Luau Cole Slaw

Prep: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A vibrant, sweet-tangy coleslaw featuring mandarin oranges and cranberry sauce, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or holiday tables with a fresh, fruity flavor profile.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Best Foods mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 3 quarts finely shredded cabbage (about 3 lb.)
  • 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained
  • 1 (6 oz.) can cranberry sauce, cut in cubes and chilled

Instructions

  1. Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; chill.
  2. Just before serving, add shredded cabbage and drained mandarin orange sections; toss until evenly coated.
  3. Add chilled, cubed cranberry sauce; toss lightly and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option. You can also substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a tangy twist. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some chopped nuts or sunflower seeds. This slaw is versatile, and you can even incorporate elements from American recipes by adding diced apples or raisins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Luau Cole Slaw as a vibrant side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and complements dishes like Elbert'S Baked Beef Stew. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light sandwich or wraps, and a refreshing drink like Simple Fruit Punch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cabbage may become softer over time, so it's best to enjoy it fresh. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in a microwave, but note that cole slaw is typically served cold, which enhances its refreshing taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Luau Cole Slaw contains roughly 436 calories, with 3g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

436 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.8g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.9g 1% DV
Carbs 109.3g 40% DV
Fiber 3.3g 12% DV
Sugar 86.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 952.5mg 41% DV
Potassium 195.6mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 69.1mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 16.5mg 18% DV
Calcium 34.1mg 3% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cole slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and shred the cabbage a day in advance. However, it's best to combine them just before serving to maintain the crunch of the cabbage. If you mix everything too early, the cabbage may wilt, losing its fresh texture.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can substitute mayonnaise with a vegan alternative like mashed avocado or silken tofu blended until smooth. This will give you a creamy base while keeping it dairy-free. Another option is to use a tangy yogurt dressing for a lighter flavor.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Always check that your mayonnaise and other packaged items are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty cole slaw.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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