Dairy-Free Coleslaw in two bowls. Some lemon wedges and cilantro sit next to it. Two small bowls of cabbage and carrots sit in the background.

With summer approaching and the weather warming up over here in California lately, a Dairy-Free Coleslaw sounded so refreshing alongside some Cheesy Vegetarian Flautas With Beans and Sweet Potato…and margaritas! 😉

*This post was originally published on October 5, 2020 and updated on May 25, 2023.

Dairy-Free Coleslaw

I wanted to create a light and very easy-to-make, mayo-free coleslaw that could pair well with a variety of dishes (taquitos, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, etc.).

The dressing is simply made from lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and white vinegar and the ingredient list (including seasoning) is kept to 10 ingredients.

I loved adding a pop of chia seeds to this cabbage slaw for some added nutrition and because they look beautiful in the salad.

A bowl of dairy-free coleslaw.

Dairy-Free Coleslaw Ingredients

  • Shredded green and/or red cabbage
  • Shredded carrots 
  • Green onion
  • Cilantro
  • White distilled vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Salt
  • Chia seeds
  • (Optional) Add a squeeze of lemon juice!

How to Make Dairy-Free Coleslaw

STEP 1 – Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, green onion, and cilantro.

STEP 2 – Make the dressing

In a small bowl, make the coleslaw dressing by whisking together vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and chia seeds. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well.

STEP 3 – Serve!

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

An overhead view of two bowls of coleslaw.

How to Store Cabbage Slaw

Fridge: Store coleslaw in an air-tight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days.

Busy Mama Tip

Use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save you time. This will make the recipe come together in mere minutes! 

For an even better flavor, I would recommend making this recipe a few hours before you plan to serve it so that the ingredients really have a chance to marinate.

A side view of coleslaw in a white bowl. Another bowl sits in the background with coleslaw.

What to Serve With Dairy-Free Coleslaw

Cheesy Vegetarian Flautas With Beans and Sweet Potato

Sun-Dried Tomato Chickpea Patties

Quick and Easy Veggie Burger Recipe

Easy Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna

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A bowl of dairy-free coleslaw.
5 stars (1 rating)

Dairy-Free Coleslaw With Chia Seeds

Yield: 6 servings
This light and crunchy Dairy-Free Coleslaw With Chia Seeds is perfect for BBQs, taco night, or a potluck! This mayo-free slaw is ready in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 5 cups shredded green and/or red cabbage, (I use both green and red cabbage!)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots, (about 2 carrots)
  • 1 green onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • (Optional) lemon juice, (just a squeeze or to taste!)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, green onion, and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl, make the coleslaw dressing by whisking together vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and chia seeds.
  • Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss well.
  • Serve immediately, or refrigerate a few hours before serving.

Notes

Optional Add-Ons: Finely chopped red onion or crumbled Cotija cheese.
To Make Vegan: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave syrup. 
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
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