This Creamy Whole30 Coleslaw is the perfect recipe to bring to BBQ cookouts and family gatherings. This coleslaw is slightly sweet, tangy, and oh so delicious!
*Originally published May 30, 2021 and updated with new copy and photos 2/21/22.
When I think of the best BBQ Sides, one of the first things that come to mind is coleslaw. You know the stuff. Creamy, crunchy, cabbage that is tossed in a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. It doesn't get much better than that! This Whole30 Creamy Coleslaw is the perfect addition to any BBQ or event that you are hosting. It comes together in less than 20 minutes and is easy and delicious!
For some other great BBQ recipes, check out this Amish Broccoli Salad, this Bright and Fresh Lemon Orzo Salad, these Lion Mane Crab Cakes, this Mushroom Pulled Pork or these Air Fryer Beyond Burgers!
Jump to:
Why This Whole30 Coleslaw is the Best
- Easy and Quick- This coleslaw recipe is easy and quick to make. It comes together in about 10 minutes and is the perfect last-minute side dish to bring to any gathering!
- Clean Ingredients- This recipe is Whole30 compliant which means it is full of clean ingredients. You won't find overly processed, calorie-laden ingredients here. This recipe won't weigh you down and make you feel icky.
- Vegan and Dairy-Free- In addition to being Whole30 compliant, this creamy coleslaw recipe is also vegan and dairy-free! Perfect for your friends who can't do dairy.
Ingredient Notes
- Cabbage- This coleslaw recipe uses a mixture of red and green cabbage. The cabbage gives a crunchy bite that coleslaw is known for! I love to buy pre-shredded cabbage to make it easier. However, you can also use heads of cabbage and slice them with a mandoline.
- Carrots- Another crunch factor, the carrots help to add color to the dish.
- Apples- One of the things that I like to add to this coleslaw recipe is finely chopped green apple. I love how the sweetness balances out the tanginess of the coleslaw.
- Mayonnaise- Mayonnaise is the base of the sauce for this coleslaw. Make sure to use Whole30 and Vegan Mayonnaise. This is my favorite brand!
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and quantities.
Instructions
- Shred the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- Finely slice the green onions and the green apple
- Add all coleslaw ingredients to a large bowl
How to Make the Coleslaw Dressing
- Add the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and spices to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Toss the dressing with the cabbage mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Substitutions
- Onions- Feel free to swap the green onions for some thinly sliced red onions.
- Low-Sodium- Omit the salt to keep this low-sodium
Variations
- Sweet- If you like your coleslaw a little on the sweeter side, feel free to add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup to the dressing. Keep in mind that it will no longer be Whole30
- Fruit- Add additional fruit to this coleslaw to give it a fun variation. I bet blueberries or pineapple chunks would be great in this recipe!
- Extra Crunch- If you like extra crunchy coleslaw, add some slivered almonds to the coleslaw or pepitas to really give it a crunch factor.
FAQ's
A little bit! KFC coleslaw is a tad sweeter and the dressing is thicker than this recipe. KFC coleslaw uses both buttermilk and sugar in their dressing which this does not.
Yes, the base of this coleslaw dressing is made with mayonnaise.
I love using a combination of red and green cabbage for this recipe. It makes it really pretty. Alternatively, you can add some broccoli to the dish to give it some extra crunch.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. See below for the equipment you will need to make this recipe.
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Mandoline (if slicing your own cabbage)
- Small mixing bowl
Storage
Coleslaw is easy to make ahead of time and even gets better the longer it sits. Feel free to shred the vegetables up to two days ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Store the coleslaw in an airtight bowl in the fridge for up to three days. The longer it is stored, the softer the cabbage will become.
This recipe will not be great frozen. The texture will become mushy and will not taste very good.
Top Tips
- Buy pre-packaged coleslaw mix at the grocery store to make this recipe even easier! Simply replace the green and red cabbage and the carrots with 2 10 ounce bags of pre packaged coleslaw mix.
- The leftover dressing is great as a spread for sandwiches, dip for vegetables or served alongside some grilled or roasted vegetables.
- The cabbage can be shredded ahead of time, up to two to three days in advance. Store the shredded vegetables in an airtight container until ready to use.
Other Great Recipes You'll Love!
- Mushroom Pulled Pork
- Vegan Gnocchi Potato Salad
- Barbecue Ranch Taco Salad
- Amish Potato Salad
- Air Fryer Beyond Burgers
- Savory Rosemary Air-Fryer Baby Carrots
- Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes
- Air Fryer Steak Fries
Easy Creamy Whole30 Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage-shredded
- 3 cups purple cabbage-shredded
- 1.5 cups carrots-shredded
- ¾ cup Whole30 mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ green apple
- 3 green onions
Instructions
- Shred the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- Finely slice the green onions and the green apple
- Add all coleslaw ingredients to a large bowl
- Add the vegan mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and spices to a bowl and stir to combine.
- Toss the dressing with the cabbage mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Buy pre-packaged coleslaw mix at the grocery store to make this recipe even easier! Simply replace the green and red cabbage and the carrots with 2 10 ounce bags of pre packaged coleslaw mix.
- The leftover dressing is great as a spread for sandwiches, dip for vegetables or served alongside some grilled or roasted vegetables.
- The cabbage can be shredded ahead of time, up to two to three days in advance. Store the shredded vegetables in an airtight container until ready to use.
kaydimaggio says
Yum! This coleslaw was perfect the BBQ we had! So creamy and delicious!
Gloria says
Patio dinners are on the horizon....and coleslaw is always a must at any bbq party. This looks perfect. It will be a hit for sure.
Nora says
My hubby asks me for a long time to make him coleslaw again! Has turned out great that I have now stumbled across your recipe! Thank you very much! He will be very happy! 🙂
Addie says
This coleslaw is so delicious for summer BBQs! It’s light, creamy and so flavorful.
Natalie says
Yum, looks delicious. I love added celery seeds. I have to give this recipe a try.
Kristina says
Not only a delicious dish, but a beautiful one too. This coleslaw was a hit with my family as is.