Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw Recipe

The Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw is a crisp, colourful, and refreshing salad that adds life to any cold-weather meal. Unlike traditional coleslaw, this winter version combines earthy root vegetables and a creamy yet tangy dressing, balancing freshness with hearty textures. It’s ideal as a side dish for roasts, grilled meats, or even festive buffets, offering crunch and vibrant flavour during the colder months.

What Is Mary Berry’s Winter Coleslaw?

Mary Berry’s Winter Coleslaw is a seasonal twist on the classic coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and parsnips, often enhanced with apples or red onions for extra flavour. The dressing typically includes mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice, creating a creamy and zesty balance. It’s versatile, easy to make, and a perfect way to use up winter vegetables.

Other Popular Mary Berry Soup Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken and Vegetable Soup
• Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Winter Vegetable Soup
• Mary Berry Cream of Asparagus Soup
• Mary Berry Courgette Soup

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Fresh and colourful – A great way to brighten up winter meals.
• Easy to prepare – No cooking, just chopping and mixing.
• Versatile pairing – Complements meats, fish, or vegetarian dishes.
• Healthy option – Packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Make-ahead friendly – Keeps well in the fridge for days.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw

• White cabbage – ½ small head, finely shredded
• Red cabbage – ¼ small head, finely shredded
• Carrots – 2 large, peeled and grated
• Parsnip – 1 medium, peeled and grated
• Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
• Green apple – 1, julienned or grated (optional for sweetness)
• Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped

For the dressing:

• Mayonnaise – 150ml
• Greek yogurt – 2 tbsp
• Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Honey – 1 tsp
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste

(Optional: add a splash of cider vinegar for extra tang.)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Grater or food processor
• Whisk
• Serving bowl or airtight container

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables

Finely shred the white and red cabbage, then grate the carrots and parsnips. Thinly slice the red onion and, if using, julienne the apple. Add all vegetables to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the coleslaw

Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill before serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavours to blend and the cabbage to soften slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a vibrant finish. Serve chilled as a side dish with roasted meats, sandwiches, or baked potatoes.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Coleslaw too watery – Drained excess moisture from cabbage before mixing.
• Too sharp – Reduced lemon juice and added a touch more honey.
• Overly creamy – Added more shredded vegetables to balance the texture.
• Flavour too flat – Increased mustard and salt for extra zing.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Winter Coleslaw

• Use light mayonnaise or low-fat yogurt for the dressing.
• Add apple cider vinegar instead of extra mayo for brightness.
• Reduce or skip honey for a lower-sugar version.
• Include more raw greens like kale or spinach for extra fibre.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw

• Greek yogurt – Use sour cream or crème fraîche.
• Dijon mustard – Replace with English mustard or wholegrain mustard.
• Lemon juice – Use apple cider vinegar for a sharper flavour.
• Parsnip – Swap with celeriac or beetroot for a deeper taste.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw

• Roast chicken – Balances the richness with freshness.
• Pulled pork – A classic creamy contrast.
• Grilled fish – Adds crunch to light dishes.
• Beef burgers – Perfect for casual meals.
• Vegetable pies – A refreshing side for heavy dishes.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw

• Use a mandoline – Ensures even, thinly sliced vegetables.
• Chill before serving – Enhances flavour and texture.
• Don’t overdress – Start with less sauce, then add more as needed.
• Mix just before serving – Keeps the coleslaw crisp.
• Balance sweetness and tang – Adjust honey and lemon to your taste.
• Add nuts or seeds – Sprinkle toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch.
• Store properly – Keep airtight to maintain freshness.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw

• Add dried cranberries – For a festive touch.
• Include roasted nuts – Adds texture and flavour depth.
• Make it spicy – Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or hot mustard.
• Add cheese – Crumbled blue cheese or feta adds richness.
• Use red apples – Adds sweetness and colour contrast.
• Turn it into a meal – Toss with cooked chicken or beans.

Storing Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep dressing separate – Mix fresh before serving for best texture.
• Avoid freezing – The vegetables lose crunch after thawing.
• Stir before serving – Redistributes the dressing evenly.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw (If Needed)

Coleslaw is meant to be served cold. However, if used in a warm wrap or sandwich, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving — never heat directly, as the dressing may separate.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fat: 16g
• Fibre: 4g

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FAQs

How do I keep Mary Berry’s Winter Coleslaw crunchy?

To keep the coleslaw crisp, make sure the cabbage is well-drained before mixing with the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving, as letting it sit too long can soften the vegetables. Chilling it for 30 minutes before serving also helps maintain crunch.

Can I make Mary Berry’s Winter Coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing a day ahead, but store them separately in the fridge. Combine them about 30 minutes before serving to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in coleslaw dressing?

You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or crème fraîche for a lighter version. These alternatives give the same creamy texture while adding a tangy freshness to the dressing.

Why is my coleslaw watery after mixing?

Coleslaw can turn watery if the cabbage releases moisture. To fix this, sprinkle a little salt over the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid before adding the dressing. This keeps the salad crisp and flavorful.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw is a crunchy, colourful salad that proves healthy eating can be both simple and delicious. With its perfect blend of creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a side dish that brightens any winter table. Fresh, versatile, and full of flavour, it’s sure to become a regular in your cold-weather recipe collection.