Cherry Cole Slaw: A Summer Celebration in a Bowl
I have the fondest memories of summer picnics growing up, and there was always one dish that stood out amidst the burgers and potato salad: my Aunt Carol’s legendary cole slaw. It wasn’t just any cole slaw; she always had some secret ingredient that made it a little different. One year, she added cherries, freshly picked from her backyard tree. The sweet, juicy bursts of cherry were such a perfect counterpoint to the tangy dressing and crisp cabbage. Instantly, cherry cole slaw became the iconic flavour of summer in our family, and I’m thrilled to share my version of that wonderful recipe with you today!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Dietary Type: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons frozen lime juice concentrate, thawed
- 1 jalapeno pepper, deseeded and minced
- ½ teaspoon lime zest (use the above fresh limes to get zest)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, to your taste
Slaw
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 3 cups fresh sweet cherries, halved and pitted
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn (remove stems if you wish)
- 1 cup jicama, shredded
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped (decrease or omit if desired)
- ½ cup red onion, diced
Equipment Needed
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Large glass serving bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- First, prepare the dressing. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, thawed lime juice concentrate, minced jalapeno, lime zest, chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat to a boil, stirring constantly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and set the dressing aside to cool completely. The cooling process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- While the dressing is cooling, prepare the slaw. In a large glass serving bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, halved and pitted cherries, torn spinach leaves, shredded jicama, chopped cilantro, and diced red onion.
- Gently toss all the slaw ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.
- Once the dressing has cooled down, pour it over the slaw mixture in the bowl.
- Toss the slaw thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Make sure the dressing is distributed throughout the salad so every bite is flavourful.
- Serve immediately, or chill for later.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dressing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before tossing it with the slaw.
- Cherry Prep: Pit the cherries efficiently using a cherry pitter, or try using a clean paper clip to push the pit out. Halving the cherries ensures a better balance of sweet and tangy flavor throughout the slaw.
- Spice Control: The jalapeno adds a lovely warmth, but adjust the amount to your preference. For a milder slaw, remove the seeds and membranes completely. For extra heat, leave some of the seeds in.
- Jicama Tip: Jicama adds a wonderful crunch. If you can’t find jicama, try using water chestnuts or daikon radish for a similar texture.
- Herb Preference: Cilantro can be divisive. If you’re not a fan, feel free to substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a refreshing twist.
- Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually, tossing as you go. You want the slaw to be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
This Cherry Cole Slaw is a fantastic side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any summer gathering. It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or even vegetarian burgers. Serve it chilled for the best flavour and texture.
To store leftovers, place the slaw in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days, as the cabbage and spinach can wilt and the dressing can become watery over time. While it’s best fresh, a little wilting won’t impact the flavour profile too much.
It is not recommended to freeze this slaw, as the texture of the vegetables will change significantly upon thawing.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 115.7 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 43g | 38% |
| Total Fat | 4.8 g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 92.3 mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.5 g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 16% |
| Sugars | 12.2 g | 48% |
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% |
Variations & Substitutions
- Creamy Version: For a creamier slaw, add 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing. Adjust the lime juice to balance the flavours.
- Spicy Slaw: Increase the amount of jalapeno or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup of toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans for added texture and flavour.
- Citrus Boost: Experiment with different citrus juices like orange or grapefruit for a unique twist on the dressing.
- Vegan Slaw: Ensure your lime juice concentrate is vegan-friendly. Most are, but it’s always good to check!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
A: Fresh cherries are preferred for their texture and flavour, but frozen cherries can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding them to the slaw.
Q: How long does the slaw last in the refrigerator?
A: The slaw is best consumed within 1-2 days, as the vegetables can wilt and the dressing can become watery over time.
Q: Can I make this slaw without cilantro?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or mint for a refreshing twist.
Q: What is jicama, and where can I find it?
A: Jicama is a crisp, slightly sweet root vegetable. You can usually find it in the produce section of most grocery stores.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage mix instead of shredding my own?
A: Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage mix to save time. Just be sure to check the quality and freshness of the mix before using it.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that food has the power to evoke memories and create new ones. This Cherry Cole Slaw recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of summer, fresh ingredients, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover the delightful combination of sweet cherries, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing. And maybe, just maybe, it will become a summer tradition in your family too! Let me know what you think and what variations you try. Bon appétit!