Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant, crunchy side dish, and that’s where my Thanksgiving coleslaw comes in! This coleslaw is not just any ordinary slaw; it’s a delightful mix of crisp green and red cabbage, paired with sweet carrots and a tangy dressing that dances on your palate. The addition of apple cider vinegar and honey gives it that perfect zing, making it a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of holiday meals. Trust me, this coleslaw is a showstopper that everyone will be talking about long after the feast is over. Get ready for a crunchy, tangy delight!
Ingredients List
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Coleslaw
- First things first, grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrots. Give it a good mix to combine those vibrant colors!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s well blended and creamy!
- Pour that delicious dressing over the cabbage mixture. Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss everything together. You want every shred of cabbage and carrot to be coated, so don’t be shy!
- Next, add in the chopped fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color, mixing it in thoroughly.
- Now, here’s the key step: cover your coleslaw and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great last-minute addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
- The crunchy texture of fresh cabbage and carrots adds a delightful contrast to heavier dishes.
- It’s a versatile side that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even veggie mains.
- The tangy dressing brightens up your plate and balances the rich flavors of holiday meals.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends on the big day.
- Customizable! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins or switch up the dressing for a personal touch.
Nutritional Information
This Thanksgiving coleslaw is not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your holiday table! Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so they may vary slightly depending on your specific choices. But no matter the numbers, you can feel good about serving this crunchy, tangy slaw at your Thanksgiving feast!
Tips for Success
To make the best Thanksgiving coleslaw, first, don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness! If you prefer it a little sweeter, just add more honey to taste – it really makes a difference. For an extra crunch, consider mixing in some chopped apples or nuts like pecans or walnuts. They add a lovely texture and a flavor twist that your guests will adore. And remember, the longer you let it sit in the fridge, the better the flavors meld together, so try to make it a few hours ahead of time or even the day before for maximum deliciousness!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this Thanksgiving coleslaw! Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Herb Infusion: Swap out the parsley for chopped fresh cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a zesty heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- Fruit Twist: Toss in some chopped apples or pears for a sweet crunch, or even dried cranberries for a festive touch.
- Nuts About It: Incorporate toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added texture and richness.
- Different Dressing: Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option, or add a bit of mustard for a tangy twist.
Feel free to experiment! The beauty of coleslaw is you can truly make it your own with just a few simple tweaks. Enjoy the process!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving coleslaw properly is key to keeping it fresh and crunchy! First, make sure to transfer any leftovers into an airtight container; this will help prevent it from wilting and absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. It should stay good for about 3 to 5 days, but I recommend eating it within the first couple of days for the best texture.
Now, here’s a little tip: coleslaw is definitely best served cold, so there’s really no need to reheat it. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If you’ve added any nuts or fruits, you might want to add those fresh just before serving to keep that delightful crunch intact. Enjoy every bite of your refreshing Thanksgiving coleslaw!
Serving Suggestions
Thanksgiving coleslaw is such a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, enhancing your holiday meal experience! Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Roast Turkey: The crunchy, tangy slaw complements the savory flavors of roasted turkey perfectly, cutting through the richness of the meat.
- Honey Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the ham balances beautifully with the zesty dressing of the coleslaw, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
- Stuffing or Dressing: A scoop of coleslaw next to your fluffy stuffing adds a refreshing crunch that brightens each bite.
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes paired with the crisp coleslaw creates a delightful contrast that your taste buds will love.
- Vegetarian Options: It’s also a fantastic side for grilled veggies or a hearty veggie casserole, adding a fresh element to your plate.
So, whether you’re serving up a traditional feast or a more modern spread, this Thanksgiving coleslaw is sure to elevate your meal and impress your guests!
FAQ Section
How long can I store Thanksgiving coleslaw?
You can keep your Thanksgiving coleslaw in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days in an airtight container. However, for the best crunch and flavor, I recommend eating it within the first couple of days!
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making Thanksgiving coleslaw a few hours or even a day in advance is a great idea. The flavors have time to meld together, and it saves you prep time on the big day. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving!
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise. It adds creaminess while cutting down on fat. You can also try a vinaigrette or a homemade dressing with olive oil and vinegar for a fresher take.
Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?
Of course! This Thanksgiving coleslaw is super versatile. You can add thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even snap peas for an extra crunch and vibrant color. Just make sure to adjust the dressing to balance out the flavors!
What if I want a sweeter coleslaw?
If you prefer your coleslaw on the sweeter side, just add a little more honey to the dressing until it reaches your desired taste. You can also toss in some chopped apples or dried fruits like cranberries for a delightful sweetness!
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Definitely! Pre-shredded cabbage is a huge time saver, especially during the busy holiday season. Just check the freshness and make sure it’s still crunchy for the best results in your Thanksgiving coleslaw!
Thanksgiving Coleslaw: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Slaw
- Całkowity Czas: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 8 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A crunchy and tangy coleslaw perfect for Thanksgiving.
Składniki
- 1 small head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instrukcje
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Add chopped parsley and mix well.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey.
- For added crunch, include chopped apples or nuts.
- Make ahead of time for better flavor.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: Mixing
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 15g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Słowa kluczowe: thanksgiving coleslaw
