A lighter, fresher coleslaw…that tastes SO MUCH BETTER than the kind that’s dripping with cream and mayonnaise AND is easy peasy to make, my Easy No Mayo Coleslaw is perfect for picnics, BBQs and potlucks…and even amazing on top of a baked potato! Plus this version is dairy free and egg free and vegan, so can be enjoyed by almost everyone!
I am a big fan of coleslaw – it’s one of my favourite salads…especially at this time of year…it’s just great as a side dish at BBQs, fabulous for taking on picnics and a really lovely, easy recipe to whip up for the kind of party where you’re invited to bring a dish to share.
Buuut…I am a bit of a coleslaw snob…and just lately I have been subjected to waaaay to much bad coleslaw…at parties, BBQs and even at a well know chain restaurant (that I shan’t name, I’m much too nice, but it was horrid!).
It particularly irks me when the coleslaw is absolutely swimming in mayonnaise…especially when it’s bad, cheap mayonnaise, or when it’s kind of watery or sweet…bleeeeaaaargh!
My other coleslaw issue, is that my family hate it and so I don’t get to eat it that often (sob)…my kids especially won’t go near anything with mayonnaise in, and it’s the mayo that’s an issue for my husband too (he’s even more of a coleslaw snob than I am!).
So when the Free From Gang (a wonderful group of Free From and Allergy bloggers – for more details see below the recipe) challenged me to make a BBQ dish as part of their #FreeFromBBQ challenge…I knew exactly what I wanted to do: make a delicious, healthy, no mayo coleslaw that was completely free of dairy and egg, and therefore vegan (it’s naturally gluten free too).
And to throw in an extra personal challenge, it had to be a coleslaw that my kids and husband would eat…AND enjoy…talk about a tall order!!! 😀
Though actually creating a delicious, no mayo coleslaw was very easy in the end – I simply shredded red and white cabbage, carrots and spring onions in my food processor and then mixed in my deliciously simple version of a French vinaigrette dressing, made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and a little salt and pepper. It took all of about 10 minutes and made loads!
The result was a tasty, simple, fresh and light coleslaw that actually tasted so much nicer than your standard dripping with mayonnaise version…but of course the big question is…Did my family like it??
And the answer is a resounding YES! I was astonished at how happily my kids spooned this coleslaw onto their plates (once I’d explained that it was special coleslaw I’d made for them without mayonnaise) and they both wolfed it down without a moan. RESULT!
As an added bonus, by losing the mayonnaise, cream and other gubbins you often get in mayonnaise (there’s all sorts of weird, unnecessary things that get chucked into mayonnaise…especially the cheap bought kind) and replacing it simply with good quality olive oil, apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, this Easy No Mayo Coleslaw is actually much better for you AND it is, of course, suitable for those who need to avoid dairy, egg, soya, gluten etc. (Though do check the mustard you use to make sure that is suitable too – if in doubt, you can leave the mustard out – it will still work just fine), and also suitable for vegetarians and vegans too.
And with all the ingredients being fairly cheap to buy, it’s a pretty frugal recipe too!
If you are catering for people with a mix of dietary requirements, and feel that some of your guests might like mayonnaise in their coleslaw, it is the simplest thing in the world to split this coleslaw into two (or make a double batch) and keep half mayo free, whilst adding a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to the other half, thus keeping everyone happy (just don’t go putting the wrong spoon in the wrong coleslaw, now!!)
One little note on the apple cider vinegar…if you don’t happen to have any, you can simply substitute for either white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
To shred the cabbage and carrots, I find the easiest way is to use a food processor to slice the cabbage and spring onions and then use the grater attachment to grate the carrot, but if you don’t have a food processor, you can simply slice the cabbage and spring onions finely, using a knife, and grate the carrot on a standard box grater or, if you have more patience than me (!), you could finely slice the carrot into long thin strips.
And, if you wanted a little extra crunch, you could scatter a few pumpkin seeds over the top of this Easy No Mayo Coleslaw as a garnish.
