Christmas is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the perfect side dishes to complement your holiday meal. One of the most delicious and refreshing options is coleslaw, and we've got five easy Christmas coleslaw recipes for you to try.
The beauty of coleslaw lies in its versatility – you can make it sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky, depending on your taste preferences. These five recipes offer a mix of flavors to suit every palate, from classic and creamy to adventurous and bold.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these Christmas coleslaw recipes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. So go ahead, pick the one that catches your eye, and get ready to wow your guests with a delicious and refreshing side dish.
Recipe 1: Classic Christmas Coleslaw with a Twist
This recipe is a spin on the traditional coleslaw, with a hint of orange zest and a crunchy pecan topping.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and orange zest on top and serve.
Recipe 2: Spicy Christmas Coleslaw with Jalapeño
If you like a little heat in your coleslaw, this recipe is for you. The jalapeño pepper adds a spicy kick that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Stir in the chopped jalapeño pepper and serve.
Recipe 3: Cranberry Christmas Coleslaw with Pecans
This recipe is perfect for the holiday season, with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries and serve.
Recipe 4: Smoky Christmas Coleslaw with Bacon
This recipe is perfect for bacon lovers, with the smoky flavor of bacon adding a rich and savory taste to the coleslaw.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and serve.
Recipe 5: Asian-Inspired Christmas Coleslaw with Ginger
This recipe is perfect for those who love Asian flavors, with the spicy kick of ginger adding a bold and refreshing taste to the coleslaw.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Now that you have these five easy Christmas coleslaw recipes, it's time to get creative and make your own delicious side dish. Whether you're a fan of classic, spicy, smoky, or Asian-inspired flavors, there's something for everyone in this collection. So go ahead, pick your favorite recipe, and enjoy a refreshing and delicious Christmas coleslaw.
What is the best type of cabbage to use for coleslaw?
+The best type of cabbage to use for coleslaw is green cabbage or red cabbage. You can also use a combination of both for a colorful and flavorful slaw.
Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
+Yes, you can make coleslaw ahead of time. In fact, it's best to make it at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. However, be sure to refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent foodborne illness.
What is the best way to shred cabbage for coleslaw?
+The best way to shred cabbage for coleslaw is to use a food processor or a mandoline. You can also use a sharp knife to shred the cabbage, but be careful not to cut yourself.