Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (2024)

Home » Recipes » Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe (No Mayo)

by Mike Hultquist · · 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 - Sweet and Tangy (1)

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
Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (8)

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.

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (9)

Print

Vinegar Coleslaw 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.

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

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

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (10)

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

    Leave a Reply

  1. Ken Shaw says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (11)
    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

      Exactly, Ken. Great alternative.

      Reply

  2. Craig Barrett says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (12)
    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

      Glad you enjoyed it, Craig! I appreciate it!

      Reply

  3. Cheryl Hoover says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (13)
    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

      Thanks, Cheryl! I appreciate the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply

  4. Deb says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (14)
    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

      Boom! Glad you enjoyed it, Deb! =)

      Reply

    • Mike Hultquist says

      Thanks, Hank!

      Reply

  5. Judy says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (16)
    Great recipe! Love the addition of the red pepper flakes. Perfect dressing.

    Reply

    • Mike Hultquist says

      Glad you enjoyed it, Judy!!

      Reply

  6. Rosemarie says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (17)
    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

      Thanks, Rosemarie! Glad you are enjoying the recipes!

      Reply

  7. Mary says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (18)
    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

      Perfection right there, Mary! Thanks for sharing!!

      Reply

  8. Ed says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (19)
    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

      Nice! Thanks for the comments, Ed! Glad you love it as much as we do! Love the habanero addition.

      Reply

  9. Vicky Paras says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (20)
    This was just wonderful!!!! The whole fam enjoyed it!!!! This is in my rotation now!!!!

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Nice! Glad everyone enjoyed it, Vicky!

      Reply

  10. Abbey says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (21)
    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

      Awesome! Glad you found it, Abbey! So good. I love Asheville!

      Reply

  11. Raimo Tarkkonen says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (22)
    Just made this. Good! No mayo makes it so fresh.

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Thanks, Raimo! Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  12. Steve Korn says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (23)
    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

      Pine nuts would be great for this, Steve. I love them. Macadamia nuts, too. Yum!

      Reply

  13. Mark S Bergman says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (24)
    Delicious!

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      Thanks, Mark!

      Reply

  14. Mel says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (25)
    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

      Nice! Glad you enjoyed it, Mel. I love it.

      Reply

  15. Rod Rosburg says

    This looks great. I bet it would pair well with a Carolina Style Pulled Pork.

    Reply

    • Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says

      OMG, yes! SO GOOD on a pulled pork sammich. Definitely Carolina style.

      Reply

  16. Pablo Kalnay says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (26)
    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

      Awesome! Enjoy, Pablo! We love it.

      Reply

  17. Connie Bussey says

    Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (27)
    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

      Wonderful! Thanks, Connie! Enjoy.

      Reply

Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe - Sweet and Tangy (2024)

FAQs

How do you reduce the bitterness in coleslaw? ›

For every 2 cups of sliced cabbage, mix it with about a teaspoon of salt. Kenji Lopez- Alt also found it was beneficial to add a teaspoon of sugar too. Both salt and sugar promote osmosis, which draws out any water from the cabbage. And the sugar can balance out some of the bitterness in the cabbage.

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

Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar.

How do you sweeten bitter coleslaw? ›

Bitterness is another common problem with coleslaw. Sweeteners like honey and fresh fruit should also help to counteract even a stubborn bite. Or, you can attempt to mellow the bitterness by adding a splash of OJ to the coleslaw and mixing it in well.

What is amish coleslaw made of? ›

CABBAGE, MAYONNAISE (SOYBEAN OIL, EGG YOLKS [EGG YOLKS, SALT], HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR, MUSTARD [WATER, DISTILLED VINEGAR, MUSTARD SEED, SALT, SPICES], WATER, SALT), FRUCTOSE, SUGAR, CARROTS, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, GLUCONO DELTA LACTONE, PEA FIBER, ERYTHORBIC ACID (TO ...