If you like this recipe…
…you might also like:
Easy No Mayo Coleslaw (Dairy Free, Egg Free & Vegan)
Ingredients
Coleslaw
- ½ white cabbage (roughly 500g/1lb), finely sliced
- ½ red cabbage (roughly 500g/1lb), finely sliced
- 4 large carrots (roughly 400g/14oz) grated
- 4 spring onions finely sliced (plus extra for garnish)
No Mayo Dressing
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar, or lemon juice)
- 4 teaspoons good quality Dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 8 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all the vegetables and set aside.
- Place all the ingredients for the No Mayo Dressing in a clean jam jar, screw on the lid tightly and shake until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix together thoroughly – scatter a few extra sliced spring onions over the top for decoration.
Video
Notes
The #FreeFromBBQ Challenge
I have made this Easy No Mayo Coleslaw as my contribution to the Free From Gang’s #FreeFromBBQ challenge. For more delicious #FreeFromBBQ recipes check out the following blogs or follow the #FreeFromBBQ hashtag on social media!
Fabulous #FreeFromBBQ Recipes…
Chorizo & Cod Kebabs – Le Coin De Mel
Veggie Burgers – Free From Fairy
Pork Koftas – The Gluten Free Blogger
BBQ Swordfish with Lime, Pistachio & Coriander – Gluten Free Alchemist
Easy No Mayo Coleslaw – Easy Peasy Foodie
Want to find more great vegan meal ideas? Check out my collection of Easy Peasy Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes…
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Rebecca Smith says
Love this recipe Eb, I adore coleslaw too and this egg free version is perfect for me this summer, you’ve got to love the red cabbage in there too, it makes coleslaw soooo much prettier x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Rebecca – totally agree about the red cabbage – makes is so much prettier! 😀 Eb x
Jenny Paulin says
how colourful and healthy does your coleslaw look? I am not a fan of coleslaw having said that (LOL!) but that is partly due to the dressing, so I might like yours as it is a different kind. It does look good. and I love how easy it is to make x
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks Jenny 🙂 It really is super easy to make – would love to know what you think if you make it! Eb x
Vicki Montague says
Ooo yes! That’s my kind of coleslaw too. I love the Jamie winter coleslaw recipe…if you haven’t made it you must. It is made with a yoghurt dressing and is so much better than mayo! I’m going to make your version…it looks so pretty and vibrant.
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Vicki – I haven’t heard of the Jamie winter recipe, but it sounds nice 😀 I’d love to know how you get on, if you make mine! Eb x
Mandy says
This looks so good! I really, really hate mayonnaise so this would definitely be the slaw for me! Have pinned and will share on my Facebook page too x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Mandy – you are definitely not alone…it seems a lot of people are put off coleslaw by the mayonnaise! Thanks for the shares 🙂 Eb x
lesley@lostinfood.co.uk says
I like the look of this coleslaw, I’ve never been a great fan of mayo heavy coleslaw. My daughter has an egg allergy so ideal all round, I’ll give this a try.
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Lesley – sounds like the perfect coleslaw for you and your family – would love to hear how you get on! Eb x
Midge @ Peachicks' Bakery says
Yes please I’ll take a large bowl!! Love the sound of this and Def saving for later!!
Eb Gargano says
Haha – thanks Midge. I’ll send it in one of those extra large jiffy bags, shall I? 😉 Eb x
kate says
This looks really delicious. What a lovely, colourful dish to serve at a BBQ. Im also not a fan of the gloopy mayo drenched coleslaw either, but I like the crunch and flavours of the vegetables- so this is just right. #CookBlogShare
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Kate – you are definitely not alone – I have had so many comments here and on social media from people who hate the mayo heavy coleslaw too (and a few from people who love it and think I’m mad to make a mayo free version!!). This coleslaw is super fresh and really allows the flavour and texture of the veggies to shine! Eb x
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain says
Love the sound of this Eb. As a kid I wouldn’t touch coleslaw – I hated the creaminess of mayo. As you say they’re so often drenched on the stuff. It’s really only in the past yr or two that we’ve started buying a small pack of it occassionally, and then it took us quite some time before we decided which to choose from the many on display (yup, we ended up going for a dearer one because it looked to have a better veg-mayo ratio.) This, sounds great, and to me looks far more inviting with all of those fab vibrant colours which aren’t muted by mayo.
