Discover Mariano’s: Your Ultimate Destination for Fresh Produce, Healthy Eating, and Irresistible Rainbow Thai Coleslaw
I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.
For those who have been following my culinary adventures, you’ve undoubtedly heard me sing the praises of Mariano’s, my absolute favorite grocery store. It’s more than just a place to pick up groceries; for me, Mariano’s is a weekly escape, a genuine joy, and a source of constant inspiration. As a busy mom, finding moments for myself can be a challenge, but stepping into Mariano’s transforms a mundane errand into a delightful “me” time experience. It’s where I happily embark on my weekly grocery shopping journey, eager to explore the diverse aisles and discover new ingredients that fuel my passion for cooking and healthy eating.
My love affair with Mariano’s isn’t just about convenience; it’s about the quality and variety that make every visit an adventure. As a prominent Chicago bakery, Mariano’s boasts an incredible selection of freshly baked breads, pastries, and delectable treats that fill the air with an irresistible aroma. Beyond the bakery, their fresh seafood department offers a pristine array of oceanic delights, perfect for any special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. And let’s not forget the expansive deli, which offers everything from gourmet cheeses and premium meats to delicious prepared foods, making meal planning a breeze.
However, the real heart of Mariano’s, for me, lies in its truly immense and vibrant produce department. This is where I find myself spending the most time, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a culinary playground where inspiration strikes, helping me envision countless healthy recipes for my family. The sheer abundance, the vibrant colors, and the undeniable freshness of every item make it a joy to shop for our weekly food. From everyday staples to exotic finds, Mariano’s ensures I always leave with a basket full of possibilities.
Today, I’m thrilled to partner with #CollectiveBias and #MyMarianos to share one of my absolute favorite meatless recipes: a vibrant and utterly delicious **Rainbow Thai Coleslaw with Sweet Cilantro-Lime Dressing**. This recipe perfectly embodies my current health journey. Having recently welcomed a new baby, I am now fully immersed in my “drop that baby weight” mode. My current health goals involve a consistent routine of working out, dedicated yoga sessions, and, crucially, a commitment to eating extra healthy meals packed with protein and a rainbow of vegetables. Eating the “rainbow” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a fundamental principle for achieving a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, ensuring I get a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Incorporating more meatless meals into our weekly meal planning has become another key focus. We’ve happily adopted “Meatless Monday” in our household, a simple yet effective way to introduce more plant-based nutrition. This shift has not only been great for our health but also for exploring new flavors and ingredients. I’m genuinely excited to continue creating and sharing more delicious vegetarian recipes like this one with all of you!
Mariano’s unparalleled produce section is truly my secret weapon when it comes to creating these vibrant, healthy recipes. Its sheer size and bountiful offerings are unmatched. They thoughtfully provide both organic and non-organic options, catering to diverse preferences. Beyond the everyday staples, I can always find unique ingredients like hearty kale, crisp bok choy, an impressive variety of squash, and an assortment of exotic fruits. This incredible selection empowers me to experiment with new flavors and textures, making “eating the rainbow” not just a goal, but an exciting culinary journey every week.
The Rainbow Thai Coleslaw with Sweet Cilantro-Lime Dressing is a true celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. This colorful salad combines thinly shredded cabbage for a satisfying crunch, sweet carrots, crisp bell peppers, refreshing cucumbers, fragrant fresh cilantro, protein-rich edamame, and crunchy peanuts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing not only to the visual appeal but also to a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The real star that ties it all together is the homemade sweet cilantro-lime dressing, a delightful concoction that balances tanginess with a hint of sweetness and the bright, aromatic essence of fresh cilantro.
This coleslaw is incredibly light and fresh, making it an ideal dish for warmer weather. It immediately brings to mind sunny gatherings and summer BBQs, where it would undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant appearance and refreshing taste are a welcome addition to any outdoor feast, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional heavy side dishes. But its appeal extends far beyond just summer events.
One of the best aspects of this Rainbow Thai Coleslaw is its versatility and suitability for meal prepping. You can easily prepare a large batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week for quick and healthy dinners or lunches. The key meal prep tip is to keep the dressing separate from the coleslaw until you are ready to eat it. This prevents the vegetables from becoming soggy and ensures that every serving retains its crisp texture and fresh flavor. Simply portion out your desired amount of coleslaw, drizzle with the dressing, and toss just before enjoying. The edamame and peanuts in this recipe offer a significant boost of plant-based protein, making this salad incredibly satisfying and filling. Coupled with the extensive array of fresh vegetables, you’ll easily get more than your daily recommended dose of essential nutrients with every vibrant bite!
Don’t forget that you can easily save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box with the 
button found on all my recipes! This handy feature allows you to create a personalized Meal Plan with your “favorited” recipes, and the ingredients will automatically be added to your very own Grocery List, making shopping even simpler.
If you’re a regular shopper at Mariano’s, make sure you sign up for the Mariano’s Reward Card. It’s a fantastic way to earn rewards for every dollar you spend, enhancing your shopping experience even further.
Connect with Mariano’s in the following places for updates, promotions, and inspiration:
Mariano’s Official Website
I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.
Julia