Quick and easy apple cider vinegar coleslaw with shredded green cabbage and carrots. Flavorful, healthy and mayo-free.
Okay, coleslaw time.
If you’re anything like me you probably grew up eating creamy, mayo-based coleslaw. My mom’s recipe uses Miracle Whip and I ate my fair share of creamy coleslaw from fast food spots like KFC and Chick-fil-a. <– I used to be obsessed with Chick-fil-a and I do remember their coleslaw being pretty good. I don’t know why, but I decided to look it up and it’s actually no longer being served at their restaurants, but they shared their recipe here if you’re interested.
Nowadays I much prefer a vinegar based coleslaw over one with mayo. The vinegar dressing is lighter and really lets the veggies shine.
The version I’m sharing today is a pretty classic recipe seasoned with a simple 6-ingredient vinaigrette. To really boost the nutritional content I used apple cider vinegar and instead of white sugar I went with maple syrup. Maple syrup is unrefined and has antioxidants, as well as other vitamins and minerals including a good amount of zinc and manganese.
If you’re interested in learning more about why I love ACV, check out this post about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Okay so to make this slaw you’ll need shredded cabbage and carrots. I used green cabbage, but feel free to use a mix of green and red. And if you want to make the process amazingly easy, you can totally buy packaged coleslaw mix. Just be sure to measure out about 5 cups so you have a good dressing to salad ratio.
This salad is pretty low in calories, oil-free and is perfect for serving as a light and refreshing side salad or as a crunchy topping for green salads, grilled meat, fish tacos, burgers or bbq sandwiches. I hope you like it as much as we do!
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PinDescription
A quick and easy apple cider vinegar coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. It’s flavorful, mayo-free and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl toss together shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Combine vinegar, maple syrup, dry mustard, celery seed, salt and ground pepper in a small bowl. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Let mixture sit for at least 10 minutes in the fridge, stir and serve.
Notes
This recipe can be made ahead of time and will taste better after having a little time to marinate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 46
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 0g |
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: coleslaw, apple cider vinegar coleslaw, vinegar coleslaw
Want more apple cider vinegar recipes? Check out these:
This sounds really nice! I’m a fan of apple cider vinegar… I think this would taste great with chicken, too.
This looks so yummy! My husband loves coleslaw, but I am always hesitant to make it because the mayo dressing is not my favorite. Can’t wait to try this!
I love cider slaw–your version looks great!
I love coleslaw. i can use it as a salad base or top off any sandwich with it. The tangy-er the better! This looks great.
This looks so, soooo tasty! Definitely going to reach for this recipe next time I need some coleslaw 🙂
I’m with you I prefer the vinegar based coleslaw now over the mayo, I think it has way more flavor. I love that you used apple cider vinegar and maple syrup. This will be a great side dish or topping for a burger this grilling season!
This is perfectly timed! I have a head of cabbage in my refrigerator, and I couldn’t decide what to do with it. Making vinegar-y slaw sounds like a delicious use.
This looks amazing! I bet it would be fabulous on fish tacos too!
I absolutely love cabbage but I’m not a fan of the mayo based coleslaws, so I can’t wait to try this! And you are too cute! Your video is SO FUN! More more more!
Apple cider vinegar is a superstar. I love this recipe. Perfect time for summer.
Welcome to the wonderful world of YouTube!
Coleslaw came into my life when I was in college and I never cared for the creamy, mayo-based coleslaw that was infamous then – but this version sounds absolutely delightful – and love the health benefits of it too!
Great salad, perfection! Love using Apple cider vinegar whenever I can, I actually have a book on all the benefits!
This Caleslaw alternative will definitely help to save loads of calories by not eating them. 😉 One flat tablespoon of mayonnaise contains about 90 kcal and 10 grams of fat! This is crazy!
I usually go for a compromise with the caleslaw dressing too. I use low fat natural yogurt and add a tablespoon or two of olive oil, a tablespoon of vinegar, a little bit of maple syrup and remaining spices.
Oh yum! Great idea!
Hi,
Looks like a great recipe! I’m from Mass., so using maple syrup sounds good. Can you tell me if it changes the flavor a lot?
Thanks so much,
Marianne
I added two tbp of sesame oil as well… perfect!
I use your recipe but I use 1Tbsp of Palm sugar and add a pinch off pepper flakes.
Can you please sing me up for your newsletters
Sure! Will add you today. 🙂