Angela x
Eb Gargano says
I find bought coleslaws hit and miss – as you say, some of the more expensive ones can be OK, but some are just awful – but homemade always wins for me! Thanks for your kind comments 🙂 Eb x
Sammi Ricke says
Fabulous recipe! I can’t get enough of coleslaws, especially healthy coleslaw recipes. Thank you for sharing this one!!
Eb Gargano says
A pleasure – thanks for your kind comments Sammi 🙂
Corina says
This is definitely the type of coleslaw I like. At home me and my husband have such different views about it that I just chop up the vegetables (carrot, red cabbage and onion usually) and then we mix in our own dressings on the plate. He likes mayonnaise and I usually go for olive oil and vinegar with plenty of black pepper. I do like some mayonnaises but always avoid coleslaw when I’m out as it’s just impossible for anyone else to get it right! I think I must be a coleslaw snob too. Thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice x
Eb Gargano says
Haha – I’m glad I’m not the only coleslaw snob! It’s just one of those things that for me has got to be ‘right’ and so often it’s done all wrong (IMHO!!) – so homemade is a great way of being able to control all the variables – I love that you and your husband have his and hers coleslaws 🙂 Eb x
Monika Dabrowski says
I love the idea of no mayo coleslaw, with only a few simple ingredients, I am sure it’s delicious! And looks so pretty too:)
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Monika – it really is delicious – you don;t miss the mayo at all! 😀 Eb x
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins says
Oooh Eb, this looks and sounds delicious. I love coleslaw but not all of the calories, this looks like the perfect healthier option. Thank you for sharing with #CookBlogShare x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Kirsty. It is totally delicious and much healthier than many commercially made coleslaws – with mayo, cream, sugar and various additives etc! Eb x
Jo Allison - Jo's Kitchen Larder says
I absolutely love the look of your coleslaw Eb! The dressing really appeals to me too. I do have a thing for apple cider vinegar which is just so good for you and wonderful in dressings too. Your beautiful recipe goes on my BBQ recipe list! 🙂 x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Jo, yes I have a thing for apple cider vinegar too – it just gives salad dressings that extra dimension of yumminess and it’s supposed to be really good for you too! Eb x
Victoria - Lylia Rose says
I’m refined sugar free so don’t have mayo any more as they all contain sugar, so I’ve not had coleslaw either since dropping refined sugar. This is a great alternative to standard coleslaw! It looks so tasty and colourful. I’d probably miss out the mustard and I really need to get a bottle of apple cider vinegar. Just last week a friend was recommending it to me 🙂 #brillblogposts
Eb Gargano says
Thanks! Yes, this is a great option if you are avoiding sugar – it’s incredible how many places sugar lurks, isn’t it? I cut out refined sugar for a while last year, and now I only have it just occasionally. I feel so much better! Totally agree about apple cider vinegar – it tastes fabulous and it’s supposed to be very good for you too! Eb x
Nicole says
My husband is a coleslaw lover, and I never have been—too wet and drippy for me. THIS version, though, I can get on board with! Looks delicious and easy enough for this holiday weekend.
