Wrightsville Beach Coleslaw: A Sunshine State of Mind in a Bowl

There’s a certain magic that happens when you stumble upon a treasure, a culinary gem tucked away in the most unexpected places. For me, that treasure was a weathered cookbook, unearthed from a rummage sale, its pages whispering tales of home cooking. Tucked within its well-loved leaves was a handwritten recipe card, simply titled “A Taste of Wrightsville Beach,” penned by a “Susette” who noted it was “Tom’s favorite.” I’d never set foot on Wrightsville Beach, a picturesque coastal town in North Carolina, but the name evoked images of salty air and sun-drenched days. This coleslaw, with its promise of a regional delight, felt like an invitation to that very beach, a portable piece of sunshine I could recreate right in my own kitchen.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (No cooking required)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8-12
• Yield: 8 cups coleslaw
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (Can be made Vegan by substituting mayonnaise with a vegan alternative)

Ingredients

This vibrant coleslaw bursts with flavor and texture, a delightful departure from the everyday.

• 5 cups cabbage, shredded: The foundation of our slaw, providing that essential crispness. You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix for convenience, or shred your own from a head of green or red cabbage, or a combination.
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted: Toasted almonds offer a delightful crunch and nutty depth. To toast them, spread them in a single layer on a dry baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly!
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries: These ruby-red jewels add a touch of sweetness and a chewy counterpoint to the crisp vegetables and crunchy almonds.
• 1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced: Also known as scallions, the green onions bring a mild, fresh oniony bite. Be sure to slice them thinly for even distribution.
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced: A small dice of green bell pepper introduces a subtle vegetal sweetness and a pleasing textural element.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy binder that brings all the elements together. Use your favorite brand; a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise will yield the best results.
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish: This adds a delightful tang and a hint of sweetness, a classic coleslaw ingredient that works beautifully here.
• 1 tablespoon honey mustard: The combination of honey mustard provides a touch of warmth and a subtle, tangy sweetness that complements the other dressing ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon honey: A touch more sweetness to balance the dressing and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, to taste: To enhance all the flavors.
• Pepper, to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle warmth.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board (if shredding your own cabbage)
• Baking sheet (if toasting your own almonds)

Instructions

Bringing together this delightful coleslaw is a straightforward process, perfect for any cook.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, finely sliced green onion, and finely diced green bell pepper. Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate medium mixing bowl, prepare the dressing. Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, honey mustard, and honey.
3. Whisk the dressing ingredients together thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
4. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust as needed.
5. Combine the slaw mixture and the prepared dressing just before serving. Toss gently until all the ingredients are coated in the creamy dressing.
6. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cabbage Prep is Key: For the crispiest coleslaw, shred your cabbage as finely as possible. If using a food processor with a shredding disc, it’s a breeze. If shredding by hand, aim for thin, uniform ribbons. Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage before shredding.
• Toasting Almonds: Don’t skip toasting the almonds! It elevates their flavor from bland to wonderfully nutty and gives them a satisfying crunch that holds up well in the slaw. Keep a close eye on them in the oven; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds.
• Dressing in Advance, Combining Later: While the coleslaw itself doesn’t require cooking, it’s best to combine the dressing ingredients and the slaw components just before serving. This ensures the vegetables retain their crispness, and the almonds don’t become soggy. You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it, covered, in the refrigerator.
• Flavor Development: If you have the time, letting the coleslaw sit for about 15-30 minutes after combining allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, it’s still delicious when served immediately.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Wrightsville Beach Coleslaw is incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic side dish for a summer barbecue, a picnic, or even a potluck. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pulled pork, burgers, or fish tacos. Serve it chilled in a decorative bowl, perhaps garnished with a few extra toasted almonds or a sprig of fresh parsley for a touch of elegance.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. While the cabbage will soften slightly over time, the flavors will continue to deepen and meld, making it still quite enjoyable. Avoid freezing coleslaw, as the texture will be compromised upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients used, particularly the type of mayonnaise.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (approx. 1 cup)	% Daily Value
Calories	145.3	–
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	9.7 g	14%
Saturated Fat	1.1 g	5%
Cholesterol	3.8 mg	1%
Sodium	174.9 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	14.2 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g	12%
Sugars	6.9 g	27%
Protein	2.8 g	5%

Note: The “Calories from Fat” and “Calories from Fat % Daily Value” were not clearly defined as a single value in the original data, so they are represented as “—”. The provided data for “Calories from Fat” was descriptive rather than quantitative.

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Omit the almonds. For a similar crunch, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas.
• Vegan Option: Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative to make this slaw entirely plant-based.
• Add a Little Heat: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the dressing.
• Fruity Twist: Swap some of the cranberries for chopped apples or pears for an autumnal variation.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh dill or chives can be a lovely addition to the slaw mixture for added freshness.

FAQs

Q: Why is it important to add the dressing just before serving?
A: Adding the dressing at the last minute helps to maintain the crisp texture of the cabbage and vegetables, preventing the slaw from becoming soggy.

Q: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Combine them only shortly before you plan to serve the slaw to preserve its freshness.

Q: What kind of cabbage is best for this recipe?
A: Green cabbage is traditional and provides a great crunch. A mix of green and red cabbage can add visual appeal and a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: How long does this coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
A: This coleslaw is best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Where does Wrightsville Beach get its name?
A: While the origin of the name isn’t definitively recorded, it’s believed to be named after a “Wrightsville” family who settled the area or after a postmaster named Wright. The “Beach” part is, of course, self-explanatory for this coastal gem.

Final Thoughts

This Wrightsville Beach Coleslaw is more than just a side dish; it’s a delightful reminder of the simple pleasures of good food and the joy of discovery. Its bright flavors and satisfying textures evoke the carefree spirit of a day at the beach, a perfect accompaniment to any meal that calls for a touch of sunshine. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a fast favorite, a beloved recipe card in your own culinary collection. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences and any delicious adaptations you might create!