Vegan coleslaw is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a healthy lunch addition, or simply craving a crisp salad, this recipe brings together colorful shredded vegetables with a creamy, tangy dressing — all without any dairy or eggs.
It’s wonderfully easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies and flavors.
This vegan coleslaw recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The dressing is made creamy and zesty with plant-based mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar, delivering a delightful balance of flavors.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. If you love plant-based recipes that are both nourishing and delicious, you’re going to enjoy making and eating this coleslaw!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan coleslaw is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s packed with fresh, crunchy vegetables that provide a satisfying texture in every bite.
The dressing is creamy and flavorful without using any dairy, making it perfect for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable — you can swap in your favorite veggies or add a bit of spice to suit your taste.
Another bonus is that it keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. This coleslaw is a fantastic way to add more plant-based goodness to your meals with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for extra brightness
- Optional: 1 teaspoon celery seeds for classic coleslaw flavor
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Vegetable peeler or grater
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or fork for mixing dressing
- Serving bowl or container with lid for storage
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by shredding the green and red cabbage finely. Peel and grate the carrot, chop the red bell pepper into small pieces, and slice the green onions thinly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If you’re using lemon juice or celery seeds, add them now. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the coleslaw: Place all the prepared vegetables into the large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss everything together thoroughly until all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the coleslaw and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed to suit your preference.
Tips & Variations
“For a creamier texture, try adding a tablespoon of soaked cashews blended into the dressing. It adds richness without overpowering the fresh flavors.”
Feel free to mix up the vegetables depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Adding shredded kale, thinly sliced radishes, or even some finely chopped apples can give your coleslaw an exciting twist.
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. For a sweeter version, increase the maple syrup slightly or add a teaspoon of agave nectar.
To boost the protein content, toss in some cooked chickpeas or hemp seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Fat | 8 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Protein | 1 g |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Vitamin A | 70% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan coleslaw makes a fantastic side dish for a wide variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled vegetables, BBQ tofu, or vegan burgers for a satisfying summer plate.
It also works wonderfully as a topping for sandwiches and wraps, adding crunch and creaminess that elevate simple dishes. Try it with jackfruit tacos or vegan pulled “pork” sandwiches for a true flavor boost.
If you want a light lunch, toss the coleslaw over a bed of greens or add some cooked quinoa for a filling vegan salad bowl.
For more delicious vegan recipes that complement this coleslaw, check out these favorites:
- Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes
- Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves
- Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals
Conclusion
Making vegan coleslaw at home is a simple and rewarding way to enjoy a fresh, healthy, and flavorful side dish. This recipe captures the perfect balance of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing, all without any animal products.
It’s quick to prepare, adaptable, and keeps well, making it a fantastic addition to your weeknight meals or party spreads.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or looking to expand your plant-based recipe collection, this coleslaw offers a delicious, nutritious option that everyone will love. Give it a try and see how easy it is to bring vibrant, wholesome flavors to your table!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Coleslaw
Description: A fresh and crunchy vegan coleslaw with a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a side for any meal or as a topping for sandwiches.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and celery seed.
- Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables.
- Toss well to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 12 g
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