The BEST healthy coleslaw made with fresh red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a kick of heat from jalapeño. There’s no mayo or sugar, just a naturally sweet and slightly tangy dressing with a hint of pure maple syrup. This simple, healthy coleslaw recipe is vegan, paleo & dairy free and perfect for serving all summer!
I don’t know about you, but I have a real addiction to the superfood underdog AKA red cabbage. I’m not sure when the cabbage obsession really started (maybe it was from this salad) but now I’m basically convinced that cabbage needs to be in EVERYTHING. Including this epic healthy coleslaw recipe.
Both red and green cabbages help promote a healthy gut (which is what we’re all about these days), fight inflammation, boost your immunity, and contain plenty of nutrients your body needs. CABBAGE PATCH PARTY.
My favorite thing about cabbage isn’t just the nutrition though. It’s the epic CRUNCH it gives salads and slaws. It’s addicting and I can’t stop putting it in recipes.
While coleslaw is really just made up of a bunch of crunchy, colorful vegetables, traditional coleslaw recipes are usually covered in dressings made up of mayo and sugar. In this healthy, paleo coleslaw recipe we’re skipping the mayo entirely and tossing all of the gorgeous veggies with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made with apple cider vinegar and simple ingredients to keep the coleslaw vegan and dairy free.
Fun fact: I loved coleslaw as a little girl. I’d ask for big bowls of it with lots of black pepper. Dad made a homemade version with lots of mayo. This version isn’t Dad’s but IT IS for all you millennials. Heh.
7 Cabbage-Free Slaw RecipesGreen Bean Slaw.Crunchy Broccoli Slaw.Lemony Brussels Sprout Slaw.Celery Slaw with Edamame.Pickled Pepper Slaw.Spicy Raw Beet Slaw with Citrus, Scallions and Arugula.Peach-and-Fennel Slaw.
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Green Bean Slaw.
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Crunchy Broccoli Slaw.
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Lemony Brussels Sprout Slaw.
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Celery Slaw with Edamame.
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Pickled Pepper Slaw.
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Spicy Raw Beet Slaw with Citrus, Scallions and Arugula.
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Peach-and-Fennel Slaw.
The best healthy coleslaw in 4 easy steps
- Add all of the coleslaw ingredients to a large bowl except for the pepitas, almonds and dressing.
- In a smaller bowl, add your dressing ingredients and whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if need be. Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors marinate.
- Before serving, add in the pepitas and toasted almonds and toss to combine.
Store this easy, healthy coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This is an amazing make-ahead recipe for picnics and BBQs because the flavors deepen as the coleslaw marinates!
Recipes to pair with this healthy coleslaw
Our Best No Mayo Coleslaw!
FAQ
Is coleslaw the same as shredded cabbage?
Is coleslaw healthy or unhealthy Why?
What’s the difference between a salad and a coleslaw?
What is a good substitute for vinegar in coleslaw?
The most common kinds of vinegar suggested are white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. White vinegar is very acidic, and apple cider is a little milder with an apple aftertaste. To get the same tangy taste, your substitute must be acidic, but keep in mind different ingredients will change the flavor of your traditional coleslaw.
What is good substitute for collard greens?
Collard greens are easily substituted by a variety of greens. My favorite leafy green is kale, and it makes a good substitute for collard greens. Kale has a similar taste and texture to collard greens making kale a great sub. Spinach can also be a good substitute for collard greens but keep in mind that it will cook more quickly than kale or collard greens. Another option is cabbage, typically cabbage is inexpensive, and it can be used in many ways, my favorite use is coleslaw, but it can also be used in cooked preparations too.
Can you substitute mayonnaise for coleslaw?
For instance, alternatives like tzatziki sauce, Greek yogurt, sour cream, cooking cream, and more can work well as a replacement for mayonnaise in a coleslaw recipe. If you want to make coleslaw but do not have any mayonnaise, you need to look for mayonnaise substitutes for coleslaw.
What can you add to coleslaw?
Creative mix-ins to add crunch to coleslaw range from crunchy veggies and crispy noodles to bacon, flaky salt, and even fruit. Nuts make a great addition to slaw; there are many different kinds to choose from, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts, and salted and roasted nuts will impart even more flavor.