If you are craving something fresh, vibrant, and exotically creamy to brighten up your meal, this Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. It brings together the perfect combination of crunchy green and purple cabbages with a luscious coconut-infused dressing that feels both comforting and refreshingly tropical. The hint of horseradish adds a gentle kick, while the natural sweetness and tang from coconut milk and apple cider vinegar elevate this coleslaw to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether it’s a side for your barbecue or a colorful salad centerpiece, this dish will quickly become one of your summertime favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but thoughtfully chosen, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a fantastic balance of flavors and textures in your Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe. Each brings something important to the table, from the crispness of the cabbage to the rich creaminess of the coconut milk-based dressing.
- Green cabbage: Provides the hearty crunch and classic coleslaw foundation with a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Purple cabbage: Adds a lovely pop of color and a slightly sweeter, more tender texture that complements the green cabbage beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the coleslaw together, lending richness and smoothness.
- Coconut milk (unsweetened): Brings a subtle tropical creaminess that makes this coleslaw refreshingly unique without overpowering the other flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the vinegar and the sharpness of the horseradish.
- Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): Provides essential acidity to brighten up the dressing and wake up the flavors.
- Horseradish cream sauce: Offers a mild heat and piquant flair that complements the creamy coconut base perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise with the unsweetened coconut milk to achieve a beautifully velvety base. Then, add the horseradish cream sauce, sugar, and apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy. This unique dressing is the heart of the Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe, infusing it with that signature subtle sweetness and tang combined with a hint of spice.
Step 2: Slice the Cabbage
Take half of a medium green cabbage and slice it thinly but leave some pieces slightly bigger for a satisfying crunch. Next, slice a small quarter of purple cabbage very thinly to create an appealing color contrast and a delicate texture. Mixing different thicknesses will ensure every bite is interesting and delicious.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Place both cabbages in a medium-sized bowl and gently pour the creamy coconut dressing over them. Using a large spoon, toss everything together to coat all the cabbage evenly. Make sure to lift from the bottom to bring up any dressing that might settle, so every shred is luxuriously coated.
Step 4: Let it Rest and Stir Before Serving
While this coleslaw can be served immediately for that crisp freshness, letting it sit for a short time allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Just before serving, give it a quick stir to redistribute any dressing that has settled. This step ensures you get the rich, creamy taste in every forkful of this Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut or chopped fresh cilantro on top for a delightful visual appeal and an extra layer of texture and flavor. A zest of lime over the coleslaw will also brighten the dish beautifully and complement the coconut notes.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw pairs brilliantly with grilled chicken, fresh seafood like shrimp or fish tacos, or even alongside burgers and sandwiches for a tropical twist. It’s a versatile side that elevates any casual meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and elegant touch, serve the coleslaw in mini mason jars as individual portions or stuff it into lettuce cups for bite-sized, refreshing appetizers. You can also use it as a topping on crispy crackers or flatbreads, combining the creamy coconut flavors with a crunchy snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, but for the best texture, give it a good stir before serving to refresh the crispness.
Freezing
This coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh or chilled and not recommended for freezing. The high water content in cabbage and the creamy coconut dressing do not freeze well, as they can separate and lose their texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or advised. Simply give it a stir and serve chilled for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative?
Absolutely! You can use vegan mayonnaise to keep this Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe plant-based without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
Is unsweetened coconut milk essential?
Yes, unsweetened coconut milk works best to avoid adding unnecessary sweetness. It provides that authentic creamy coconut taste that balances perfectly with the other ingredients.
Can I make this coleslaw the day before?
Yes, making it a day ahead helps the flavors develop beautifully. Just ensure you store it in an airtight container and stir before serving.
What if I don’t have horseradish cream sauce?
If you can’t find horseradish cream sauce, a small amount of prepared horseradish or Dijon mustard can work as a substitute to add a similar tangy kick.
How can I make this coleslaw less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of granulated sugar to your liking or opt for a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a different flavor nuance.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe is such a refreshing and unique twist on a classic side dish. The blend of crunchy cabbages with the dreamy, tropical coconut dressing creates a perfect balance that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try next time you want to brighten up your meal with something a little different but incredibly satisfying. You’ll quickly see why it’s become a personal favorite that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious.
Print
Creamy Coconut Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Coconut Coleslaw is a refreshing and dairy-free twist on the classic coleslaw, featuring a rich and tangy coconut milk-based dressing combined with crisp green and purple cabbage. Perfect as a vibrant side dish, it balances creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a hint of horseradish, delivering a delicious accompaniment for summer barbecues or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small purple cabbage, very thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup coconut milk (original, unsweetened)
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp horseradish cream sauce
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup unsweetened original coconut milk, 1 teaspoon horseradish cream sauce, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice if preferred) until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Prepare the cabbage: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced green cabbage and very thinly sliced purple cabbage, enjoying the contrast in texture and color between the larger green pieces and thinner purple shreds.
- Combine: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure that the dressing evenly coats all the cabbage.
- Serve: Just before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Enjoy the fresh, tangy, and creamy coleslaw as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon juice for apple cider vinegar if preferred; both work equally well.
- For best texture, slice the cabbage as thinly as possible, especially the purple cabbage.
- This coleslaw is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- The addition of horseradish cream adds a subtle heat and depth, but it can be adjusted or omitted according to taste.
- Use real mayonnaise for the creamiest texture; lighter versions may alter the richness.
