Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

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by Marcie //June 19, 2023 (updated 3/4/24)

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This Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe is everything you love about coleslaw with no mayo! It’s crunchy, addictive and tossed in a tangy, flavorful coleslaw vinaigrette. It can be prepped entirely in advance and it’s a healthy side dish that everyone will love!

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (1)

I’m all about summer side dishes and may even like them more than the main dish. While I love hearty sides like orzo pasta salad and southern caviar, coleslaws are my all time favorite because of the crunchy texture.

My classic coleslaw and broccoli slaw recipes are tossed with my tried and true creamy coleslaw dressing, and have been staples for years.

I truly enjoy them, but I’m a huge fan of tangy vinegar based coleslaws as well. This Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe is crunchy and addictive with a zesty dressing and no mayo in sight.

It’s a fresh take on slaw that will win everyone over, and it’s amazing with grilled meats, burgers, pulled pork or whatever you may be serving.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (2)

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This vinegar coleslaw recipe is a crunchy blend of cabbage, carrot and green onion and it’s tossed with a zesty coleslaw vinaigrette.
  • It’s a healthy side dish that’s perfect for barbecues, picnics and even game day.
  • This coleslaw with no mayo is low carb, gluten-free and vegan.
  • Most of the prep may be done in advance making slaw assembly a breeze.

Vinegar slaw recipe ingredients

This vinegar based coleslaw recipe includes many ingredients that are customizable as outlined in the ingredient notes below.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (3)

Ingredient notes

  • Cabbage. This no mayo coleslaw includes 1/2 head of green cabbage and 1/2 head of purple cabbage, which yields roughly 6 cups of thinly sliced cabbage. See my cabbage produce guide for instructions on how to cut it, and find useful ways to use any leftovers. You can also purchase pre-shredded cabbage blends as a time saver if you prefer.
  • Carrot. Grate one large carrot to add a nice pop of color and flavor to the cabbage.
  • Green onions. Green onions add freshness as well as savory flavor. You can substitute it with red onion if you prefer. If you’re following a Low FODMAP diet, use just the green tops of the green onions or sub with chives.
  • Apple cider vinegar. This is my vinegar of choice for its tangy flavor and health benefits. It may be substituted with white vinegar as well.
  • Oil. Olive oil works well here, or use what you have on hand.
  • Maple syrup. Sweetness from the maple syrup balances out the tangy flavor of the vinegar and the savory flavor of the mustard. It may be substituted with honey, or you can omit it altogether to make this recipe Whole30 or keto.
  • Grainy mustard. This is the secret ingredient in the coleslaw vinaigrette. It adds savory depth of flavor, also known as umami, and it also acts as an emulsifier. It may be substituted with dijon mustard, which oftentimes has a stronger flavor. If using dijon, start with one tablespoon and add more as needed.
  • Celery seeds. These are seeds from wild celery and add a bit of celery flavor to the dressing, as well as savory, earthy flavor. This ingredient is completely optional.

How to make no mayo coleslaw

This no mayo coleslaw recipe comes together very quickly. Simply prep the vegetables and the dressing, and toss it all together.

Pro tip: Prep the cabbage and coleslaw vinaigrette up to a few days in advance. You can also purchase (2) 16 ounce packages of your favorite coleslaw blend to save time!

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (4)
  1. Place the vinegar, oil, maple syrup, mustard, celery seeds, salt and pepper in a jar.
  2. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until emulsified.
  3. Place the cabbage, carrot and green onions in a large bowl.
  4. Add the desired amount of dressing and toss well to coat.
Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (5)

FAQs

Is vinegar coleslaw healthy?

This vinegar based coleslaw recipe is lower in fat and calories than mayo based coleslaws. It is also low in carbs and is a good source of Vitamin A, potassium and fiber.

The coleslaw vinaigrette includes some maple syrup for sweetness, but it may be scaled back or omitted altogether to make this recipe low in sugar or sugar free.

Can you use regular vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in coleslaw?

Apple cider vinegar is a great choice for coleslaw dressing as it adds a ton of flavor. Choose apple cider vinegar with the mother for additional health benefits as well.

It may be substituted with white vinegar or white balsamic.

How long does vinegar coleslaw last?

This apple cider vinegar coleslaw will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cabbage will soften over time.

Serving suggestions

This vinegar based coleslaw recipe is extremely versatile. Below are some delicious ways to serve it!

  • It’s great served with grilled meats such as grilled tomahawk steak, grilled burgers or grilled bbq chicken. It’s also incredible alongside Instant Pot ribs!
  • Serve with air fryer chicken breast or air fryer pork chops on busy weeknights.
  • It’s a great game day side dish served with Instant pot chicken wings, air fryer meatballs and air fryer sweet potato fries.
  • It’s the perfect topper for sandwiches with bbq pulled chicken or Instant pot pulled pork.
  • Customize this salad with your favorite add-in’s such as dried fruit, apples, chopped veggies and herbs, or nuts and seeds.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip: Prep the cabbage and coleslaw vinaigrette up to a few days in advance. You can also purchase (2) 16 ounce packages of your favorite coleslaw blend to save time!
  • For best results, don’t toss the slaw in the coleslaw vinaigrette more than one hour before serving as it will lose some of its crunchy texture.
  • See cabbage produce guide for instructions on how to cut it, and find useful ways to use any leftovers.
  • Store leftover vinegar coleslaw in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (6)

More healthy side dishes you’ll love:

  • Fennel and apple slaw
  • Kale slaw
  • Mexican coleslaw by The Kitchen Magpie
  • Napa cabbage salad
  • Shaved brussels sprout salad
  • Vegan coleslaw

Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (7)

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Servings: 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 0 minutes mins

0 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

This Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe is crunchy blend of cabbage, carrots and green onions and it's tossed in a tangy coleslaw vinaigrette. It's a healthy side dish that can be prepped entirely in advance!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head green cabbage thinly sliced; about 4 cups
  • 1/2 head purple cabbage thinly sliced; about 2 cups
  • 1 large carrot grated
  • 3 green onions sliced thinly on the bias; use only dark green parts for Low FODMAP
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup sub with honey
  • 1.5 tablespoons grainy mustard sub with dijon, using only 1 tablespoon if very strong in flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the cabbage, carrot and green onions in a large bowl and set aside.

