a bowl of vinegar coleslaw with the serving bowl in the background with a spoon.

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Try this tangy twist on coleslaw! This refreshing Vinegar Coleslaw recipe is made without mayo, featuring a zesty vinegar dressing.

a close up image of vinegar coleslaw in a white bowl with a fork

Want a tangy and refreshing coleslaw that steals the spotlight at your next barbecue or picnic? Then get ready to wow your guests with this Vinegar Coleslaw recipe, a cool twist on the classic favorite. With vibrant colors, crispy cabbage, and a zingy vinegar dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you pair it with juicy hamburgers or mouthwatering Grilled Ribs, this coleslaw guarantees a burst of flavor in every bite. Best part? It’s a breeze to whip up, so you can spend less time cooking and more time savoring fun-filled moments.

in this article:

Why This Recipe Works

Apple cider vinegar gives this dressing a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the vegetables.
By using fresh cabbage instead of a pre-shredded mix, you’ll enjoy a superior texture that is crisp and satisfying.
Customizable sweetness and acidity to your liking by adding more sugar or vinegar, making it perfect for individual taste preferences.

a bowl of vinegar coleslaw with another bowl and fork in the background.

Ingredient Notes

all of the ingredients for this recipe laid out on a table

Red Onion: Use a small red onion, thinly sliced. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can substitute it with a sweet onion or shallots.

Vinegar: Opt for high-quality cider vinegar for the best flavor. If you don’t have cider vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or white wine vinegar.

Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste of the coleslaw.

Mustard: We use whole grain, but yellow or Dijon mustard will also work well in this recipe.

Celery Salt: If you don’t have celery salt, you can substitute it with celery seed.

Granulated Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. You can also use brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Salt & Pepper: Use your preferred type of salt and freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.

Green and Red Cabbage: It’s important to use fresh cabbage and shred it fine for the best texture. Avoid using pre-shredded coleslaw mix for this recipe, as fresh cabbage provides superior texture and flavor.

Carrots: Use large carrots, peeled and grated, for added color and sweetness.

Preparing The Cabbage For Coleslaw

To keep the cabbage crisp when dressed, slice the cabbage into thin, uniform pieces. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor for this. After slicing, place the cabbage in a large bowl or colander. Sprinkle a teaspoon of salt over the cabbage slices and toss them gently to distribute the salt. Let the cabbage rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the salt to absorb excess moisture. During this time, you may notice some liquid accumulating.

After resting, rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove the salt. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to remove excess water. You can use a salad spinner to spin the cabbage in batches or press it gently with a rubber spatula in a colander. Once the cabbage is well-drained, it’s ready to be used in your coleslaw recipe.

Step By Step Instructions

Start by soaking the sliced red onion in cold water to reduce its sharpness. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of cider vinegar, olive oil, yellow mustard, celery salt, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

the dressing for vinegar coleslaw in a bowl with a whisk.

Drain the soaked red onion and add it to the dressing mixture, stirring to coat.

Add the ½ lb shredded green cabbage, ½ lb red cabbage, and 2 large grated carrots to the bowl. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

the vinegar coleslaw tossed together in a white bowl.

Taste the coleslaw and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. If desired, add up to 2 teaspoons of sugar or vinegar, one teaspoon at a time, and mix well.

Serve the Vinegar Coleslaw chilled as a refreshing and tangy side dish alongside your favorite main courses.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh cabbage: Opt for fresh cabbage instead of pre-shredded coleslaw mix. It provides better texture and flavor.
Drain cabbage properly: If you don’t have a salad spinner, use a colander to drain the cabbage. Press it gently with a rubber spatula to remove excess liquid. This step ensures a crisp coleslaw.
Adjust sweetness and acidity: Coleslaw’s sweetness level varies among individuals. Follow the recipe as directed, then taste and adjust by adding up to 2 teaspoons of sugar or vinegar, one teaspoon at a time.
Choose high-quality ingredients: Select good-quality cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh vegetables for the best taste.
Be mindful of seasoning: Season the coleslaw dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that flavors will meld as the coleslaw chills, so it’s better to slightly under-season at first.
Customize with additional ingredients: Feel free to add your personal touch by incorporating diced bell peppers, sliced radishes, or even dried cranberries to the coleslaw.
Microwave for faster liquid removal: If you’re short on time, you can speed up the process of removing excess liquid from cabbage by microwaving it tossed with salt and sugar on high power for 1 minute. This helps the cabbage shed liquid more quickly.
Chill before serving: Let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the coleslaw to become more refreshing.
Store dressing and vegetables separately: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing and vegetables separate until serving to maintain the cabbage’s crunchiness.
Enjoy fresh, but leftovers can be stored: While coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cabbage may soften slightly over time.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

This coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cabbage may soften slightly over time. Avoid freezing the coleslaw, as the texture will become watery and less appealing after thawing.