Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year, filled with laughter, love, and, of course, delicious food! I always look forward to gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing stories and making memories. And let me tell you, no Thanksgiving feast is complete without a refreshing side dish to balance all those rich flavors. That’s where my *thanksgiving coleslaw* comes in! It’s crisp, colorful, and adds a delightful crunch to the meal. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Trust me, once you try this coleslaw, it’ll become a staple at your holiday gatherings, just like it has in mine!
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Coleslaw
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up the most refreshing *thanksgiving coleslaw* that’ll be the talk of your holiday table!
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your cabbages are nice and crisp, and don’t skimp on the mayonnaise for that creamy goodness! This combination of flavors is what makes this coleslaw so addictive. Happy chopping!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Coleslaw
Getting this *thanksgiving coleslaw* ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a colorful and crunchy side dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large bowl and combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrots. Just look at those colors! It’s like a salad rainbow!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing is where all that creamy magic happens! Make sure it’s well mixed.
- Now, pour that delicious dressing over your cabbage and carrot mixture. You want every piece to get coated, so toss it all together gently until it’s well combined. I love using my hands for this part—just make sure they’re clean!
- Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors mingle and makes the coleslaw even more refreshing!
- After the wait, give it one last toss and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving. Wow, you did it!
And there you have it—your very own Thanksgiving coleslaw! It’s that easy! Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Coleslaw
- Quick Preparation: This coleslaw comes together in just 15 minutes! You can easily whip it up while your turkey is roasting.
- Refreshing Flavor: The crispness of the cabbage and the tangy dressing create a light, refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
- Versatile Side Dish: It complements a variety of main courses, from turkey to ham, making it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this coleslaw a day in advance, saving you time on the big day and allowing the flavors to develop even more!
Trust me, this coleslaw will not only brighten up your plate but also your holiday spirit! It’s a must-have that everyone will be reaching for!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Coleslaw
To make your *thanksgiving coleslaw* truly shine, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness of the dressing. If you like it a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar, or even try honey for a different flavor. Speaking of flavor, consider tossing in some chopped apples or even dried cranberries for a sweet crunch that pairs beautifully with the cabbage.
Also, if you want to add a bit of a kick, a pinch of Dijon mustard in the dressing can elevate the taste! And remember, letting your coleslaw chill for at least 30 minutes is key—it allows those flavors to meld together beautifully. Lastly, always give it a taste before serving; a little extra salt or pepper can make all the difference!
Variations of Thanksgiving Coleslaw
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your *thanksgiving coleslaw*! Here are a few ideas that can take your coleslaw to the next level:
- Apple-Cranberry Twist: Add some chopped apples and dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast that pairs perfectly with the crisp cabbage.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to give your dressing a zing that will surprise your taste buds!
- Asian-Inspired: Swap out the mayonnaise for a sesame dressing and add shredded carrots, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds for a fresh twist.
- Nutty Flavor: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate your coleslaw with a burst of freshness. Just chop them finely and mix them in!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a coleslaw that perfectly suits your taste or complements your Thanksgiving spread. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *thanksgiving coleslaw* is super easy! If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), just transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing might separate a little.
Now, you might be wondering if you can reheat coleslaw. The short answer is: don’t! Coleslaw is meant to be served cold and crispy, so reheating isn’t necessary and can actually change the texture. Just enjoy it straight from the fridge for that refreshing crunch! If you love it that much, you might just want to make a double batch for those late-night snacking sessions!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to the nutritional information for this *thanksgiving coleslaw*, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The estimates provided below give you a general idea, but they might not be exact for your version:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 2g
Always keep in mind that if you make modifications—like adjusting the amount of mayonnaise or adding different ingredients—the nutritional values will change. It’s a good idea to calculate your own based on what you use, especially if you’re tracking specific dietary needs. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious coleslaw!
FAQ About Thanksgiving Coleslaw
Can I make Thanksgiving coleslaw a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day ahead if you can. This way, the flavors have more time to meld together, making it even more delicious when you serve it. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo. Both will give you that creamy texture, but with a unique twist in flavor. You might even find you love it more!
How can I add some crunch to my coleslaw?
Oh, I love the idea of adding crunch! Consider tossing in some chopped apples, sunflower seeds, or even crispy bacon bits for a contrasting texture. It really elevates the dish and adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will appreciate!
Is it okay to use other vegetables in my coleslaw?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative! You can add shredded broccoli, sliced bell peppers, or even radishes for a different flavor profile. Just remember to keep the vegetable cuts uniform so they mix well.
Can I make a smaller batch of this coleslaw?
Of course! You can easily halve the ingredients to make a smaller batch. Just adjust the measurements accordingly and you’ll still have that fresh, crunchy goodness without leftovers if you don’t need a big serving!
Thanksgiving Coleslaw: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Dish
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A refreshing coleslaw perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Zutaten
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of celery seed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Coleslaw can be made a day in advance.
- Adjust sweetness by changing the amount of sugar.
- Add chopped apples for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Mixing
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 12g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving coleslaw, coleslaw recipe, holiday side dish
