Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Home » Recipes » Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

by Mike Hultquist · Jul 9, 2021 · 36 Comments · Jump to Recipe

This vinegar coleslaw recipe is a no-mayo coleslaw made with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper and onion tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It's the perfect side dish.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

What is the best recipe for coleslaw? I got it right here. If you prefer your coleslaw without mayonnaise, this is the best way to prepare it. Coleslaw is a must for summer cooking. It's a side dish that goes with anything off the grill.

I'm always disappointed if I attend a barbecue and there is no coleslaw.

Coleslaw is often prepared with mayo for more of a creamy coleslaw, but vinegar-based coleslaw is becoming more and more popular. You'll find it more in the southern U.S., though it is thankfully working its way northward.

I have a creamy coleslaw recipe that is mayo based that you may want to try if you prefer your coleslaw with mayo, but if you prefer the oil and vinegar version, here you go!

Let's talk about how to make vinegar coleslaw, shall we?

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (2)

Vinegar Coleslaw Ingredients

FOR THE SHREDDED VEGETABLES
Cabbage
Carrot
Red Bell Pepper
Red Onion (green onions are nice as well)
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE / DRESSING
Olive Oil
Apple Cider Vinegar (a good tangy vinegar)
Honey
Spicy Brown Mustard (Dijon mustard is good, too)
Seasonings. Dried basil, dry mustard, celery seed, red chili flakes, sea salt and black pepper.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (3)

How to Make Vinegar Coleslaw - the Recipe Method

First, finely shred a medium-sized head of green cabbage along with a large carrot and one red bell pepper. Add them to a large bowl.

Thinly slice a small red onion and add it to the bowl.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (4)

Make your Vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard, 1 tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon celery seed, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes and a bit of salt and pepper to your personal taste.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (5)

Next, pour the vinegar based dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the veggies are evenly coated with the sweet and tangy dressing.

BOOM! DONE!

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (6)

You can serve up your vinegar coleslaw right away if you'd like, but I like to let the flavors mingle and develop in the refrigerator, covered, for an hour before serving it up.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (7)

Recipe Notes & Tips

What's the Best Vinegar for Coleslaw? Apple cider vinegar is the best vinegar for making any vinegar based coleslaw recipe, as it has an inherent sweetness that accentuates the dish. You can use white vinegar, however, if you'd prefer. A good white wine or champagne vinegar is a good substitute as well.
Other Vegetables. You use other vegetables in your coleslaw to make it your own. Crunchy vegetables make the best choices. Consider purple or red cabbage, green onion and other spicier chili peppers to add some variety. Others to try are radicchio, broccoli, celery, apple, pear and others.
Punch Up Your Coleslaw. You can consider coleslaw a base recipe that is ripe for additional ingredients. Add some punch and pizzazz to your vinegar coleslaw with other ingredients like fresh or pickled cherries, pickled peppers, spiced nuts, grapes or tropical fruit like pineapple.

Serving Ideas

What Goes With Coleslaw? Coleslaw is best served with anything off the grill, like burgers or hot dogs, grilled chicken, pork chops, or steaks. It's a summer BBQ staple, offering up a wonderful tangy crunch.

It's also great served over pulled pork sandwiches, providing a light and bright crunchiness to complement soft and juicy pork.

Scoop some onto grilled sausages or sandwiches as an alternative to more traditional condiments.

Storage & Leftovers

Store any leftover coleslaw in the refrigerator in a sealed container for a week, though it can last longer due to the vinegar content. You can add more vinegar to help it keep.

I do not recommend freezing coleslaw.

Serve Your Coleslaw With Some of These Popular Recipes

Grilled Pork Chops with Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce
Grilled Shrimp Po' Boys
Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
Choripan Argentina (Grilled Chorizo Sausages) - SO GOOD!
Grilled Harissa Chicken Legs
Grilled Beer Brats with Homemade Beer Cheese - Did Someone Say BEER?
Grilled London Broil

Try Some of My Other Popular Side Dishes

Jerk Rubbed Grilled Corn on the Cob
Elotes Salad (Mexican Corn Salad)
Cajun Corn Maque Choux
Grilled Corn Salad
Succotash
Collard Greens Recipe
Pikliz (Haitian Pickled Slaw)
Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw)
Black Bean Salad

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

This vinegar coleslaw recipe is a no-mayo coleslaw made with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, bell pepper and onion tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. It's the perfect side dish.

Save Recipe

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Calories: 115kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings: 10

Tap or hover to scale

5 from 17 votes

Ingredients

1 medium sized head of cabbage shredded or chopped
1 large carrot finely shredded
1 red bell pepper shredded
1 small red onion thinly sliced

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE / DRESSING

1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Mix the cabbage, carrot, bell pepper and red onion together in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, brown mustard, dried basil, dry mustard, celery seed, red chili flakes and a bit of salt and pepper.
Pour the vinaigrette into the slaw mixture and toss to coat.
Serve right away, or refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors mingle and develop even more flavor.

