The Best Easy Vegan Coleslaw Recipe: Creamy, Crunchy, and Ready in Minutes!
Craving a refreshing and vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this incredibly easy, utterly delicious, and completely vegan coleslaw recipe! It captures all the classic flavors and satisfying crunch of traditional coleslaw, but without any dairy or animal products. Ready in under 10 minutes, this plant-based gem is your go-to for summer cookouts, family potlucks, weeknight dinners, or simply whenever you desire a side that’s light, crisp, and bursting with a delightful tang. Prepare to impress everyone with a coleslaw so good, they won’t even guess it’s vegan!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Quick Vegan Coleslaw
There are countless reasons why this vegan coleslaw will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s more than just a side; it’s a flavor experience that combines convenience with irresistible taste. Here’s what makes it truly special:
- Authentic Classic Coleslaw Flavor: Forget any preconceived notions about vegan dishes compromising on taste. This easy vegan coleslaw delivers the quintessential flavor profile you’d expect from any classic coleslaw. It’s rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, fooling even the most discerning palates. You’ll be amazed that it’s completely plant-based!
- Irresistible Creamy and Crunchy Harmony: The magic lies in our quick-to-whisk dressing, crafted from a harmonious blend of vegan mayonnaise, a touch of sugar for sweetness, zesty white vinegar, a hint of Dijon mustard for depth, and a pinch of salt to amplify all the flavors. This dressing coats every strand of crisp shredded cabbage and carrots without ever making it soggy. The result is a coleslaw that maintains its delightful crunch while offering an incredibly smooth and creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Effortless Preparation with Minimal Ingredients: Say goodbye to complicated recipes and extensive prep work. This vegan coleslaw recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just 6 core ingredients. There’s absolutely no cooking involved, making it ideal for busy schedules. Just combine everything in a bowl, stir, and you’re ready to serve. It’s the ultimate stress-free side dish that tastes like you spent hours on it!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, contributing to a community potluck, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a fresh side for your weeknight meal, this coleslaw fits the bill. Its vibrant flavors and appealing texture make it a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide array of main dishes.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Vegan Coleslaw
Elevate your coleslaw game with these invaluable tips designed to ensure your dish is nothing short of spectacular, every single time.
- Cabbage Choice & Preparation: While convenience is key with bagged, shredded coleslaw mix (which makes this recipe unbelievably simple!), don’t hesitate to shred your own fresh cabbage if you prefer. Using fresh cabbage allows for a superior crunch and flavor. Both red and green cabbage work wonderfully, and a mix of the two will add beautiful color and a slightly more complex flavor profile. Never shredded cabbage before? No worries! It’s easier than you think. You can finely slice it by hand with a sharp knife, use a mandoline for ultra-thin strands, or even your food processor with a slicing disc for quick results. Aim for thin, uniform shreds for the best texture.
- The Power of Advance Preparation: For a truly rich and flavorful coleslaw, plan to prep your dish at least 1 hour in advance. If your schedule allows, making it up to 8 hours ahead is even better! This crucial resting period in the refrigerator allows the dressing ingredients to thoroughly meld and mingle with the cabbage. The flavors deepen, creating a more harmonious and satisfying taste experience. Just remember to keep it well-chilled until serving to maintain its crispness and freshness.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The recipe calls for ¼ cup of granulated sugar, but feel free to adjust this to your preference. If you like a sweeter coleslaw, add a little more. For a tangier version, reduce the sugar or add a splash more vinegar. You can also experiment with sugar substitutes if you’re watching your sugar intake.
- Customize Your Crunch: Beyond the classic cabbage and carrots found in coleslaw mix, consider adding other crunchy vegetables for extra texture and nutritional value. Finely diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced red onion, or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Embrace a Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, easily transform this classic into a spicy vegan coleslaw! A dash of cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a teaspoon of sriracha mixed into the dressing will add a delightful fiery note. Taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice.
- Toasted Nut Topping: For an extra layer of texture and a nutty flavor, consider sprinkling some toasted slivered almonds, chopped walnuts, or even sunflower seeds over your coleslaw just before serving. This simple addition can elevate the dish significantly.
