A Crunchy and Healthier Homemade Coleslaw Recipe With No Mayo

Are you looking for a new summer side dish idea? Here’s a vegan crunchy coleslaw recipe that is not only delicious but is a healthier version without mayonnaise.

crunchy healthy coleslaw recipe

Some of my blogging buddies have a monthly supper club and I am so excited to be joining them this month to bring you 6 barbecue recipes that are perfect for any backyard get-together.

All of the recipes are linked at the bottom of the page so be sure to read through to the end so you don’t miss any.

For those of you who are new to my blog or are hopping over from Anne and AnnMarie at Simply 2 Moms, welcome! I’m so happy you’re here. Didn’t their healthy Greek pasta salad look amazing? I can’t wait to try the recipe!


I’m always looking for a great side dish to serve at a summer get-together or take to a friend’s barbeque.

Today I’m going to share a crunchy coleslaw recipe that’s a healthier, vegan version because it doesn’t have any mayonnaise in the ingredients. It’s perfect for serving with your favorite barbeque or grilled favorites.


summer tablescape

If you missed the first part of our backyard barbeque party you can see all the summer inspiration, including my Quick and Easy Summer Barbeque Tablescape HERE.

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crunchy healthy coleslaw recipe

Summer Backyard Barbeque Menu

  • Blueberry Mojito
  • Heavenly Potato Salad
  • Colorful Steak And Vegetable Kabobs On The Grill
  • Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
  • Healthy Homemade Crunchy Coleslaw
  • Dreamy Peaches & Cream Parfait Dessert

More About This Crunchy Coleslaw

I was asked to make a side dish for our barbecue today so I’m sharing a fantastic healthier coleslaw recipe with a whole lot of crunch. I first tasted it at my friend Kelly’s house last month on the 4th of July.

There were several ingredients that actually surprised me when I first tasted this tasty side dish.

Ingredients like fennel bulb, jalapeno pepper, and green apple add such a unique flavor. The dressing is made up of sushi vinegar (you can use rice vinegar for a more healthy alternative) which you can get at an Asian or specialty market. This recipe calls for veganaise rather than mayonnaise.


Ingredients for a crunchy healthy coleslaw recipe

Coleslaw Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this vegan crunchy coleslaw recipe:

  • 1/2 head of red (purple) cabbage head and 1/2 green cabbage – finely shredded (you can also just use one head of red, green, or napa cabbage)
  • 1 green apple – peeled and julienned
  • 1 jalapeno pepper – julienned
  • 1 fennel bulb – julienned
  • 1 shallot – julienned; fried shallots or pickled onions are optional
  • 1 bunch of cilantro – chopped

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup sushi vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 3/4 cup veganaise
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Coleslaw Directions

  • Quarter the cabbage head through the core and then cut out the core. Cut each quarter crosswise in half and shred or julienne.
  • Use a mandolin, food processor, or knife to julienne the cabbage, green apple, jalapeno, a fennel bulb, and shallot.
  • Chop up the cilantro (I left it out of mine because I’m not a fan).
  • Mix the fresh ingredients together in a large bowl.
  • To make the dressing, blend the sushi vinegar, veganaise, and olive oil together.
  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine.
  • Garnish with shelled pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
  • Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator for 1-4 hours to let the flavors marinate.

If you’re looking for a vegan coleslaw alternative or just a fabulous tasting side dish for summer, I hope you’ll try this crunchy and healthier coleslaw recipe.

Next up is my good friend Rachel at the Ponds Farmhouse with dessert! She’s sharing the dreamiest peaches & cream parfait dessert recipe.

Be sure you visit the other blogs for more amazing summer recipes for your next BBQ or summer get-together. Links are listed below.

Until next time,

Happy Summer Entertaining!

Crunchy Healthier Homemade Coleslaw

Crunchy Healthier Homemade Coleslaw

Here's a crunchy coleslaw recipe that is a healthier vegan version with no mayonnaise in the ingredients. It’s perfect for serving with your favorite barbeque or grilled favorites.

Prep Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head of red (purple) cabbage head and 1/2 green cabbage – finely shredded
  • Green apple – peeled and julienned
  • 1 jalapeno pepper – julienned
  • 1 fennel bulb – julienned
  • 1 shallot – julienned; fried shallots or pickled onions are optional
  • 1 bunch of cilantro
  • DRESSING
  • 3/4 cup sushi vinegar or rice vinegar for a healthier option
  • 3/4 cup veganaise
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • GARNISH
  • 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup seasoned sunflower seeds

Instructions

    1. Quarter the cabbage head through the core and then cut out the core. Cut each quarter crosswise in half and shred or julienne.

    2. Use a mandolin, food processor, or knife to julienne the cabbage, green apple, jalapeno, a fennel bulb, and shallot.

    3. Chop up the cilantro.

    4. Mix the fresh ingredients together in a large bowl.

    5. To make the dressing, blend the vinegar, veganaise, and olive oil together.

    6. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine.

    7. Garnish with shelled pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.

    8. Place the coleslaw in the refrigerator for 1-4 hours to let the flavors marinate.



              Notes

              • Shred the cabbage yourself. While it's more convenient to buy a bag of cabbage mix, the cabbage will turn limp much faster than if it is freshly julienned or shredded.
              • I used a mandolin but you can also use a food processor or sharp knife to julienne the ingredients.
              • Try to make the coleslaw the same day to keep it crunchy.
              • Rice vinegar is a healthier choice than sushi vinegar but the sushi version will be more seasoned. These vinegars can be hard to find, depending on your grocery store. If it's not with the rest of the vinegar, check the international section, or buy it at an Asian market. 


              More Summer Barbeque Recipes

              Make sure to peek at all the wonderful host’s recipes by clicking the name below the picture.

              Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms | Michele at Vintage Home Designs | Jen at Midwest Life and Style

              Anne & AnneMarie at Simply 2 Moms | Kim at Shiplap and Shells | Rachel at the Ponds Farmhouse


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              10 Comments

              1. Kim this dish looks delicious! It’s so brightly colored and I love the crunch! I can’t wai to make it. Sounds delicious!

                1. Thanks, Michele! I’m not usually a coleslaw fan but when I tried this one I fell in love. It’s absolutely delicious!

              2. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try! I’ll bet the fennel and apple add a wonderful brightness to the salad. Thanks so much for joining us this month, Kim! Pinned!

                1. I am a bit of a finicky eater so the fact that I loved the fennel and apple together was amazing to me. Loved joining you ladies this month.

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