Eb Gargano says
Haha – it’s the other way round in this house (though I can’t stand the wet and drippy versions either!), but THIS coleslaw pleased everyone in my house – even my kids, who wouldn’t normally go anywhere near coleslaw!! Eb x
Sarah GFBlogger says
This is such a good idea – it looks so colourful! No BBQ is complete without coleslaw but this sounds like a much lighter version, which means I can eat more!! x
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Sarah! I like your thinking…you could definitely eat more of this coleslaw…it’s only got good stuff in, so no guilt! 😀 Eb x
Honest Mum says
Oh wow, delicious, fresh and crunchy. I no longer eat egg after intolerance tests showed I can’t so this is going on my recipe list, thank you x
Eb Gargano says
Yey! I’ve had so many responses from people who can’t eat egg, saying ‘finally a coleslaw I can eat’ – and honestly, in this coleslaw, you won’t miss the egg at all! Eb x
chloe says
Hi, I love coleslaw but agree about the mayo issue. I shall be giving this a try with a few pumpkin seed scattered on top #freefromfridays
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Chloe, do you know what, ever since making this coleslaw I’ve been kicking myself for not scattering a few toasted pumpkin seeds on top – it would work so well, I am positive! Next time I make this, I am definitely going to do that!! Eb x
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
This looks so fresh and colourful, and I agree, it sounds much better than coleslaw dripping in mayo!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Kat – Ooooh it is so much better than coleslaw dripping with mayo (especially that inexplicably runny stuff!!) – not only do you not have the overly creamy mayo issues, but you can really taste the veg – AND you can eat more of it without feeling in any way guilty!! Eb x
Mel says
Your coleslaw looks out of this world, Eb! I love coleslaw. Love it, love it, even when it’s full of mayonnaise, but your healthier version looks incredible. I bet it’s really crunchy too! xx
Eb Gargano says
I love coleslaw too – but I’m a total snob – can’t stand it when it’s dripping with that white watery stuff, which pretends to be mayonnaise…now give me some of that proper French mayonnaise for my coleslaw and I would be a happy bunny…but it works surprisingly well without – dressing this with just a simple vinaigrette really allows the crunchy veggies to shine…and means it is suitable for so many more people too – win win!! Eb x
Dee says
Hi Eb,
Thanks for a fabulous looking recipe! Any idea how long leftovers would last in the fridge?
Many thanks ?
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks for this lovely comment, Dee – so pleased you like it!! It should keep about 3-5 days in the fridge…though will taste nicest in the first 3 days. Enjoy! Eb 🙂
Kar says
This looks delish! But on the nutritional info why is there so much fat in this recipe. Is it the mustard???
Eb Gargano says
Thanks Kar! The high fat content is from the olive oil so it is ‘good’ fat. But if you would rather less fat in this dish, simply reduce the quantity of dressing. Eb 🙂
Elsa says
Ugh!! All reviewers say it looks good but did anyone make it? I rely on reviews before making recipes.
Eb Gargano says
Hi Elsa, loads of people have made this one and liked it! I get comments on social media and Pinterest all the time about it. To my recollection I haven’t had any negative comments about this one. Hope you like it too!! Eb 🙂
Beth says
I made it. it was good but there was WAY too much apple cider vinegar. Im gonna try it with ACV cut in half.
Eb Gargano says
I am sorry to hear you found the apple cider vinegar too overpowering for your tastes. I guess we are all different in our tastes and preferences. At least it’s an easy fix! Eb 🙂
Kelly Mirabella says
I just made this to go along some pulled pork and cheesy potatoes. OMG it is so good. I could just sit here and eat this.
Eb Gargano says
Yay! So pleased you liked it so much 😀
Famous Adriane says
This recipe was a life saver when I ran out of mayo for my 4th of July Party with Justin Timberlake! We didn’t even miss the mayo one bit!!!
Eb Gargano says
That’s brilliant – so pleased you liked it. Love your blog – what a brilliant concept! Your post about ‘Justin’ made me smile. So pleased the lack of mayo didn’t spoil your party – and thanks so much for the mention. Eb 🙂
Sharon Dotson says
How long will this slaw last in the fridge?
Eb Gargano says
Hi Sharon! This slaw usually lasts about 3 days in the fridge, though it’s at its best eaten on the day you make it or the following day. If you want it to last longer, I’d suggest prepping the veg and dressing but not combining them until just before you need them. Eb 🙂
Sean says
This was a little heavy on the oil IMO. However, that’s easily fixed next time I make this. I thought this recipe was delicious! And it’s definitely gonna be a repeat dish! Already got the recipe bookmarked!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks, Sean. So pleased to hear you enjoyed my Coleslaw. Sorry you found it a bit heavy on the oil… but like you say, an easy fix for next time! Eb 🙂
Phi Phi says
Thanks for sharing such a great recipe! I’m always on the lookout for healthier options and can’t get enough coleslaw OMG! (This paired perfectly with my baked potatoes & cheese)!
