Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo) is a delightful, crunchy salad that dances across your taste buds with its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. This vibrant dish shines without the addition of mayonnaise, making it a lighter option that still brings all the excitement and crunch you crave during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking to complement your summer barbecue or simply want a refreshing side dish, this coleslaw delivers a satisfying punch with every bite.

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)

When I first stumbled upon this vinegar-based coleslaw recipe, I was drawn to its quick preparation time and vibrant flavors. Unlike most heavy, creamy variations, this one is zesty and bright, making it a fantastic alternative that pairs well with grilled meats or can stand alone as a vegan delight. The key to its irresistible charm is the tangy apple cider vinegar, balanced beautifully with maple syrup and Dijon mustard. I can’t wait for you to experience the refreshing crunch of this perfect summer dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep this coleslaw in just 65 minutes, allowing for chilling time—ideal for busy summer days.
Irresistible Flavor: Experience the delightful combination of tangy apple cider vinegar and sweet maple syrup with a hint of mustard.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright colors and textures make this coleslaw a fun addition to any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family barbecues, picnics, or even as a snack—serve with tacos or burgers for a fresh crunch!
Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 bag pre-packaged coleslaw of choice (14-16 ounces): Using a pre-packaged mix saves preparation time. Look for a mix containing green and purple cabbage for color pops.
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: This key ingredient provides the tangy base for your dressing, enhancing the cabbage’s natural sweetness.
1/4 cup maple syrup: Offers a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances the acidity of the vinegar. Honey can be used as an alternative for non-vegan options.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This adds a slight kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Spicy brown mustard can also work if you prefer a deeper taste.
1 teaspoon celery seeds: They give a subtle, earthy flavor reminiscent of traditional coleslaw, while boosting the crunch factor.
Salt and pepper to taste: These essentials help elevate the flavors and let the other ingredients shine. Adjust according to your preferences!

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

Prepare the Coleslaw Mix: Open the bag of pre-packaged coleslaw and empty it into a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle toss to ensure it’s well-distributed.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon celery seeds. Whisk together until fully combined and smooth.
Combine & Toss: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated. This is where the magic happens—watch the colors come alive!
Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring that the flavors really pop.
Chill: For the best results, let your coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least an hour—optimally overnight. However, it can also be served right away if you’re short on time.

Storing & Reheating

To store your Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days, but the crunch will soften a bit over time; use it within 24 hours for the best texture. For long-term storage, you can freeze the dressing separately, though I recommend consuming the slaw fresh for maximum flavor and crunch. When ready to serve again, just stir it well. If the texture seems a bit off after refrigerating, freshen it up with a splash of vinegar or an extra sprinkle of celery seeds.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

When choosing your coleslaw mix, opt for a blend with both green and purple cabbage for added aesthetic appeal and flavor.
If you’re making this ahead of a gathering, it’s even better the second day after all the flavors have melded together.
Feel free to add any extras like shredded carrots, chopped apples, or even sliced radishes for additional crunch and sweetness.
If you love a bit more heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Always taste before you serve—adjusting the seasoning can really help everything come together beautifully.

Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of crunchy vegetables and zesty flavors all in one bowl. Every scoop is a refreshing respite on hot summer days, whether inside at a family BBQ or out at a picnic under the sun. Plus, this recipe is versatile—feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this coleslaw in advance?

Yes! This coleslaw actually tastes better after chilling in the fridge for an hour or even overnight. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, and it’ll be ready to impress!

Is there a substitute for maple syrup?

If you prefer a different sweetener, honey is a great alternative for non-vegan diets. Agave nectar also works well to maintain the recipe’s vegan profile.

Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even chopped apples. They add extra color and texture, making your coleslaw even more delightful.

How long can I keep leftover coleslaw?

Stored in an airtight container, this coleslaw can last in the fridge for up to three days. However, for the best crunch, try to consume it within the first 24 hours. Enjoy this refreshing treat while it’s at its peak!

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Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (No Mayo, Summer-Ready)

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 65 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw is a delightfully crisp dish with a simple prep. Made from pre-packaged coleslaw, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup, it’s the perfect quick and refreshing addition to any meal, ideal for summer gatherings or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Empty the coleslaw mix into a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and celery seeds until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the coleslaw for at least one hour, or enjoy immediately.

Notes

Chilling the slaw enhances the flavors, so it’s best to prepare it a few hours in advance.
Feel free to add additional vegetables, like shredded carrots or bell peppers, for extra crunch.
Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by varying the amount of maple syrup based on your taste preference.