Discover More Delicious Vegan Recipes
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this easy vegan coleslaw, you’re in for a treat! Our collection of plant-based recipes offers something for everyone, from savory mains to delightful desserts. Expand your vegan culinary horizons with these other must-try dishes:
- Flavorful Vegan Empanadas
- Crispy Coconut Bacon
- Hearty Chickpea Salad Sandwich
- Sweet Vegan Strawberry Shortcake
- Zesty Seitan Wings in Buffalo Sauce
- Perfectly Crispy Baked Tofu
- Smoked Tofu (Oven or Smoker)
- Refreshing Cucumber Chips
- Spicy Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu
- Tangy Green Tomato Salsa
- Wholesome Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
Vegan Coleslaw
Cheryl Malik
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or granulated sugar substitute of choice)
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 (14-ounce) bags shredded coleslaw mix
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Large mixing bowl (with lid, or plastic wrap to cover)
- Silicone spatula (or large wooden spoon)
Instructions
- Add 1 cup vegan mayonnaise, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons white vinegar, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt to a small mixing bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and smooth, forming your creamy dressing.
- Empty the contents of 2 (14-ounce) bags of shredded coleslaw mix into a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the coleslaw mix. Gently toss or stir the ingredients together using a silicone spatula or large wooden spoon until the shredded cabbage and carrots are completely and evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure every piece is glistening.
- For immediate enjoyment, serve the coleslaw right away. For enhanced flavor, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (and up to 8 hours) before serving to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
Notes
- Vegan Sugar: Be mindful that some granulated sugars are processed using bone char, which is not vegan-friendly. Always check the label or choose organic sugars, which are typically vegan.
- Storage: Store any leftover vegan coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it’s still delicious, the cabbage will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed as fresh as possible for maximum crunch.
- Homemade Shredded Cabbage: If using fresh cabbage, ensure it is very thinly shredded. A mix of green and red cabbage will give a beautiful color and slightly varied texture.
- Dressing Variations: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar, or add a pinch of celery seed for an authentic deli-style taste.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 230 kcal |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Total Carbs: 14g |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 9g |
Net Carbs: 12g |
Vitamin C: 36mg |
Sodium: 254mg |
Potassium: 169mg |
Calcium: 40mg |
Iron: 0.5mg
The number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Coleslaw
While the flavors meld wonderfully with an hour or two of chilling, I generally wouldn’t recommend making this coleslaw more than 8 hours ahead of time, and definitely not a full day or two. The raw cabbage tends to soften and become limp the longer it sits in the dressing, losing its signature crisp texture. For the best possible crunch and freshness, it’s ideal when served within a few hours of preparation. If you need to prep ahead, you can whisk the dressing separately and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then combine it with the shredded cabbage mix just before serving.
Unfortunately, no, coleslaw does not freeze well. Raw cabbage has a high water content, and when frozen and then defrosted, it loses its crispness, becoming watery and mushy. The creamy dressing will also separate and take on an undesirable texture. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh.
This versatile vegan coleslaw pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes! It’s a fantastic side for veggie burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, barbecue tofu sandwiches, or black bean burgers. It also complements vegan hot dogs, pulled jackfruit sliders, and even as a fresh contrast to hearty lentil or bean stews. Don’t limit it to just sides – try it as a topping for tacos, in wraps, or layered in a sandwich for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
Absolutely! While white vinegar provides a classic, sharp tang, you can certainly experiment with other vinegars to customize the flavor. Apple cider vinegar will offer a slightly fruitier and milder tang, while rice vinegar (unseasoned) can give a subtle, crisp flavor. Balsamic vinegar would change the color and add a sweeter, richer note, so use that sparingly if you wish to try it. Always taste and adjust as you go to find your preferred balance.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! All the ingredients listed – vegan mayonnaise, granulated sugar, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and shredded coleslaw mix (cabbage and carrots) – are typically gluten-free. However, it’s always a good practice to check the labels of your specific brands, especially for vegan mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, to ensure they don’t contain any hidden gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination warnings if you have a severe allergy or intolerance.
If you find the dressing too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding a very small amount of plant-based milk (such as unsweetened almond milk) or a teaspoon of additional white vinegar, whisking until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker dressing, you can add a tiny bit more vegan mayonnaise. Remember to add liquids gradually to avoid over-thinning.