Our dairy-free coleslaw is gluten-free,and really easy to make. It’s a perfect and healthy side dish to many meals.
Naturally gluten-free and usually dairy-free, coleslaw is a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious side dish, complementing nearly any sandwich or BBQ meal. My husband’s passion for side salads shines through in this easy coleslaw recipe.
By definition, coleslaw is simply chopped or diced cabbage with a dressing. Yet, somehow, there are seemingly endless recipes and add-in options, each resulting in different flavors. Our recipe creates a gluten and dairy-free coleslaw that is crispy, creamy, sweet, and tangy.
Growing up I was never a fan of coleslaw. Now I love it, and I am pretty sure the difference has to do with Jeff’s preparation.
In this case, spelling doesn’t matter – they are all correct:
Coleslaw = cole slaw = slaw
What you need to make coleslaw
We make our coleslaw directly into the serving and storage bowl. As we shake it rather than stir in the final stages, an airtight leak-proof seal is necessary.

Coleslaw making supplies:
- Measuring supplies
- Air-tight leak-proof plastic container
Homemade coleslaw ingredients:
- Green cabbage (shredded and diced)
- Carrot (shredded)
- White vinegar
- Mayonnaise
- White sugar
- Salt and pepper
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Why we chose our coleslaw ingredients
Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Cabbage: We use green cabbage (also called common cabbage) as we can grow it ourselves. When we have it, we use red cabbage as it makes for a more colorful salad. In the quantities used, both are low FODMAP.
Vinegar: We use white vinegar as it gives a lighter taste than the apple cider vinegar we see used in many recipes. However, if you prefer a tangier taste, you can substitute the apple cider vinegar in the same proportions.
Sugar: Similarly, we use sugar rather than substitutes, as we find it dissolves well and we like the taste. However, if you are sugar-free, you can replace it with your standard sugar substitute.
Step-by-step images for our simple dairy-free coleslaw recipe






Dairy-free coleslaw serving suggestions
I like coleslaw as a side dish along with a sandwich or freshly made corned beef. Fortunately, Jeff’s coleslaw is dry enough to sit on the plate, alongside a sandwich, without the liquid running down the plate and into the bread. But that’s not all, at our house we eat coleslaw all sorts of ways:
- Alongside a sandwich
- On a sandwich
- Dual-purpose on a lettuce salad as both a topping and in place of the dressing
- As one of many side salads at a BBQ with friends. We serve it next to our pasta salad.
- As a second side dish with sweet potato fries
- On top of a meat and bean chili
- In a bowl as a snack
- The perfect salad to bring to a potluck dinner

Our gluten and dairy-free coleslaw recipe
This recipe was contributed by Jeff Albom.

Cole Slaw
This classic coleslaw recipe makes a great side dish for BBQs, delicatessen, or any American or Kosher food. It is easy to make, gluten-free, dairy-free, low calorie, and quite tasty.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (700 grams) shredded and diced green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1/3 cup vinegar
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large Tupperware bowl* until partially dissolved. Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and continue mixing to remove clumps.
- Add half the diced cabbage (about 3 cups) and all the shredded carrot to the bowl. Mix with a fork or spoon. Add the remaining diced cabbage and mix well.
- Seal the container and shake, invert, and roll to insure liquid dressing evenly coats the shredded cabbage and carrot.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate as the flavor improves after several hours.
Notes
*To simply clean up, we use a Tupperware bowl with an air-tight lid for both mixing, storing, and serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 49Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 129mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information isn't always accurate and it will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This is a great recipe. I always love recipes which are dairy-free .
I love homemade coleslaw, and much prefer it to shop bought, which tends to be too vinegary or with too much mayonnaise. Thanks for your version.
Isn’t mayonaise dairy? I’m a little confused now…will google. Looks delicious tho!
Great question, and a common confusion. Once I became dairy-free, I had to learn a lot. Mayo is typically made with eggs yolks and lemon juice or vinegar, and some spices but no dairy
You’re reminding me how much I love and miss coleslaw, AND educating me about “low FODMAP” foods! I had no idea about this!
Looks so delicious! I will definitely try this recipe, thank you!
Your instructions are so easy to follow. Thank you for this recipe
I love coleslaw, and always order it at restaurants but seldom make it at home. Thanks for the recipe so i can’ have a homemade version.
Great recipe! Love that you make it dairy free – for me that’s the only way to have it. Will try this version for my next barbecue!
I’m always up for colesalw and this recipe is perfect for my dairy-free days. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This looks super easy to make and I love that it’s dairy-free!