I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty obsessed with the underdog superfood, aka red cabbage. I’m not sure when my obsession with cabbage started (maybe it started with this salad), but I’m now convinced that cabbage should be in basically everything, including this epic. healthy cabbage salad recipe.
Both red and green cabbage help promote a healthy gut (something we’re all about these days), fight inflammation, boost immunity, and contain many nutrients your body needs. Cabbage Patch Party.
This coleslaw is loaded with tons of colorful vegetables to give it a basic fiber-rich and amazing crunch factor. Make it as a side dish for summer potlucks and cookouts, or as a delicious topping for burgers and tacos!
What makes this coleslaw healthier?
Cabbage salad actually consists only of crunchy, colorful vegetables, but traditional recipes typically cover it with a dressing made of mayonnaise and sugar.
Fun facts: I loved coleslaw when I was a kid. I would ask for a big bowl with lots of pepper. My dad made a homemade version with lots of mayonnaise. This version might not be your dad’s, but it’s for every millennial. he.
There are many recipes that use reduced amounts of mayonnaise or a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, but I find that they don’t call for dairy! This light coleslaw recipe skips the mayonnaise entirely and keeps the coleslaw vegan and dairy-free with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing made with apple cider vinegar and simple ingredients. This is not your typical coleslaw. It’s a little sweet and a little spicy, and tastes better than the soggy white coleslaw you get at restaurants.
Everything you need to make fresh cabbage salad
This healthy coleslaw recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a crunchy, bright, gut-friendly coleslaw without mayonnaise or sugar. You will need:
- produce: I like to use both red and green cabbage for an extra crunch and variety of flavors. Then add some shredded carrots, jalapenos for a kick, some green onions for a little kick, and some fresh cilantro.
- Seeds and Nuts: I like to add both pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds) and toasted sliced almonds for a nice extra crunch along with all the veggies.
- olive oil: A little olive oil will help your coleslaw dressing coat all of the wonderful vegetables in your coleslaw.
- Apple cider vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar to add a tangy and delicious flavor to your coleslaw recipe. It’s also good for your gut health!
- Pure Maple Syrup: Instead of using granulated sugar like traditional coleslaw recipes, use a little pure maple syrup to lightly sweeten the coleslaw. Feel free to adjust according to your favorite sweetness.
- garlic: A little garlic flavor makes this healthy coleslaw even more delicious.
- Cayenne Pepper: You can add a little cayenne for a little extra heat, or you can leave it out.
- Salt and pepper: To bring all the flavors together.
Selective ingredient exchange
There are so many easy ways to make this coleslaw your own! Here’s what I can suggest:
- Keep them nut-free. Omit the almonds and add more pepitas.
- Choose your level of spiciness: This slaw isn’t overly spicy, but you can leave out the jalapenos and/or cayenne pepper if you’re making it for kids or are sensitive to spice.
- Choose your vegetables: Depending on what you have on hand, you can also add more or less purple cabbage, green cabbage, or carrots.
In a hurry? Try these time-saving tips
I’ve seen a lot of people in the comments skip the cutting board and just toss a bag of coleslaw with some dressing, garnish with nuts and seeds, and serve! Although using the freshest ingredients possible is of utmost importance, this is a great way to save extra time when you need a last-minute side dish.
Make it a complete meal
This recipe is a great base for a light and filling summer salad with added protein! Try adding the following:
Healthy Cabbage Salad in 4 Easy Steps
- Combine vegetables. Combine all coleslaw ingredients except pepitas, almonds, and dressing in a large bowl.
- Whisk the dressing. Add dressing ingredients to a small bowl and mix well.
- Toss and marinade. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Garnish and serve. Before serving, add the pepitas and toasted almonds and toss to combine.
Recipes that go well with this coleslaw
This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners as it literally adds freshness to any recipe you make. Here are some great summer combinations:
storage tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The more you marinate the coleslaw, the more flavor it develops, making it an amazing make-ahead recipe for picnics and barbecues!
More delicious side dishes
Get all of my side dish recipes here!
If you made this healthy coleslaw recipe, please leave a comment below and rate the recipe. thank you! xo.
that
ambitious kitchen
cookbook
125 Incredibly Healthy, Sometimes Indulgent, and Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Healthy Coleslaw (No Mayonnaise!)
by
The ultimate healthy coleslaw recipe made with fresh red cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and the heat of jalapenos. This naturally sweet, slightly tangy dressing is made with no mayonnaise or sugar and is made with a hint of pure maple syrup. This easy coleslaw is packed with vegetables, is vegan, dairy-free, and perfect to eat all summer long!
ingredient
- For cabbage:
- ½ Medium head of purple cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- ½ A medium head of shredded green cabbage (about 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- 2 Stack of chopped carrots in a cup
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 Jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- ½ cup Green onion (green part only)
- ½ cup nugget
- ¼ cup Roasted Sliced Almonds
- For dressing:
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoon Pure maple syrup (depending on how much you like slaw)
- 1 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly cracked pepper
guideline
Combine all slaw ingredients except almonds and pepitas in a large bowl.
Mix all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour all over the slaw and mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marinate together.
Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds and pepitas before serving. Toss again and serve.
Recipe Notes
See the full post for delicious recipes to pair with this coleslaw!
nutrition
clothing material: 1clothing materialcalorie: 140knifecarbohydrate: 14.5gprotein: 4gprovince: 8.8gSaturated Fat: 1gfiber: 4.6gsugar: 8.4g
Recipe by Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photo: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on May 18, 2020, republished on May 25, 2023, and republished on May 20, 2026.
