Coleslaw Without Mayo Recipe

There’s something utterly satisfying about tossing together this vibrant, crunchy coleslaw—it’s like crafting a bowl of happiness that’s destined to brighten up any meal with its tangy-sweet zing and colorful crunch!

I love to make a crisp, vibrant coleslaw that replaces the usual mayo with a lighter, fresher dressing. This recipe combines the crunch of shredded green and red cabbage (I love the color contrast!) with the sweetness of grated carrot and red bell pepper (so pretty, again, with the color contrast!).

I dress it with a tangy dressing made of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey. It’s deliciously tart and, by contrast, sweet.

Coleslaw Without Mayo Recipe Ingredients

• Green Cabbage: Rich in fiber and vitamin C.

  Adds crunch.

• Red Cabbage: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vibrant color.
• Carrot: Provides beta-carotene and a natural sweetness.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C, adds sweetness and color.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives a tangy flavor, aids digestion.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, brings together dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a piquant taste and emulsifies dressing.
• Honey: Natural sweetener balancing acidity.

Coleslaw Without Mayo Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this Coleslaw Without Mayo Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the finely shredded green cabbage and red cabbage.

2. Combine the bowl of cabbages with the grated carrot and the red bell pepper cut into thin strips, mixing thoroughly so that the colors and shapes of the different ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. In another small bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk them together until they’re well blended.

4. Incorporate the celery seeds, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the vinegar mixture by whisking it again.

5. Dressing mixture in large mixing bowl cabbage pour over.

6. Throw the vegetables into the dressing and mix until all the vegetables are well-coated.

7. For at least 15 minutes, allow the coleslaw to sit before serving so that the flavors can meld.

8. If desired, season more with salt and pepper.

9. Serve the coleslaw in a serving dish.

10. Present as a chilled or room-temperature dish, as a bright and crisp counterpoint to anything rich.

Coleslaw Without Mayo Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Vegetable peeler
5. Grater
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use all green cabbage instead of mixing with red cabbage?Certainly, if you wish, you can use only green cabbage. Using a combination of red and green cabbages gives a pleasing color contrast and a bit of flavor variation, but it’s not at all essential.
• Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?If you lack apple cider vinegar, you can replace it with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?Indeed, the coleslaw can be prepared a couple of hours beforehand. In fact, it’s almost a must to let it sit for a while to allow the flavors to meld, but it’s best eaten within a day.
• Can I add other vegetables?Yes, you can definitely include other vegetables like shredded radishes or celery for additional crunch. Just maintain the overall ratios, and you’ll be fine.
  
• Is there a vegan substitute for honey?Maple syrup and agave nectar are both vegan-friendly substitutes for honey.
• How long will the coleslaw last in the refrigerator?Coleslaw will keep in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, it may still be safe to eat, but the flavor and texture will likely have deteriorated.
• Can I omit the celery seeds?Certainly, if you don’t have them, feel free to leave out the celery seeds. But they add nice depth of flavor to the dressing.

Coleslaw Without Mayo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For a different texture, Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage can be used instead of green cabbage.
If you can’t find red cabbage, you can substitute it with extra green cabbage. However, you won’t get the same color contrast.
If you lack apple cider vinegar, try rice vinegar or white wine vinegar for a tasting flavor profile that is nearly identical to that of apple cider vinegar.
Avocado oil or sunflower oil can substitute for olive oil when you want a neutral taste.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can replace honey if you’re looking for a sweet alternative.

Pro Tips

1. For extra crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted seeds or nuts, such as sunflower seeds or sliced almonds, as a topping just before serving.

2. For a more vibrant flavor, allow the coleslaw to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will help the flavors develop and meld together more thoroughly.

3. If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, you can add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture.

4. Experiment with additional flavor profiles by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a bit of heat.

5. Fresh herbs like cilantro, dill, or parsley can be finely chopped and added to the coleslaw for an herbal freshness and extra layer of flavor.