour cream to make it richer or mix in some yogurt for a tangy flavor. Another option is to use a combination of different dressings, such as mustard and honey or lemon and olive oil.
Use Different Veggies
While cabbage and carrots are the classic ingredients for coleslaw, you can experiment with other veggies. For example, you can use red cabbage, kale, or broccoli instead of cabbage or add some shredded beets or radishes for color and crunch. You can also mix in some fruit, such as apples or grapes, for a sweet and refreshing twist.
Add Nuts or Seeds
For an extra crunch and flavor, consider adding some nuts or seeds to your coleslaw. You can use chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts or sprinkle some sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds on top. Another option is to mix in some dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, for a chewy and sweet texture.
By trying out these tips and variations, you can create your own unique vegan coleslaw recipe that suits your taste and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vegan coleslaw is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional coleslaw recipes. With a variety of ingredients and dressings to choose from, it’s easy to customize your coleslaw to your liking.
When making vegan coleslaw, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will ensure that your coleslaw is flavorful and nutritious. Additionally, it’s important to choose a dressing that complements the flavors of the vegetables you are using.
Whether you prefer a classic coleslaw recipe or something more unique, there are plenty of options to choose from. From creamy cashew dressings to tangy vinegar-based dressings, there’s a vegan coleslaw recipe out there for everyone.
Overall, vegan coleslaw is a great dish to serve at barbecues, potlucks, or any other gathering. With its bright colors and fresh flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with vegans and non-vegans alike. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying vegan coleslaw can be?
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