10-Minute Vegan Coleslaw

Classic, creamy, crunchy, and tangy vegan coleslaw made with simple wholefood ingredients. A healthy summer side dish that's ready in 10 minutes, and entirely vegan and gluten-free!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Jul 6, 2023 by Hannah Sunderani

10-Minute Vegan Coleslaw

Hiya friends! I’m so excited to be sharing this 10-Minute Vegan Coleslaw recipe with you today. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just as delicious as the classic coleslaw recipe you grew up with. It’s the perfect summer side dish for BBQ’s, potlucks, and your favourite veggie burgers and Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Plus, it’s so much healthier than store-bought! 

I’ve swapped out the traditional mayo cream base with a tangy, creamy coconut yogurt dressing for a healthy coleslaw recipe. I promise you’ll absolutely love this vegan version made with whole food ingredients. So let me tell you exactly how to make it! 

vegan coleslaw in a grey bowl on top of a wood plate ready to be served. Sitting on a white surface.

This Vegan Coleslaw is….

  • Healthy
  • Creamy
  • Ready in 10 minutes
  • Crunchy and refreshing
  • Made with whole-food ingredients
  • Oil-free & gluten-free
  • Perfect easy side dish
  • Newbie cook approved 
  • Gut friendly
  • Great way to get your veggies in!

all of the ingredients to make vegan coleslaw, chopped and separated into separate bowls.

Ingredient Notes

If you’ve only ever purchased store-bought slaw mix pacakages, you’re in for a treat! Making your own homemade coleslaw only requires 9 simple ingredients, plus salt! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Cabbage – For the best crunchy, well-textured coleslaw I highly recommend using a combination of both red cabbage (purple cabbage) and white cabbage (green cabbage). This not only adds beautiful colour to the mix, but gives this coleslaw a boost of anti-oxidants and nutrition, too! 
  • Carrots – Freshly grated carrot adds a mild sweetness and additional texture to a classic coleslaw. I like to use orange carrots, but any coloured carrots will work. 
  • Green onion – Also known as spring onions or scallions, green onion has a mild onion flavour and adds a fresh, bright taste to the mix. It balances the creamy dressing well and keeps everything tasting light and refreshing! 
  • Cilantro – Another source of freshness that helps balance the creaminess and create depth of flavour. 
  • Yogurt – Most classic coleslaw recipes are made with mayonnaise. I prefer the nutrition and tanginess that coconut yogurt adds. It’s a much healthier alternative and is one that tastes surprisingly reminiscent of the mayo-based coleslaw recipes you grew up with! 
  • Apple cider vinegar – The key ingredient to making a tangy homemade coleslaw dressing. It also aids in digestion and positive gut health.
  • Dijon – Enhances the tanginess and flavour of the dressing. If you prefer something more mild, try yellow mustard. 
  • Celery seeds – This ingredient is optional, but if you miss the flavour of classic coleslaw I highly recommend it! Celery seeds are aromatic, flavourful, and the perfect finishing touch and you only need a pinch!

For the full recipe and measurements, scroll down to the complete recipe card below!

Vegan coleslaw in a grey bowl with two spoons in the bowl for scooping. The bowl is on a wood plate that's sitting on a white surface.

How to Make Vegan Coleslaw

Making this coleslaw is so simple and will only take you 10 minutes! Once your veggies are shredded and finely chopped, there are just three simple steps to follow when making a homemade vegan coleslaw. 

First, add all of the crunchy cabbage, grated carrots, green onions, and cilantro to your favorite large mixing bowl or serving bowl. Toss until well combined. 

Second, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy coleslaw dressing ingredients until smooth.

Lastly, pour the creamy coleslaw dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss again until well coated and combined. 

This coleslaw can be served immediately at room temperature or refrigerated until chilled and enjoy as desired!  

image of the finished coleslaw in a grey bowl with two silver spoons inside the bowl. The bowl is sitting on wood cutting board with a white backdrop and there is a kitchen towel peaking out of the right hand side.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy cabbage salad is the perfect side dish to serve alongside Lentil Burger Patties, Tofu Skewers, and any of your favourite summer dishes! We even love it piled on our Vegan Jackfruit Pulled Pork Sandwiches!

If you’re looking for more Vegan Side Dishes that pair well with this crunchy slaw mix, you might enjoy these blog favourites: 

close up of the coleslaw in a white bowl on a white backdrop

Recipe FAQs

Can I make vegan coleslaw in advance?

Yes! Vegan coleslaw can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but if you are prepping this healthy coleslaw in advance for a party, I’d recommend storing for up to 24 hours before serving. This will allow the coleslaw time to meld all of the flavours together while keeping the veggies crisp and lightly crunchy. 

Can you freeze vegan coleslaw?

Freezing coleslaw generally isn’t recommended. Once frozen, the cabbage will change texture, become watery, and the texture of the creamy dressing will become grainy. If you’re looking for side dishes that are better suited for freezing you might like these Vegan Baked Beans or this 3 Bean Salad.

Is coleslaw good for your gut?

Coleslaw isn’t always made with healthy, gut-friendly ingredients, but this creamy coleslaw is! The coconut yogurt and apple cider vinegar are rich in probiotics and digestive enzymes that create balance and aid in healthy digestion in the gut. If you don’t have access to coconut yogurt at your local grocery store, you can Make Coconut Yogurt at Home in 10 Minutes

More Vegan Side Dishes You Might Like:

scopping the vegan coleslaw from the bowl using two silver spoons. The vegan coleslaw is in a grey bowl on a wood cutting board and a white backdrop.

I hope you love this Vegan Coleslaw as much as I do! If you do make this recipe, please let me know in the comments below what you think and check out The Two Spoons Cookbook for more French-inspired vegan recipes like this! I truly love hearing from you, and I’m always here to answer any questions you might have. 

And of course, tag me on Instagram with your pictures using the hashtag #twospoons. Nothing makes me happier than to see your recreations. 

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10-Minute Vegan Coleslaw

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Classic, creamy, crunchy, and tangy vegan coleslaw made with simple wholefood ingredients. A healthy summer side dish that's ready in 10 minutes, and entirely vegan and gluten-free!
vegan coleslaw in a grew bowl ready to be served
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serves 3 cups

Ingredients

Coleslaw mix:

  • 1.5 cups red cabbage shredded
  • 1.5 cups white cabbage shredded
  • 2 carrots grated
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp cilantro finely chopped

Creamy dressing:

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut yogurt or soy yogurt
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • Pinch celery seeds optional
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl add the red cabbage, white cabbage, carrots, green onion and cilantro. Toss to combine.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, dijon, celery seeds, and salt together until smooth. 
  • Pour the creamy dressing into the coleslaw mix and toss until well coated and combined.

Notes

Recipe will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an air-tight container. 
Nutrition facts in a rough estimate, per cup. 
 

Approvals

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 7433IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 105mg | Iron: 1mg
DID YOU

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