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This 3-ingredient, easy no mayo coleslaw is great on pulled pork or BBQ chicken sandwiches, in tacos or as a side dish when grilling out! It hits the spot for a healthier, lightened up coleslaw!
Anyone else not a fan of the overly creamy, mayo-drenched coleslaws you sometimes get at cookouts? The kind where you can’t taste – or hardly even see – the actual cabbage mix?
Sorry, but no thanks.
Today I’m sharing my favorite easy, no mayo coleslaw, which is the perfect addition to any summer cookout.
I always use this coleslaw with my 3-ingredient slow cooker pulled pork (served on sandwiches or sliders) and it’s great with BBQ chicken burgers or sandwiches too. I even love it with tacos, especially fish tacos. 🌮
It’s also just a great side dish to anything from the grill in the summer. 👌
It may be because it’s healthier, but I think the real reason I’m so drawn to this type of no mayo coleslaw is because it’s the Eastern North Carolina style. A.k.a., where my people are from.
My mom grew up in Eastern N.C., and I still have lots of family in that part of the state. (I live in Charlotte.) And we visited my grandmother there often growing up. BBQ and slaw from one of the local joints was among my mom’s must-haves during a visit home.
This recipe is adapted from Southern Living and I’ve been using it for years now. I’m lazy and buy the coleslaw mix in the bag, but if you want to chop your own, go for it!
This makes a great picnic, potluck and BBQ side because it’s easy to double or triple the recipe and it’s OK to let it sit out, since there’s no mayonnaise to go bad. 👍
A few quick notes on making no mayo coleslaw:
- I like to shake up the vinegar mixture in a jar – it’s so easy! You could also whisk it together in a bowl. Just make sure you get the sugar all the way dissolved.
- I use regular white distilled vinegar for this but you could try swapping in some or all of it for apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
- Feel free to use your favorite bagged mix of coleslaw here (that’s what I do) or to shred your own cabbage, and carrots if you want to add those.
- This is best made at least 30 minutes ahead, so the coleslaw can soften a bit and all the flavors can meld together.
If you’ve never had this kind of vinegar-based slaw, you gotta give it a try. And if it’s what you remember growing up with, too, then welcome to a taste of home! ❤️
XO,
Kathryn
Easy no-mayo coleslaw
This easy, no-mayo coleslaw is great on sandwiches, in tacos or as a side!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 head green cabbage (or about 1 pound bag of coleslaw mix), shredded or finely chopped
Instructions
- Stir together vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until well-combined and sugar is dissolved. I put everything in a jar and shake it really, really well.
- Place cabbage in a large bowl and pour vinegar mixture over it. Stir to combine.
- Let coleslaw sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, to let the flavors meld. You can also make it ahead and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to a day. Stir occasionally.
- Serve with pulled pork, BBQ chicken, fish tacos or as a grilling side.
Recipe Notes
Adapted from Southern Living.
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Amount Per Serving | As Served |
| Calories 84kcal Calories from fat 1 | |
| % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Sodium 376mg | 16% |
| Carbohydrate 20g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 12% |
| Sugars 16g | |
| Protein 2g | |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
| Calories | 2000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | Less than | 65g |
| Sat Fat | Less than | 25g |
| Cholesterol | Less than | 300mg |
| Sodium | Less than | 2,400mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 300g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 25g | |
I love this idea and it is so easy too. We were making a slaw with half homemade mayo and half light sour cream, vinegar, and sugar with salt and pepper. But this one easier, less time consuming and inexpensive besides. Definitely will try this one. Thanks.
Thanks so much Laura! I hope you enjoy it! 😊
Do you think I could use stevia instead of sugar? My daughter is diabetic.
I haven’t made it that way but you could certainly try it! I think it’s a bit sweeter than sugar, so you may need to reduce the amount.
Tried your easy coleslaw and it was just what I was looking for. thank you .I too am I am diabetic and could not find a coleslaw recipe that I really liked. The last time I had good coleslaw was when we still had a long John silvers in our town. That was many moons ago. Next time I will add carrots and used white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
Oh I’m so happy you found my recipe and enjoyed it! Coleslaw is one of my favorites 😊
This was perfect, as I’ve been looking for a healthier coleslaw option! I’m also a Carolina girl (Piedmont), and your comments about a recipe served with BBQ definitely got my attention. Also agreed with the idea of purchasing a bag of ready-made slaw. So kudos to you, Kathryn, and keep the ideas coming!
I’m so happy to hear you liked this Phyllis! And a big hi to a fellow Carolina girl – sounds like we’re totally on the same page! 😘
I added a splash of OJ. It was stellar
That sounds like a great addition! Glad you liked it John!