16 Healthy Southern Coleslaw Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Southern coleslaw is a staple side dish in many households, but it often gets a bad rap for being unhealthy. However, with a few simple swaps and additions, you can create a healthy and delicious version of this classic dish. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or potluck. So, put away the store-bought coleslaw and try out this homemade, healthier version.
If you're looking for a delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than this classic Southern coleslaw recipe. Made with crisp cabbage, flavorful red onions, and a creamy dressing, this coleslaw adds the perfect balance of tangy and sweet to your meal.
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Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw
Main Ingredients: Cabbage Head, Sugar, Mayonnaise, Sweet Pickle Relish
This creamy coleslaw recipe takes the classic Southern dish to the next level with the addition of a tangy, homemade dressing. Made with mayo, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey, this coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
Add some green to your plate with this flavorful and nutritious Southern collard greens recipe. Simmered with smoked turkey for added flavor, these greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and make the perfect side dish for any meal.
For a twist on the classic collard greens, try this recipe for Southern greens. Made with a variety of leafy greens, including collards, kale, and mustard greens, this dish is packed with vitamins and minerals and pairs perfectly with your beer can chicken.
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Vegan Southern-Style Mixed Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Vegetable Broth, Onion, Garlic, Dried Thyme
If you're looking for a vegan option for your beer can chicken dinner, try this recipe for Southern-style mixed greens. Made with a variety of greens and flavored with garlic, onion, and vegetable broth, this dish is full of flavor and nutrition.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken dinner. Made with cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, and a touch of honey, this cornbread is moist, flavorful, and easy to make.
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Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Turkey Leg, Water, Minced Garlic
Add some protein to your side dish with this recipe for Southern green beans with smoked turkey. The smoked turkey adds a delicious smoky flavor to the green beans, making it the perfect complement to your beer can chicken.
If you're in the mood for some Southern comfort food, try this recipe for Southern smothered chicken. Made with chicken thighs smothered in a flavorful gravy and cooked until tender, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
For a twist on traditional stuffing, try this Southern cornbread dressing recipe. Made with cornbread, onions, celery, and chicken broth, this dish adds a Southern flair to your beer can chicken dinner.
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try a new protein, why not give this recipe for Southern smothered oxtails a try? Slow-cooked until tender, these oxtails are smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, making them the perfect pairing for your beer can chicken.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of warm and flaky biscuits, and this recipe for classic Southern biscuits is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Made with buttermilk, flour, and butter, these biscuits are easy to make and the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner.
For a classic Southern side dish, try this recipe for baked macaroni and cheese. Made with a blend of cheeses and baked until bubbly and golden, this mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
For a twist on the classic baked mac and cheese, try this recipe for Southern baked mac and cheese. Made with a creamy, homemade cheese sauce and topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping, this dish takes comfort food to the next level.
For a sweet ending to your beer can chicken dinner, try these Southern pecan pie bars. Made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are a delicious and easy alternative to traditional pecan pie.
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Southern Succotash Stew
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Baby Lima Beans, Vegetables, Okra, Green
This hearty and flavorful Southern succotash stew is the perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. Made with a variety of vegetables, including corn, lima beans, and tomatoes, this stew is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
No Southern meal is complete without a classic peach cobbler, and this recipe is sure to be a hit. Made with fresh peaches and a buttery, flaky crust, this cobbler is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken dinner on a sweet note.
For a traditional and simple side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try this recipe for classic Southern collard greens. Made with collard greens, bacon, and a touch of vinegar, these greens are a staple in Southern cuisine and add a burst of flavor to any meal.
Add some Southern flair to your beer can chicken dinner with this recipe for pimento cheese. Made with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and pimentos, this creamy and tangy spread is perfect for slathering on crackers or topping your chicken.
If you prefer a more traditional coleslaw, this recipe for classic Southern coleslaw is the perfect choice. Made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing, this coleslaw is a simple and delicious side dish for any meal.
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Vegan Red Beans and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Scallions, Celery, Garlic, Extra Virgin
For a vegan option to serve with your beer can chicken, try these red beans and rice stuffed peppers. Made with a flavorful mix of red beans, rice, and veggies, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal.
Healthier Dressing Options
Skip the Mayo
Traditional coleslaw recipes usually call for a heavy dose of mayonnaise, which can quickly add up in calories and fat. Instead, opt for a lighter dressing made with Greek yogurt. This creamy and tangy alternative is high in protein and lower in calories, making it a healthier choice for your coleslaw.
Add Some Citrus
Another way to add flavor to your coleslaw dressing without the added calories is by incorporating citrus juice. Lemon, lime, or orange juice can add a refreshing tang and a dose of vitamin C to your coleslaw. You can also add some zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Incorporating Fresh Vegetables
Mix in Shredded Cabbage
Cabbage is the star of coleslaw, but instead of using a pre-shredded bag, opt for a whole head of cabbage and shred it yourself. This way, you can control the texture and ensure that you're using fresh, crisp cabbage in your coleslaw. Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your dish.
Load Up on Vegetables
While cabbage is the main ingredient in coleslaw, don't be afraid to add in other veggies to boost the nutritional value. Shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, and chopped broccoli all add color, crunch, and nutrients to your coleslaw. Plus, the more vegetables you add, the more filling and satisfying your coleslaw will be.
Final Touches
Switch Up the Sweetener
Many coleslaw recipes call for sugar to balance out the tangy dressing, but there are healthier alternatives. Try using honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar instead. These natural sweeteners add a touch of sweetness without the added processed sugar.
Top it Off with Nuts or Seeds
For added crunch and healthy fats, top your coleslaw with some nuts or seeds. Walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds all make great additions to coleslaw. They will not only add texture and flavor but also increase the nutritional value of your dish.
With these simple tweaks and additions, you can create a healthy and delicious southern coleslaw recipe that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, ditch the store-bought versions and give this homemade recipe a try. Your taste buds and your health will thank you.
