Vegan Coleslaw: I Swore I HATED IT... Until I Tried THIS (Now I'm Obsessed!)

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The Ultimate Vegan Coleslaw Recipe: Creamy, Crunchy, and Delicious!

Are you craving a refreshing and flavorful side dish that's perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even a quick weeknight meal? Look no further! This vegan coleslaw recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's incredibly easy to make, boasts a delightful creamy texture, and is packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables. Best of all, it's entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional coleslaw. This creamy vegan coleslaw will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Get ready to ditch the store-bought stuff and discover the secrets to the best vegan coleslaw you've ever tasted!

Why You'll Love This Vegan Coleslaw

• Delicious and Creamy: This coleslaw offers a rich, satisfying flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Easy to Make: The recipe requires minimal preparation and simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Plant-Based: This recipe is naturally vegan and packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fresh vegetables.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, on sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos or veggie burgers.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by adding or substituting ingredients.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need to create this fantastic vegan coleslaw:

For the Coleslaw Mix:

• 1 large head of green cabbage (about 1.5-2 pounds), shredded
• 1/2 head of red cabbage (about 1 pound), shredded (optional, but adds color and flavor)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Creamy Vegan Dressing:

• 1 cup vegan mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade - see notes below)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or other sweetener, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect vegan coleslaw:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Shred the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the green and red cabbage. Using a large knife or a mandoline slicer, shred the cabbage into thin, even pieces. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
• Shred the Carrots: Peel the carrots and use a box grater or food processor to shred them. Add the shredded carrots to the bowl with the cabbage.
• Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find the raw onion flavor too strong, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Drain and add the sliced onions to the bowl.
• Chop the Parsley: If using parsley, roughly chop it and add it to the bowl.

2. Make the Vegan Dressing:

• In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
• Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, salt for saltiness, or pepper for a bit of a kick.

3. Combine the Dressing and Vegetables:

• Pour the creamy vegan dressing over the shredded vegetables in the large mixing bowl.
• Using a large spoon or your hands (clean, of course!), gently toss the vegetables and dressing until everything is evenly coated. Be sure to coat all the ingredients for the best flavor!

4. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is crucial for the best results. The coleslaw will soften slightly and the flavors will intensify.
• Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss. If the coleslaw seems a bit dry, you can add a touch more vegan mayonnaise or apple cider vinegar.

Preparation Time

• 15-20 minutes

Cooking Time

• None (excluding chilling time)

Servings

• 6-8 servings

Helpful Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to elevate your vegan coleslaw experience:

• Homemade Vegan Mayonnaise: While store-bought vegan mayonnaise is convenient, making your own can enhance the flavor and allow you to control the ingredients. There are many easy recipes available online using ingredients like cashews, silken tofu, or aquafaba.

• Add More Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding other crunchy vegetables such as finely chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), celery, or even a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts.

• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or a finely minced jalapeño to the dressing.

• Sweetener Options: Feel free to substitute the maple syrup with other sweeteners such as agave nectar, or even a small amount of granulated sugar.

• Acid Adjustment: If you prefer a tangier coleslaw, add a bit more apple cider vinegar or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

• Storage Instructions: Store leftover vegan coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The coleslaw will soften over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. You may need to drain off some excess liquid that accumulates during storage.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve this delicious vegan coleslaw alongside your favorite dishes. It pairs perfectly with:

  • Vegan burgers and sandwiches
  • BBQ jackfruit or pulled mushroom sandwiches
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Tacos (both vegan and traditional)
  • As a side for vegan fried "chicken"
  • Vegan sausages or hot dogs
  • As a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Variation: Oil-Free Coleslaw: For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of vegan mayonnaise or replace it with a combination of tahini, unsweetened applesauce, and apple cider vinegar. You may also want to add a touch of water to reach the desired consistency.

• Variation: Asian-Inspired Coleslaw: For a different flavor profile, try substituting the apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, adding a teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger. You could also add chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

• Variation: Creamy Avocado Coleslaw: Blend half an avocado into the dressing for a rich, creamy texture and added healthy fats.

Conclusion: Get Ready to Enjoy!

There you have it – a simple, delicious, and versatile vegan coleslaw recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables and a creamy, flavorful dressing makes this dish incredibly satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a refreshing and flavorful vegan coleslaw that everyone will love! Don't forget to share your creations and experiences with us in the comments below. We can't wait to hear how you enjoyed this creamy vegan coleslaw! Happy cooking!