We’ve always been fans of Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw for its fresh crunch and zesty twist on a classic side. This Mediterranean-inspired favorite from the beloved restaurant chain adds vibrant flavors that elevate any meal making it a go-to for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Originating from Zoe’s Kitchen’s wholesome ethos our version captures that light tangy essence while keeping things simple and approachable. Whether you’re a coleslaw newbie or a seasoned pro you’ll love how easy it is to whip up at home.
Ingredients
As we dive deeper into crafting our Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw recipe, we focus on the vibrant, fresh ingredients that deliver its signature crisp texture and Mediterranean-inspired tang, perfectly complementing everyday meals with their simple yet flavorful profile.
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients, ordered as they are typically prepared and used in the recipe:
- Green Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 2 pounds), finely shredded for the base—its crisp, refreshing crunch forms the heart of this coleslaw’s appeal.
- Carrots: 2 large (about 1 cup), grated to add natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue that enhances both visual appeal and flavor balance.
- Red Onion: 1 small (about 1/2 cup), thinly sliced for a sharp, zesty kick that ties into the dish’s Mediterranean essence without overwhelming the palate.
- Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup packed fresh parsley or dill, finely chopped—these provide an aromatic, herbaceous lift that evokes the original recipe’s light, tangy notes.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup—serves as the base for the dressing, contributing a smooth, fruity richness that keeps the coleslaw light and healthy.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons—adds the tart acidity essential for that authentic Zoe’s Kitchen zing.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed—for an extra bright, citrusy burst that brightens the overall flavor.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon—balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness, making the dish versatile for various tastes.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste—these enhance the bold, harmonious flavors without dominating the fresh ingredients.
For nutritional highlights, we summarize key data in the table below to help you make informed choices:
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Key Nutrients (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Cabbage | 1 cup shredded | 22 | Vitamin C (54% DV), Fiber (2g) |
| Carrots | 1 cup grated | 52 | Vitamin A (204% DV), Potassium (7%) |
| Red Onion | 1/2 cup sliced | 32 | Vitamin C (10% DV), Antioxidants |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | 120 | Healthy Fats (Monounsaturated) |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tbsp | 3 | Acetic Acid (for digestion support) |
This selection ensures our Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw remains approachable and packed with fresh, sensory delights for any occasion.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw recipe to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few key pieces of equipment that streamline the preparation process. These tools ensure that shredding, mixing, and seasoning go smoothly while maintaining the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors we love in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Here’s a curated list of the essential equipment, organized by function for quick reference:
- Cutting Board: We use a sturdy, non-slip cutting board as our base for safely chopping and shredding ingredients like green cabbage and red onion. Opt for a large one to handle multiple items at once.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is indispensable for finely slicing cabbage and carrots, helping us achieve the signature crisp texture that makes Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw stand out.
- Box Grater: For grating carrots quickly and evenly, we recommend a box grater with various sides. It saves time compared to using a knife alone.
- Large Mixing Bowl: We select a spacious mixing bowl—ideally glass or stainless steel—to combine all the fresh ingredients, allowing room for tossing without spills.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our tangy dressing, so we always have a set of measuring cups and spoons on hand for ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, and honey.
- Whisk or Wooden Spoon: A whisk works best for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly, while a wooden spoon is perfect for gently mixing the coleslaw to preserve its delicate crunch.
With this equipment ready, we’re set to move forward and transform those vibrant ingredients into a flavorful Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw that elevates any meal.
Instructions
We’ll walk you through preparing Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw Recipe with simple, step-by-step guidance to achieve its signature fresh crunch and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Using the ingredients and tools we’ve outlined, let’s transform them into a tangy, vibrant side dish.
Prepare the Vegetables
First, gather the fresh produce to create the crisp base of our Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw. Start by washing 4 cups of green cabbage under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry and finely shred it using a sharp chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board—this ensures even pieces that deliver that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Next, take 1 cup of carrots and grate them quickly with a box grater for a tender yet firm texture that adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness to the mix.
Then, peel and thinly slice ½ a red onion into delicate rings or half-moons, aiming for uniformity to avoid overpowering the dish with too much sharpness.
Finally, chop ¼ cup of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, releasing their aromatic oils for a burst of herbaceous fragrance that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Make the Dressing
Let’s craft the tangy dressing that defines Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw Recipe, blending simple ingredients into a harmonious mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, whisking vigorously to emulsify and create a smooth base that coats the vegetables perfectly.
Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of natural sweetness that balances the acidity, then incorporate ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, along with any optional seasonings like garlic powder or cumin, to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired zest.