Video

Notes

You can serve up your vinegar coleslaw right away if you'd like, but I like to let the flavors mingle and develop in the refrigerator, covered, for an hour before serving it up.

Great as a summer side dish, or serve it as a topping on a pulled pork sandwich. Delicious.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 43mgPotassium: 235mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1540IUVitamin C: 49.6mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 1.1mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

NOTE: This post was updated on 7/9/21 to include new photos, video and information. It was originally published on 7/3/19.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Ken Shaw says
October 19, 2023 at 9:15 pm

so instead using chili flakes I used 1Tablespoon of the chili infused hot honey you can buy in store and 1 Tablespoon regular honey you can change ratio of hot honey to regular honey to suit you taste for heat found that gives a bit more even taste than using the flakes
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  October 20, 2023 at 6:36 am
  
  Exactly, Ken. Great alternative.
  Reply
Craig Barrett says
October 12, 2023 at 1:37 pm

It amazes me when you go to a deli and you really want to get some great coleslaw and when you get home, you’re so disappointed this is the best coleslaw I’ve ever had. It amazes me that delis can’t make this kind of coleslaw. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  October 12, 2023 at 1:57 pm
  
  Glad you enjoyed it, Craig! I appreciate it!
  Reply
Cheryl Hoover says
August 26, 2023 at 11:13 am

Every one of your recipes is perfect. This is a great alternative to a creamy coleslaw. I reduced the oil to 1/4 c and used canola; also added about 3 T chopped pickled jalapenos. Thanks for a low cal and healthy recipe!
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  August 26, 2023 at 11:19 am
  
  Thanks, Cheryl! I appreciate the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it.
  Reply
Deb says
July 30, 2023 at 2:03 pm

I just made another batch of your “no mayo” slaw. I’ve been compiling a variety of some great slaws that work good with both pork dishes as well as shrimp tacos.
Mike, yours is a winner on both accounts!
The flavors are wonderfully brite and fresh. I did, however, alter the recipe just a smidge tho…
Used some keto sweetener in place of the honey. Utter perfection!
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  July 31, 2023 at 5:51 am
  
  Boom! Glad you enjoyed it, Deb! =)
  Reply
Hank says
December 20, 2022 at 10:23 am

Great recipe for coleslaw. One thing I do is once all the ingredients are mixed
See Also
THE VERY BEST Turkey Brine Recipe | Montana Happy
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  December 20, 2022 at 11:15 am
  
  Thanks, Hank!
  Reply
Judy says
October 20, 2022 at 4:43 pm

Great recipe! Love the addition of the red pepper flakes. Perfect dressing.
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  October 20, 2022 at 4:49 pm
  
  Glad you enjoyed it, Judy!!
  Reply
Rosemarie says
August 10, 2022 at 2:55 pm

We love your recipes!!
My guy likes hot and and asks for me to make your recipes all the time!!
Thanks!
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  August 10, 2022 at 2:58 pm
  
  Thanks, Rosemarie! Glad you are enjoying the recipes!
  Reply
Mary says
May 29, 2022 at 4:49 pm

Great recipe! I used pineapple vinegar (from Rancho Gordo), green onion instead of red, a Jalapeno, a Fresno pepper, half the oil, and fresh cilantro instead of basil. Served as a side with BBQ pork, and next day put it on my Cod street tacos. Very versatile and yummy!
Reply
- Mike Hultquist says
  May 29, 2022 at 6:00 pm
  
  Perfection right there, Mary! Thanks for sharing!!
  Reply
Ed says
February 13, 2022 at 12:58 pm

Favorite slaw! Goes great with everything. We usually add a chopped habanero and a chopped serrano for extra kick. Keep up the great work!
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  February 13, 2022 at 1:49 pm
  
  Nice! Thanks for the comments, Ed! Glad you love it as much as we do! Love the habanero addition.
  Reply
Vicky Paras says
October 13, 2021 at 11:51 am

This was just wonderful!!!! The whole fam enjoyed it!!!! This is in my rotation now!!!!
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  October 13, 2021 at 12:04 pm
  
  Nice! Glad everyone enjoyed it, Vicky!
  Reply
Abbey says
September 06, 2021 at 2:40 pm

Looking for a recipe like one we had on vacation. This is so good, well balanced and more satisfying than sugar for sweetness.
I grated a whole jalapeño pepper instead of the red pepper flakes, like they do at Leullas BBQ in Asheville.
Ten stars!
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  September 07, 2021 at 5:36 am
  
  Awesome! Glad you found it, Abbey! So good. I love Asheville!
  Reply
Raimo Tarkkonen says
July 20, 2021 at 8:02 am

Just made this. Good! No mayo makes it so fresh.
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  July 20, 2021 at 8:05 am
  
  Thanks, Raimo! Glad you enjoyed it!
  Reply
Steve Korn says
July 19, 2021 at 10:47 am

Michael, what spicy nuts would pair well? Was thinking of toasted pine nuts...but they're not spicy.
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  July 19, 2021 at 10:51 am
  
