Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo) is the perfect companion for summer barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. This vibrant, crunchy slaw is brimming with fresh flavors and incredibly simple to make—just toss everything together, and it’s ready to shine on your table. Unlike the traditional creamy versions that can weigh you down, the tangy vinegar dressing adds a refreshing brightness that complements all your favorite grilled meats and captures the essence of summer.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo, Summer-Ready)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo, Summer-Ready)

Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo, Summer-Ready)

I’ll never forget the first time I made this zesty coleslaw. I was hosting a barbecue and needed a side that would please both the health-conscious and those who just crave something delicious. The balance of tart apple cider vinegar with the subtle sweetness of maple syrup stole the show, and I found myself reaching for seconds. Hands down, this vinegar slaw is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to whip up as it is enjoyable to eat. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this delicious slaw in just about 10 minutes, plus chilling time.
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet that tantalizes your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix makes for a delightful addition to any table setting.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for summer cookouts, alongside fried chicken, or even as a light snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is completely vegan, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 bag pre-packaged coleslaw of choice (14-16 ounces): A time-saver, the coleslaw mix includes shredded cabbage and carrots, offering a fresh crunch without any chopping. If you prefer, you can use a mix of shredded green and purple cabbage along with carrots.
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: This tangy vinegar provides the essential flavor base for the dressing. For a milder taste, you could substitute with white wine vinegar.
1/4 cup maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tang of the vinegar. If you want it to be sugar-free, agave nectar is a great alternative.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Contributes a bit of heat and complexity to the dressing. You can swap this with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
1 tsp celery seeds: Brings a distinct flavor reminiscent of traditional coleslaw; however, feel free to replace it with poppy seeds for a different twist.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate the overall flavor of the slaw.

How to Make Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo, Summer-Ready)

Prepare the Coleslaw: Open the bag of pre-packaged coleslaw and empty it into a large bowl. Make sure to break up any clumps, ensuring even distribution of the vegetables.
Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon celery seeds until thoroughly mixed. This step is important to achieve a well-combined and flavorful dressing.
Mix Together: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss gently until every piece is coated. Taste the slaw, adding salt and pepper gradually until it’s seasoned to your liking.
Chill: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the slaw chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you’re in a rush, it can be served immediately, and it will still be tasty.

Storing & Reheating

This coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be mindful not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. If you want to preserve it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, but know that the texture may suffer once thawed. Simply enjoy it cold as a refreshing side or snack—no reheating necessary.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid watery slaw: If you can, allow the slaw to drain for a few minutes after mixing to avoid excess moisture.
Fresh flavors: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for a noticeably better taste.
Balance the flavors: Adjust the maple syrup and vinegar according to your preference—add more maple for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
Make it ahead: This coleslaw is perfect for making a day in advance, giving it time to chill and develop its flavors.

This Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw is refreshing and easy to prepare, and it brings a wonderful crunch to any summer meal. The bright flavor profile makes it a delightful addition to everything from fish tacos to veggie burgers. Enjoy the simplicity of this dish while making it your own—think about adding some chopped apples or bell peppers for an unexpected twist!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Absolutely! While apple cider vinegar is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar for a lighter flavor or rice vinegar for a subtle sweetness.

How long can I store this coleslaw?

You can keep leftover coleslaw in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be aware that it may become softer over time as the cabbage releases moisture.

Can I add other ingredients to this coleslaw?

Of course! Feel free to get creative by adding diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or even some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this tangy vinegar coleslaw is gluten-free as all the ingredients are safe for a gluten-free diet. Always check labels for any cross-contamination when using pre-packaged ingredients.

Be sure to whip up this Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw for your next summer gathering—it’s a refreshing and colorful dish that everyone will love!

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Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo, Summer-Ready)

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 65 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish, featuring a perfect blend of apple cider vinegar and maple syrup, adding a delicious twist to your summer meals. Simple to prepare, it offers a healthy option for BBQs and picnics, ensuring everyone enjoys this vibrant and crunchy salad.

Ingredients

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1 bag pre-packaged coleslaw of choice (14–16 ounce)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp celery seeds
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Open the bag of coleslaw mix and empty it into a large bowl.
In a small bowl add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and celery seeds. Whisk everything together until well combined.
Pour the sauce over the coleslaw and toss until completely covered. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
For best results, let the slaw chill for at least an hour in the fridge or optimally overnight. It can also be served immediately if desired.