Use a whisk or wooden spoon to blend everything until the mixture turns glossy and well-integrated, producing a dressing with a light, zesty aroma that promises to awaken your senses.
Combine and Chill
With the vegetables prepped and dressing ready, it’s time to assemble our Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw for maximum flavor infusion. In the large mixing bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, sliced red onion, and chopped herbs to the dressing, then toss everything together gently with a wooden spoon until the vegetables are evenly coated, allowing the tangy flavors to cling to each piece for a refreshing, crisp bite.
Once combined, transfer the coleslaw to a clean bowl or airtight container, cover it, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—or up to 2 hours for best results—to let the flavors meld and intensify, resulting in a cooler, more vibrant texture that’s ideal for serving.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it ahead to lock in that fresh crunch and tangy Mediterranean flavors without sacrificing quality. This approach not only saves time during gatherings or weeknight dinners but also allows the ingredients to meld, enhancing the overall sensory experience with brighter tastes and textures.
Steps for Preparing Ahead
Follow these simple, step-by-step guidelines to make Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw in advance:
- Prepare the Vegetables Separately: After shredding the green cabbage, grating the carrots, slicing the red onion, and chopping the fresh herbs as outlined in our earlier steps, we place them in a large, airtight container. This keeps their crisp texture intact—aim to avoid any moisture buildup that could lead to wilting.
- Make and Store the Dressing: Whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings in a separate jar or bowl. We seal it tightly and refrigerate it, as this prevents the acidity from breaking down the vegetables prematurely and preserves the dressing’s vibrant, zesty essence.
- Assemble Just Before Serving: For optimal freshness, we recommend combining the vegetables with the dressing no more than 1-2 hours before you plan to serve the coleslaw. If making it further in advance, store the mixed coleslaw in the refrigerator and stir gently before serving to redistribute flavors and maintain that signature crunch.
Storage Tips and Timeline
To help you plan effectively, here’s a quick overview of storage durations and best practices for Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw:
| Component | Storage Method | Recommended Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared Vegetables | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 24 hours | Keep away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples to prevent softening. |
| Dressing | Sealed jar in fridge | Up to 3 days | Shake well before use to ensure emulsification and bold flavor. |
| Fully Assembled Coleslaw | Airtight container in fridge | Up to 2 days | Consume within this window to retain the fresh, tangy bite; beyond that, textures may dull. |
By following these instructions, we ensure Zoe’s Kitchen Coleslaw remains a refreshing, approachable side dish that elevates any meal with its light, tangy appeal.
Conclusion
We’ve explored how Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw brings fresh vibrancy to your meals
and fits seamlessly into any routine. It’s a recipe that elevates everyday dining
with its effortless charm and health benefits.
Let’s make this a go-to favorite in our kitchens—it’s sure to delight and inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw?
Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw is a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired side dish known for its crunchy texture and tangy flavors. It features shredded cabbage, carrots, and herbs mixed with a light dressing of olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. This simple recipe is perfect for meals, gatherings, or weeknight dinners, offering a healthy, approachable option that enhances any plate.
What ingredients are in Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw?
Key ingredients include finely shredded green cabbage, grated carrots, thinly sliced red onion, fresh herbs, extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings. These fresh components provide a crisp texture and tangy taste, while offering nutritional benefits like vitamins from veggies and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a vibrant, healthful choice.
What equipment do I need to make Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef’s knife, box grater, large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk or wooden spoon. These basic tools help efficiently prepare the vegetables and mix the dressing, ensuring a quick and easy process for creating this delicious coleslaw at home.
How do I prepare Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw?
Start by shredding cabbage, grating carrots, and slicing onions. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings for the dressing. Combine the veggies with the dressing in a bowl, mix well, and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. This simple process yields a fresh, tangy coleslaw ready in under 20 minutes of active prep.
Can I make Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day in advance. Store veggies in an airtight container in the fridge and mix with dressing just before serving to keep it crisp. This make-ahead approach maintains freshness and makes it ideal for busy schedules or events, enhancing its tangy appeal without much effort.
How should I store Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw?
Store prepared coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep vegetables and dressing separate if making ahead to preserve crunch. For best results, stir before serving to redistribute flavors. Proper storage ensures it stays fresh and tasty, making it a convenient side dish option.
Is Zoe’s Kitchen coleslaw healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with nutritious ingredients like cabbage for fiber and vitamins, carrots for beta-carotene, and olive oil for healthy fats. The recipe uses fresh herbs and minimal sweeteners, making it a low-calorie, antioxidant-rich option that supports a balanced diet. Enjoy it as a wholesome addition to meals for both taste and health benefits.