  Pine nuts would be great for this, Steve. I love them. Macadamia nuts, too. Yum!
  Reply
Mark S Bergman says
July 10, 2021 at 5:17 pm

Delicious!
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  July 10, 2021 at 9:10 pm
  
  Thanks, Mark!
  Reply
Mel says
July 10, 2021 at 10:12 am

Had to make this..Only thing I didn't have was celery seed,so subbed it with dried celery leaves.
In the fridge for 4 hours,had it with BBQ'd Cumberland sausages and pork belly.
Result ? Awesome ! Thanks Mike ..
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  July 10, 2021 at 11:05 am
  
  Nice! Glad you enjoyed it, Mel. I love it.
  Reply
Rod Rosburg says
July 09, 2021 at 12:37 pm

This looks great. I bet it would pair well with a Carolina Style Pulled Pork.
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  July 09, 2021 at 12:39 pm
  
  OMG, yes! SO GOOD on a pulled pork sammich. Definitely Carolina style.
  Reply
Pablo Kalnay says
July 09, 2021 at 11:21 am

I tried this coleslaw in a small restaurant somewhere in Illinois 20 years ago, and I have been looking for a good recipe to replicate it! Great alternative to the regular coleslaw
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  July 09, 2021 at 12:01 pm
  
  Awesome! Enjoy, Pablo! We love it.
  Reply
Connie Bussey says
March 06, 2021 at 4:55 pm

I made it for a luncheon tomorrow, hope it is okay to sit overnight. My initial taste of it is amazing and will make this again.
Reply
- Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
  March 07, 2021 at 6:47 am
  
  Wonderful! Thanks, Connie! Enjoy.
  Reply

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (2024)

FAQs

How do you make Gordon Ramsay homemade coleslaw? ›

In a bowl mix together 2 Tbs vinegar, juice of half lemon, 3 Tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt and pepper and mix well. Add the dressing into the cabbage and mix well. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving as a healthy side dish to your burger!

Discover More ›

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? ›

Old Fashioned Amish Vinegar Coleslaw

Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard.

How do you sweeten bitter coleslaw? ›

The best way to fix bitter coleslaw is to add more sugar. You can add granulated sugar or naturally sweet ingredients like grated apples or carrots. Coleslaw can become bitter as the cabbage ages in the refrigerator (especially if it's pre-cut, as it oxidizes much faster).

Find Out More ›

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

Keep Reading ›

What is in Mary Brown's coleslaw? ›

Mary Brown's shreds fresh cabbage and carrots in house, and tops it with a creamy dressing. The freshly shredded veggies give you a light yet satisfying crunch while the dressing gives you the tanginess you're looking for.

Learn More Now ›

Why do people put vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Whether your coleslaw is with or without mayonnaise, simple or chock-full of ingredients, a splash of this vinegar adds a welcome fruity and tangy note that's more balanced and not as sharp as other types of vinegar, like white or red wine vinegar.

Read On ›

Why do you put vinegar in coleslaw? ›

An equal amount of vinegar and sugar gives this slaw a tangy and sweet character. Celery seeds add a light celery flavor and some pleasing texture.

Learn More Now ›

Is apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar better for coleslaw? ›

Apple cider vinegar: use apple cider vinegar to add that tangy delicious flavor found in coleslaw recipes. It's also great for gut health!

View Details ›

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.

Show Me More ›

What is the difference between Eastern and Western coleslaw? ›

Unlike Lexington style, Eastern style contains no tomatoes. It is purely vinegar and pepper which is used to season after cooking. The coleslaw is also different, swapping out the red for a white mayonnaise-based sauce.

Get More Info ›

What is the difference Cole slaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

See Details ›

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

Get More Info ›

Why does my coleslaw taste sour? ›

Don't use too much vinegar

If you do add too much and your coleslaw tastes unpleasant or acidic, there are some ways you can balance it out. If you have extra, add more cabbage or veggies so the dressing will spread out more. If you haven't added the condiment mix yet, add more of the other ingredients to compensate.

See Details ›

What is the best premade coleslaw? ›

With its nice, thick dressing, Walmart's deli coleslaw is the best creamy coleslaw of the bunch. The dressing is heavy on the mayo, which makes it the best coleslaw to slather on a burger or pulled pork sandwich, and the copious amounts of shredded carrot will contribute some crunch, too.

Show Me More ›

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.

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.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (2024)

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

Vinegar Coleslaw Ingredients

How to Make Vinegar Coleslaw - the Recipe Method

Recipe Notes & Tips

Serving Ideas

Storage & Leftovers

Serve Your Coleslaw With Some of These Popular Recipes

Try Some of My Other Popular Side Dishes

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE / DRESSING

Instructions

Video

Notes

Nutrition Information

Reader Interactions

Comments

Leave a Reply

FAQs

How do you make Gordon Ramsay homemade coleslaw? ›

What is the difference between Eastern and Western coleslaw? ›