Eb Gargano says
Thanks so much for this lovely comment. I am delighted you liked it so much! Eb 🙂
Lisa Elisabeth says
I knew there had to be a catch….it’s the oil. 8 tablespoons. 126 calories per tablespoon plus 14 grams of fat in each one.
Total: 1008 calories and 112 grams of fat. That’s just for the olive oil.
Eb Gargano says
Yes you are right – there are 8 tablespoons of olive oil, but that’s 8 tablespoons total. This recipe serves 8. So only 1 tablespoon per person. The recipe is only 172 calories per portion, and yes, you are right it’s 14g of fat per portion. But olive oil is widely considered to be a healthy fat that we should be including in out diets. This recipe is significantly healthier than most shop-bought coleslaws, or even most homemade coleslaws. If you still think this is too much, you can of course reduce the quantity of dressing.
Zarica Demoni says
One of the best Coleslaw recipes I found, but I always find one problem with all the recipes I find, they use mustard. The reason I search for no mayo recipes is because of my roommates allergies, a mustard allergy makes it impossible to have certain types of BBQ sauces, dressings, and mayo, because its used as a preservative in them. Do you possibly have a solution to this?
Eb Gargano says
Hi Zarica, thanks for your kind words about my recipe! Unfortunately no, I don’t have a really good solution to this. Of course, you can always leave the mustard out of the recipe… but it will then be a little lacking in flavour. What I would do is boost the flavour in other ways – perhaps by adding some garlic and chives – maybe even some dried chilli flakes. It won’t be the same as mustard, but it will still have bags of flavour… and a little kick of heat from the chillies! Eb 🙂
Julia says
Hi Eb, thank you so much for this amazing-looking recipe and for your other recipes! I just read Zarica’s question about mustard, and it made me wonder if a bit of horseradish (either creamed or simply finely grating the actual horseradish) might be a good substitute? I’m making your coleslaw as part of a wedding picnic for two friends this weekend – thanks again! 🙂
Eb Gargano says
Aw, thanks Julia. Oooh, yes… Horseradish sounds a great idea – good thinking! Good luck with your wedding picnic 😀
Evelyn Ramos says
I made this salad today for guests and substituted the Dijon with a German stone ground mustard and it was so delicious they had seconds. I was pleased! I loved it also and plan to make it with the Dijon ASAP. I am very happy I ran into this recipe. I recently decided plant based is my new nutritional plan for the rest of my life. Didn’t expect what I have discovered and want to share it with family and friends. TU TU 🙏🏼
Eb Gargano says
That’s so great to hear! Thanks for this lovely review 😀
Amy says
I’ve changed my exercise and eating habits as I went from almost 300 lbs to 217 lbs in five months so I’m always looking for healthier alternatives to the foods I consume. I’ve cut out refined sugars, unhealthy carbs, obvious bad junk stuff, eat more fish, leaner cuts and less land meats, boosted the fruits and veggies, and opted for honey, pure maple syrup, and agave nectar in small quantities.
Coleslaw is one of those foods I dearly love. However, the sugar, egg, and soybean oil in mayo is not good for my stomach or my egg sensitivity. So, let me just say, when I found this recipe I was STOKED!!! My family, at first, refused to try it so I made two different types of coleslaw. One for them and one for me, with my bowl of slaw utilizing half portions of the recipe ingredients. I had one small bowl out of it and they demolished the rest after finally deciding to try it. *Sad face* Needless to say, I will be making this recipe in full measure and hoarding a couple of bowls of it for myself. Many thanks for the awesome share on the recipe.
Eb Gargano says
Wow – congratulations on your impressive weight loss! That’s amazing 😀 And thank you so much for this lovely review. I am so happy to hear how much you (and your family!) liked it! Eb 🙂