Vegan Side Dishes for Delicious Meals

Introduction

At Love With Recipes, we recognize that side dishes can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary, and vegan recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy classic favorites with a plant-based twist. The Happy Pear’s Vegan Coleslaw exemplifies this perfectly—combining crisp, fresh vegetables with a creamy, tangy dressing that aligns with vegan principles. This coleslaw is not only a celebration of vibrant flavors and textures but also a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something both nourishing and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a picnic, or simply seeking a nutritious accompaniment for your main dishes, this vegan coleslaw is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option. Its origins trace back centuries to the Dutch “koolsla,” evolving through American culinary history into a staple in countless households worldwide. The Happy Pear’s version modernizes this classic, emphasizing wholesome, plant-based ingredients that cater to vegan, vegetarian, and health-conscious lifestyles alike.

Time

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Chilling Time: At least 30 minutes
>Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Grater or box grater
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk or fork for mixing
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Refrigerator for chilling
• Serving dish or bowl

Tags

• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Gluten-Free (optional, depending on ingredients)
• Side Dish
• Healthy
• Plant-Based
• Summer Recipe
• Quick & Easy
• Low-Calorie

Serving Size

Serves approximately 6-8 people as a side dish, depending on portion sizes and accompanying dishes.

Difficulty Level

Easy — suitable for beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike. The steps are straightforward, requiring basic knife skills and mixing techniques.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

Vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, egg-free, suitable for vegetarians and those following a whole foods diet.

Course

Side Dish, Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine

Global, with roots in Dutch and American culinary traditions, adapted for modern plant-based diets.

Ingredients

Vegetables

Vegan Dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by gathering your fresh vegetables. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with a clean towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the cabbage into quarters; remove the core from each quarter. Slice the cabbage finely, aiming for uniform thin strips to ensure even mixing and a pleasant mouthfeel. If you have a food processor with a slicing attachment, this can be an efficient way to achieve consistent shreds. Transfer the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.

Next, peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. Grate the carrots using a box grater or a food processor fitted with the grating blade. The grated carrots should be fine but not pulp-like, providing a crunchy texture that complements the cabbage. Add the grated carrots to the bowl with cabbage.

If opting to include red onion or scallions, finely chop these using the same sharp knife. Red onion should be minced very finely to prevent overpowering the delicate balance of flavors. Add these to the vegetable mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.

2. Prepare the Vegan Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Use a whisk or fork to blend everything thoroughly until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well-integrated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go to adjust the seasoning to your preference. The dressing should have a balanced acidity with a touch of sweetness, complementing the crunch of the vegetables.

For a tangier or sweeter variation, adjust the amount of lemon juice or maple syrup accordingly. If using a store-bought vegan mayonnaise that is slightly thicker, you can thin the dressing with a teaspoon of water or more lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.

3. Combine the Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Using two large spoons or salad tongs, gently toss the mixture to ensure every piece of cabbage and carrot is coated evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to crush or bruise the vegetables; the goal is to maintain their crispness and texture.

If you’re adding optional ingredients like raisins, chopped nuts, or chopped apples, fold them in now. These additions provide bursts of sweetness, crunch, and flavor complexity, elevating the traditional coleslaw to a more sophisticated level.

4. Chill and Serve

Transfer the coleslaw into a clean container or leave it in the mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dressing to penetrate the vegetables. Chilling also enhances the crunchiness of the cabbage and carrots, making the dish more refreshing.

Before serving, give the coleslaw a gentle stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Serve the vegan coleslaw cold as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables, vegan burgers, or your favorite plant-based mains. It also pairs beautifully with hot dogs, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet spread.

Preparation Tips

• Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
• If preparing ahead, keep the chopped vegetables and dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• For an extra flavor boost, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cumin to the dressing.
• To make the coleslaw more vibrant, toss in some finely chopped red bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
• Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or rice vinegar, for varying acidity profiles.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots using a food processor for quick, uniform results.
• Adjust the sweetness or acidity of the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
• For added creaminess, consider blending in a small amount of silken tofu or mashed avocado into the dressing.
• Use a mandoline for even, thin vegetable slices if you prefer a different texture.
• Make the coleslaw a day in advance for maximum flavor development, but keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Add-ons

• Chopped fresh herbs: parsley, cilantro, dill
• Chopped nuts: walnuts, pecans, or almonds
• Fruits: chopped apples, pineapple chunks, or raisins
• Spices: smoked paprika, cumin, or chili flakes for a smoky or spicy kick

Side Dishes

• Vegan grilled burgers or hot dogs
• Barbecued plant-based sausages
• Vegan pulled jackfruit sandwiches
• Sprouted grain or sourdough bread
• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, peppers, and corn
• Fresh fruit salads for a sweet contrast

Improvements

• Incorporate shredded apple or pear for extra sweetness and crunch.
• Add a splash of coconut milk or plant-based buttermilk to the dressing for a creamier texture.
• Use nutritional yeast in the dressing for a cheesy umami flavor.
• Experiment with spicy elements like hot sauce or cayenne pepper for heat.
• Include fermented vegetables or kimchi for probiotic benefits and tanginess.

Save and Store

Transfer the prepared coleslaw to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, consume within 24 hours if possible. The flavors improve with time, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy after thawing.

FAQ

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the coleslaw a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Keep the vegetables and dressing separate until just before serving to maintain crunchiness.

Can I substitute the vegan mayonnaise?

Absolutely. You can use homemade vegan mayo, blended silken tofu, mashed avocado, or even tahini for a different flavor profile. Adjust the consistency with a splash of plant-based milk if necessary.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, provided that the vegan mayonnaise and other ingredients used are gluten-free. Always check labels if you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

How can I customize the flavor?

Adjust seasonings, add herbs, or include spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Incorporating different fruits or nuts also changes the flavor and texture profile to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

This vegan coleslaw from The Happy Pear, featured on Love With Recipes, embodies simplicity, freshness, and versatility. Its balanced acidity, sweetness, and crunchy texture make it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of plant-based meals or as a stand-alone salad. By using wholesome ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy a nutritious, delicious, and vibrant side dish that will impress family and friends alike. Experiment with add-ins and flavor tweaks to make it uniquely yours, and relish the satisfaction of creating a healthy, vegan masterpiece that celebrates plant-based eating at its best.

References

• “The Happy Pear: Recipes and Inspiration for a Healthy Life,” The Happy Pear, 2022.
• “History of Coleslaw,” FoodHistory.com, 2019.