Halloween Spooky Coleslaw
This Halloween-inspired coleslaw combines crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy dressing infused with dark food coloring or smoked paprika for a spooky aesthetic. The dish offers a crisp texture with vibrant and dark hues, perfect for fall festivities and haunting spreads. Its playful appearance and fresh flavors make it a memorable side for any Halloween gathering.
Print
Pin
Calories: 150kcal
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Mandoline or sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups green or purple cabbage, shredded use a mandoline or sharp knife for even shreds
- 1 cup carrots, julienned for neat, uniform strips
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise creaminess binds the slaw
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar adds bright acidity
- 1 teaspoon honey balances the flavors
- a few drops black food coloring or smoked paprika for spooky dark hue
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions or herbs adds freshness and a sharp bite
Instructions
- Start by shredding the cabbage and julienning the carrots using a mandoline or sharp knife, then transfer them into a large mixing bowl. The vegetables should look evenly shredded and vibrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy. You should hear a gentle whisking sound and see a pale, uniform mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are fully coated and glistening. The mixture should feel creamy and colorful.
- Stir in a few drops of black food coloring or a pinch of smoked paprika to give the coleslaw a spooky, dark hue. Add gradually to control the intensity, watching the color deepen with each addition.
- Add the chopped scallions or herbs to the bowl, folding them into the mixture for fresh bursts of flavor. The herbs should be evenly distributed, with bright green bits visible throughout.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and keeps the vegetables crisp for serving.
- Before serving, toss the coleslaw once more to redistribute the dark hue and flavors. Transfer it to a spooky serving bowl or place it inside a carved pumpkin for a fun Halloween presentation.
Notes
Adjust the amount of food coloring or smoked paprika to achieve your desired spooky darkness. For a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before chilling. Ensure the cabbage is finely shredded for a delicate texture and even color distribution.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 180mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 0.4mg