Bright, Crunchy Vinegar Slaw (Meal Prep Friendly!)

This vinegar-based coleslaw recipe is our favorite simple coleslaw recipe without mayo! It's simple and has texture, tang, and crunch in all the right places. Tossed in a smooth and balanced coleslaw vinaigrette, all the veggies get evenly coated for a delicious, cohesive salad. Plus, it looks like a freaking rainbow.

this recipe

Now don't get me wrong - I love a creamy coleslaw... but we all know from this vinegar cucumber salad that I'm also a vinegar girl. And if you like your vinaigrettes too, you're probably like me and sometimes just need yourself a coleslaw without mayo. Enter our absolute favorite healthy coleslaw recipe with plenty of color, crunch, and texture from some added sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, plus a balanced and mild vinaigrette to coat every bite.

This slaw is sweet-tangy and crisp -- perfect for adding to salads and grain bowls, or for topping tacos (like these simple chorizo tacos), BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. Keep a batch on hand throughout the week, and you'll have a flavor booster at the ready for any meal, or just a simple crunchy salad to get those veggies in. Let's make some!

Key Ingredients

• Red cabbage - Cabbage is the primary ingredients in this healthy coleslaw recipe, and purple cabbage adds a beautiful hue.
• Green cabbage - For cabbage number two, we'll use green for slightly different flavor of cabbage, plus more color.
• Green onions - We love onions for flavor and opted for milder one in this recipe.
• Cilantro - Fresh cilantro brings an incredibly fresh flavor to this coleslaw.
• Carrots - We'll shred these up and add them for flavor, plus they add a nice pop of orange.
• Sunflower seeds - For saltiness, flavor, and crunch.
• Sesame seeds - For even more crunch and texture (never enough!).

Substitutions & Variations

The following substitutions & variations can be made to adjust this recipe to your preferences or pantry inventory!

• Vinegar - I love rice vinegar in this recipe because it's mild, but you can easily substitute other vinegars! I recommend a vinegar that's light in color such as sherry vinegar (look for aged for sweeter flavor), apple cider vinegar, or champagne vinegar. Right now, I can't get enough of O Olive Oil vinegars!
• Herbs - Parsley is an excellent swap for cilantro in this coleslaw recipe. I often add
• Sesame vinaigrette - You could also try the vinaigrette from my Asian slaw with ramen recipe: ¼ cup toasted sesame oil + ¼ cup tamari + ¼ cup rice vinegar + 2 tablespoons maple syrup + juice of a fresh orange.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the coleslaw vinaigrette by combining extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, agave syrup, and salt in a tightly sealed mason jar. Shake vigorously to emulsify.

Step 2: Pour the coleslaw vinaigrette into a large bowl and add the green onions. Allow the onions to macerate in the vinaigrette for a few minutes (macerating means soaking in vinegar or acid to help soften and mellow the flavor).

Step 3: Add in the carrots, cabbage, and cilantro, tossing gently to make sure all veggies are coated in the vinaigrette.

Step 4: Add sunflower seeds and sesame seeds, and gently use two spoons to toss, or one spoon to stir, so that all ingredients get evenly distributed. And that's it! You've got yourself an incredible-tasting, simple, and healthy coleslaw recipe.

Hint: I love making a big batch of this coleslaw to use throughout the week for various recipes, such as salads, taco toppings, or sandwich toppings. It's SO good!!

Coleslaw FAQs

Pairing

Looking for ways to use your slaw? Check out some of our recipe pairing suggestions below!

Did you make this vinegar coleslaw recipe? Don't forget to leave a star rating 🌟 and comment below, and tag me on Instagram and Pinterest so I can see what you made!