How to cut vinegar taste in coleslaw? ›

  1. If you have added too much vinegar to your recipe, don't panic. There are some simple ways to balance the acidity and save your dish. ...
  2. - Add some sugar or honey to the dish. ...
  3. - Add some baking soda to the dish. ...
  4. - Add some dairy products to the dish. ...
  5. - Add some herbs or spices to the dish.
Jun 10, 2016

What cancels bitterness? ›

Sweetness: From sugar, honey, fruits or otherwise, sweetness will counteract bitter and sour flavours. It can also be used to cut down the heat of a particularly spicy meal. Saltiness: Salt plays two very important roles in flavouring a dish. Firstly, it balances against bitterness.

How do you sweeten bitter cabbage? ›

Try using a cream sauce, milk, fatty cheese, olive oil, or similar fatty ingredients to help cover bitter tastes. This is a great trick to get kids to eat more bitter vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts, or cabbage. Add some cheese or cheese sauce to their veggies and they won't notice the bitterness.

How do you make cider vinegar taste better? ›

Even diluted, the vinegar drink may not taste fabulous, so you can add a squeeze of honey and/or a dash of cinnamon or ginger. Sip the drink slowly. If you're drinking ACV daily, you may want to drink through a straw to prevent wearing the enamel of your teeth.

Why do you add honey to apple cider vinegar? ›

This refreshing combination is ideal for starting your day in the morning. Apple cider vinegar with honey gives you a much-needed morning energy boost. Some folks, however, prefer it at night to aid digestion and sleep.

How long does vinegar coleslaw last in the refrigerator? ›

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.

Why is my coleslaw so bitter? ›

You probably need more sugar. If it's bitter, it's likely that your acidic component (likely a form of vinegar and/or ketchup, depending on the kind of slaw you are making) is overwhelming the sweet component. If you don't want to add sugar, you can try adding shredded apples.

What can I add to store bought coleslaw to make it taste better? ›

<br/><br/>Adding horse radish or onion or celery seeds or bacon bits or some other tasty flavors to make it your own is a really good idea.

How do you fix bitterness flavor? ›

The Fix: Balance bitter flavors by introducing something salty, sweet, or sour. For naturally bitter foods such as kale, you can soften the flavor by add a lemony vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, and pomegranate seeds. You can also elevate kale by tossing it olive oil and salt, then roasting it in the oven until crispy.

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.

What is KFC coleslaw made of? ›

There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don't use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.

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.

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 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.

How do you make Alton Brown coleslaw? ›

Thoroughly rinse the cabbage under cool running water for at least 1 minute. Transfer the cabbage to a salad spinner to dry thoroughly. Whisk together the buttermilk, yogurt, mayonnaise, pickle juice, mustard powder, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add the cabbage, carrot, and chives, and toss to combine.

What can you add to vinegar to make it taste better? ›

Infused: To bring extra flavor to salads, sauces, and meats, you can create your own herb-infused vinegar. Commonly used picks include basil, dill, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.

Does vinegar add sourness? ›

The main component of vinegar is acetic acid, which gives a sour taste and pungent aroma. The acetic acid content of the different vinegars present in the global market usually ranges from four to seven acetic degrees (w/v; 4–7 g acetic acid/100 ml of vinegar).

How do you reduce sourness with vinegar? ›

- Add some sugar or honey to the dish. Sugar and honey can counteract the sourness of vinegar and add some sweetness to the dish. You can start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.

How do you neutralize bitter taste? ›

The Fix: Balance bitter flavors by introducing something salty, sweet, or sour. For naturally bitter foods such as kale, you can soften the flavor by add a lemony vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, and pomegranate seeds. You can also elevate kale by tossing it olive oil and salt, then roasting it in the oven until crispy.

What kills a bitter taste? ›

Orange juice. Orange juice is a quick and effective citrus option for masking the bitter taste of medicine. Like in grapefruits, the citric acid in oranges causes a chemical reaction that reduces bitterness on your taste buds. With its sweet flavor, orange juice can help mask the unpleasantness of some medicines.

How do you counteract bitterness in salad dressing? ›

Sweetness balances out acidity, spice, and bitterness. A salad composed of bitter greens may benefit from a sweeter dressing. But sweetness can come from sources other than one-note white sugar; consider honey, pureed dates, maple syrup, jam, or molasses as sweeteners that also add flavor and mouth-feel.

How do you get the bitter taste out of red cabbage? ›

One way to make raw cabbage less bitter, and therefore more palatable, is to let it marinate in something salty or acidic for a while.

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