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
Matt Taylor
Coleslaw is awesome! This is such a great recipe and super easy to make.
Kellie H
This was so easy to make and LOADED with epic flavor. The BEST!
Jen
This is the best no mayo coleslaw. I have made it many times and every time both husband and I rave. Was able to make as called for the first time and now make sure I always have the ingredients on hand.
wilhelmina
I loved this fresh and tangy slaw! It has such a great zip. I think it was even better the next day!
Toni
This tastes really amazing! Love that it is so quick and easy to make!
Lauren k
This is a perfect example that simple is the best! Everyone loved this recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Carolyn So glad that you liked it!
Laura Reese
This coleslaw was amazing. So easy to make.
Anna
Everyone loved this tangy coleslaw! I will be making it many times this summer.
stephanie
I’ve never been a coleslaw person, however this recipe does look delicious I might have to give it a try.