Looking for a healthier and easier coleslaw recipe? This vinegar-based coleslaw is mayo-free and only requires a few simple ingredients. It is perfect for summer BBQs and picnics. This simple, tasty coleslaw is quick to make and healthy. It is the perfect side for all your spring and summer grilling.
Why We Love This Vinegar Coleslaw
- Versatile: It goes great with ribs, burgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, and pork. I love to serve it as a side dish at my summer shindigs with barbecue pork sandwiches and hamburgers.
- Something different: This no-mayo coleslaw is a nice change from the creamy mayonnaise-based slaw. It has more crunch and a slightly tangy taste from vinegar.
- Quick and easy: You can have this vinegar coleslaw made and chilling in less than a minute.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Vinegar: Preferably apple cider vinegar, but you can use white wine, rice, or red wine vinegar.
- Granulated sugar: You can substitute this with honey or even maple syrup.
- Dijon mustard: Additional for a little tang.
- Vegetables: Any colored bell pepper will work in place of the Anaheim and banana pepper.
How To Make Vinegar Coleslaw
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Thinly slice all the vegetables.
- Whisk together vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced peppers, red onions, radishes, diced pimentos, and minced jalapeño.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
Preparation Tips
- For best results, chill for several hours, tossing several times. Finally, toss again right before serving.
- Do not season with salt and black pepper until ready to serve. Salting will release moisture from the cabbage and other vegetables.
Make Ahead
If you want to prepare this salad a day or two in advance, store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. A couple of hours before serving, toss the vegetables with the vinaigrette. Wait to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper until you are ready to serve.
What To Serve with Vinegar Coleslaw
I like to serve this salad with grilled chicken, grilled pork tenderloin, and country-style ribs. But it is equally delicious with pulled pork, pulled chicken, or a club sandwich.
Vinegar Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ thinly sliced head of green cabbage
- 1 thinly sliced Anaheim pepper
- 1 thinly sliced banana pepper
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¾ cup thinly sliced radishes
- 1 jar 7 ounce diced pimentos
- Optional 1 minced jalapeño
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, mustard, and olive oil. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves.
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, peppers, red onion, radishes, pimentos, and jalapeño (if using).
- Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir gently to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vegetables will not be as crisp, but they will still be delicious.
Nutrition
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Melissa Cushing
This looks really delicious minus the radishes….I have never liked them but I think my husband does so I may have to try this recipe out as it looks so delicious and healthy too. I am pinning this recipe next!
Hari
This coleslaw was very unique! I absolutely love it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Hari! We love it, too!
Tammy Pearson
A perfect summer salad for bbqs and picnics! It’s so colorful, delicious, and easy to make. I just love coleslaw.
Lavanda
It looks perfect for our upcoming family BBQ. I can’t wait to try a mayo-free version with that tangy twist—it’ll be a hit alongside the grilled pork sandwiches.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lavanda! Enjoy!
Karen
I love how simple and delicious this coleslaw recipe is, omg…homemade coleslaw is always the best.
Tammy
I’m a southern girl and love me some coleslaw!! My hubby loves the mayo version, but I love the vinegar version the best. Especially that its lower in fat. Your recipe is right up my alley.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tammy! Enjoy!
Kira V
Great coleslaw recipe, perfect for summer. My husband and I really enjoyed it.
Yolanda Harris
It is such a good thing to do to make your own coleslaw. This recipe was very tasty and a big hit with the whole family. Thank you for sharing it with us.
April Adams
This is the BEST coleslaw – I love that there’s no mayo in it, but it still has so much flavor and is absolutely delicious