Coleslaw: A New Spin on an Old Favorite

Many of us are familiar with the coleslaw recipe that is a common side dish for picnics and family gatherings. Green cabbage, being the central ingredient, is usually shredded along with carrots and red cabbage, and then the vegetables are mixed into a dressing created primarily from mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and either vinegar or sugar.

It is a delight to the tongue, for sure.

Recently, however, when I began to gather information on high fructose corn syrup and processed foods, I decided that the empty jar of mayo would be the last. When it came time to make my favorite slaw, I was a bit confused about what to do for the dressing; but a little creativity quickly solved the problem in a tasty manner.

I found the following taste combination by simply using what was in the refrigerator at the time and what sounded like it would go well together. If you’re looking for a new, fresh tasting, interesting alternative to the typical coleslaw recipe, consider trying this.

Green cabbage
Carrot
Zucchini
Red bell pepper to taste
Red cabbage
Spinach
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Put everything in a food processor instead of shredding, but be certain to follow any instructions and/or limitations for the individual food processor being used. Begin with processing the carrot so that the juices emerge. (Oh, and zucchini doesn’t have to be peeled, but I do snip the ends off.) The final texture is not the typical coleslaw texture, but it is close and much easier than shredding the individual ingredients. Adding the cabbage last will help in creating a texture similar to traditional coleslaw.

When I made the slaw, I used an entire carrot, an entire zucchini, a couple handfuls of spinach, about one-half of a red bell pepper, and approximately one-quarter of a head of cabbage. What I found was an interesting combination, and the carrot juices work as the “dressing” and add a hint of sweetness. If one wanted, a little sugar, sugar-substitute, or raw honey could be added to sweeten the mixture, but I enjoyed the fresh, clean taste of the blend without additional sweetness.

There are so many different variations that could be pleasing to the taste-buds. By simply experimenting a bit in the kitchen, one may discover brand new flavors to be enjoyed for years to come.

Enjoy!