What is Vegan Coleslaw?
Coleslaw. The very word conjures images of sunny picnics, backyard barbecues, and casual gatherings. It’s a classic, a staple, a versatile side dish that complements just about anything. But for those following a plant-based lifestyle, traditional coleslaw, often brimming with mayonnaise and dairy, can be a challenge. Fear not! This vegan coleslaw recipe offers a delectable solution, allowing you to enjoy this beloved side dish without compromising your values or your taste buds. Get ready to discover a creamy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing vegan coleslaw that will become a new favorite.
What exactly *is* vegan coleslaw? Essentially, it’s the same familiar cabbage-based salad, but with a crucial difference: the creamy dressing is completely plant-based. We swap out the eggs and dairy-based mayonnaise for a delicious alternative that still delivers the same richness and tang. The result? A healthier, more ethical, and equally satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. This vegan coleslaw recipe is all about bringing people together around good food, made in a way that’s kind to animals and the planet.
The appeal of vegan coleslaw extends beyond its ethical and dietary suitability. It’s also incredibly customizable. You can adjust the flavors to your liking, adding a touch of sweetness, a dash of spice, or even some crunchy textures. And the best part? This vegan coleslaw recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or a curious beginner, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this crowd-pleasing dish.
Let’s get started!
The Delicious Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this amazing vegan coleslaw, you don’t need a long list of obscure ingredients. You’ll likely find most of these in your pantry or at your local grocery store. The key is to choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
First and foremost, you need the base: the vegetables. We’ll be using cabbage, the star of the show! You can use green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of both. Green cabbage offers a classic, slightly sweet flavor, while red cabbage adds a beautiful pop of color and a subtle peppery note. Consider using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix if you’re short on time, but shredding your own provides the freshest flavor and allows you to control the size of the pieces.
Next up are carrots. These add sweetness, crunch, and a vibrant color to the mix. You can shred them using a box grater or a food processor.
Optional, but adding extra layers of flavor: a bit of onion. While not strictly necessary, finely chopped or thinly sliced onion contributes a pungent bite that balances the sweetness and creaminess of the dressing. If you’re sensitive to the intensity of raw onion, you can soak it in cold water for about ten minutes to mellow the flavor.
Now, let’s talk about the magic ingredient: the creamy dressing. This is where the “vegan” part comes into play. Instead of traditional mayonnaise, we’ll be using a high-quality vegan mayonnaise. Many excellent vegan mayonnaise brands are available, made from ingredients like soy, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. Choose one that you enjoy the taste of, as it will be the foundation of your dressing.
To complement the vegan mayo, you’ll need some acid. Apple cider vinegar is a classic choice, offering a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that works perfectly with the other ingredients. Other vinegar options include white wine vinegar or even rice vinegar, for a slightly milder flavor.
A touch of sweetness is essential to balance the acidity and enhance the other flavors. Maple syrup is a wonderful natural option, adding a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Agave nectar or even a small amount of granulated sugar can be used as well.
A little mustard adds a delightful depth of flavor and a subtle tang. Dijon mustard is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other types of mustard, such as yellow mustard for a more familiar flavor or stone-ground mustard for a bit of texture.
Finally, don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper. These are crucial for seasoning the dish and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
And, of course, there are optional add-ins to consider. Celery seeds add a unique, slightly bitter flavor that pairs perfectly with the cabbage and carrots. A pinch of fresh or dried dill can also elevate the flavor. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Let’s put this vegan coleslaw recipe into practice.
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to put them together! Follow these easy steps for coleslaw perfection.
Start with the vegetables. If you are using whole heads of cabbage, start by removing any tough outer leaves. Then, cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and thinly shred the cabbage using a sharp knife, a mandoline, or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.
Next, shred the carrots. Peel the carrots and then use a box grater or a food processor to shred them. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with the cabbage.
If using onion, finely chop or thinly slice it. If you’re sensitive to raw onion flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain it well before adding it to the bowl.
Now, for the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more vinegar for tang, more maple syrup for sweetness, or more salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be well-balanced and flavorful before you add it to the vegetables.
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion in the large bowl. Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cabbage to become soggy.
This next step is crucial for the best flavor: chilling. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer (up to several hours or even overnight). This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, creating a more delicious and satisfying coleslaw.
Before serving, give the coleslaw a gentle toss. Taste it and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or vinegar.
How to enhance the flavour of this amazing vegan coleslaw recipe?
Tips, Tricks, and Tempting Variations
To ensure your vegan coleslaw recipe is always a success, here are a few tips and tricks:
One of the biggest challenges with coleslaw is preventing it from becoming soggy. Here’s how to avoid that:
Salt the Cabbage: Before adding the dressing, you can sprinkle the shredded cabbage with a teaspoon or two of salt and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to draw out some of the excess moisture. Then, rinse the cabbage well and pat it dry before adding the dressing.
Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually, starting with a small amount, and adding more as needed. You want the vegetables to be coated, but not swimming in dressing.
Chill Before Serving: As mentioned, chilling the coleslaw allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. Don’t serve it immediately after making it.
Taste is personal! The great thing about this vegan coleslaw recipe is that you can adjust it to suit your preferences.
More Tang: If you prefer a more tangy coleslaw, add more apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
More Sweetness: Increase the amount of maple syrup or add a touch of agave nectar.
More Creaminess: If you like a really creamy coleslaw, you can add a little more vegan mayonnaise.
Get creative! Consider these fantastic options to customize your coleslaw:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some finely diced jalapenos, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Fruity: Add some chopped apple, grapes, or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
Herby Goodness: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for an added layer of freshness.
Crunchy Additions: Sprinkle in some toasted nuts, seeds (like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds), or chopped celery for extra crunch and texture.
Different Veggies: Experiment with other shredded vegetables like kohlrabi or bell peppers.
Making this vegan coleslaw recipe gives you full control over the final product.
Ways to Serve Your Creation
This vegan coleslaw recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive barbecues.
Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside your favorite vegan burgers, sandwiches, grilled tofu, or veggie dogs. It’s a classic pairing for summer grilling.
On Top of Tacos or Wraps: Use it as a refreshing topping for your vegan tacos or wraps. It adds a cool, creamy element that perfectly complements the other flavors.
In a Salad: Add it to a larger salad for extra flavor, texture, and creaminess. It’s a great addition to a chopped salad or a bed of mixed greens.
As a Sandwich Filling: Use it as a filling for sandwiches. Layer it between slices of bread with your favorite plant-based deli slices or tempeh bacon.
Vegan coleslaw pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are some examples:
BBQ Favorites: Serve it with vegan pulled “pork” sandwiches, BBQ jackfruit, or grilled corn on the cob.
Sandwiches: Enjoy it alongside veggie burgers, tofu sandwiches, or tempeh Reuben sandwiches.
Tacos and Wraps: Use it to top vegan tacos, burritos, or wraps filled with beans, vegetables, and your favorite protein.
Picnic Essentials: Pack it for a picnic alongside potato salad, pasta salad, and fruit salad.
Let this vegan coleslaw recipe become a go-to side dish!
Final Thoughts
This vegan coleslaw recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious, satisfying food doesn’t require animal products. It’s a simple, adaptable recipe that can be customized to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion. The fresh, crunchy vegetables, the creamy and tangy dressing, and the ease of preparation make this a winner.
So, are you ready to elevate your meals with this amazing vegan coleslaw recipe? We know you are! Make it today and share it with your friends and family. They won’t believe how delicious this vegan coleslaw is. Enjoy!