    1/2 head green cabbage, 1/2 head purple cabbage, 1 large carrot, 3 green onions

  • Place the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, grainy mustard, celery seeds, salt and pepper in a jar. Secure the lid and shake well until emulsified.

    1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup, 1.5 tablespoons grainy mustard, 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • Pour the desired amount of dressing over the coleslaw and toss until well coated (you may not need all the dressing). Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pro tip: Prep the cabbage and coleslaw vinaigrette up to a few days in advance. You can also purchase (2) 16 ounce packages of your favorite coleslaw blend to save time!
  • For best results, don’t toss the slaw in the coleslaw vinaigrette more than one hour before serving as it will lose some of its crunchy texture.
  • See cabbage produce guide for instructions on how to cut it, and find useful ways to use any leftovers.
  • Store leftover vinegar coleslaw in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 96kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Sodium: 209mg, Potassium: 286mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 2192IU, Vitamin C: 52mg, Calcium: 62mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Author: Marcie

Keyword: no mayo coleslaw, vinegar coleslaw, vinegar coleslaw recipe

All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

posted in: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Low FODMAP, Paleo, Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes, Summer, Vegan, Vegetarian, Winter // 4 comments

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    4 Comments on “Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe”

  1. John Cunningham Reply

    Try this option, Omit the Olive oil.
    Chop 1 pound slightly frozen bacon. Render and fry bacon in fry Pan with one cup water. Drain bacon. Return bacon and 3 tbsp of drippings to Pan. Add all other dressing ingredients and warm. Toss with cabbage and serve warm.

    • Marcie Reply

      Everything is better with bacon. 🙂

  2. Sheryl Reply

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (8)
    Love vinegar dressing on cabbage slaw. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

    • Marcie Reply

      You’re welcome and I hope you enjoy it!

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is coleslaw made of vinegar? ›

The dressing is simply a 2:1 mix of cider vinegar and sugar with a little bit of garlic, oil, and celery seeds, which add a light celery flavor and a bit of texture.

Can you use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar. Lemon Juice. I don't recommend making a substitution for the lemon juice.

What is amish coleslaw made of? ›

Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard. This is the perfect quick Side Dish that you can bring along to BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.

What is KFC coleslaw made of? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste with a creamy texture. The coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, and is dressed with a sweet and tangy dressing that includes vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices.

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Of course, slivering or dicing cabbage to make coleslaw also ruptures plant cell walls, so the same reaction is triggered. At first, any bitterness may seem pleasantly tangy as the salad's dressing mellows cabbage flavors. After a while, however, the released mustard oils definitely become more noticeable and pungent.

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

Does vinegar coleslaw go bad? ›

When stored properly, coleslaw will stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Store it in an airtight container and keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, preferably pressed toward the very back. If you see signs of spoilage such as a sour or off smell or visible mold, discard the mixture immediately.

What happens if you use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar? ›

White wine vinegar offers a relatively neutral flavor that lacks the subtle fruitiness of apple cider vinegar. Add ¼ teaspoon of citrus fruit juice for every tablespoon of white wine vinegar used to mimic the fruitiness for vinaigrettes and salad dressings. Use a 1:1 ratio of white wine vinegar to apple cider vinegar.

What vinegar is best for colds? ›

Apple cider vinegar is made from the fermented, unstrained juice of crushed apples. It's acidic and gives off a potent smell, similar to aged wine. It's often used as a home remedy for colds.

What is in Mary Brown's coleslaw? ›

If you're in the mood for something creamy, sweet, and tangy, coleslaw is an excellent option. Mary Brown's shreds fresh cabbage and carrots in house, and tops it with a creamy dressing.

Why did Chick Fil A stop selling coleslaw? ›

"But as our sales volumes grew, it just wasn't feasible to keep adding to the menu without taking anything away." Chick-fil-A cut cole slaw from the menu in January to make room for a new "superfood" side of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette dressing.

What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw? ›

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is Popeyes coleslaw made of? ›

This creamy, tangy Popeye's coleslaw recipe tastes just like what you would order at the popular American fast food restaurant. Zesty raw cabbage, carrots, and onions tossed with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing makes a delicious side dish with only 15 minutes of prep time.

Is coleslaw healthy? ›

Coleslaw can absolutely be part of a healthy eating plan as long as you choose your dressing carefully. Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition.

What is coleslaw mix made of? ›

It's packed with shredded cabbage and julienned carrots (for health!) and tossed in the holy triumvirate of coleslaw dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar for acidity, honey for balance, and mayonnaise to tie it all together (feel free to substitute up to half the mayo for tangier Greek yogurt or sour cream for an ...

What is the coleslaw sauce made of? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

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