Packed with fresh veggies and a healthy twist, this creamy, dairy-free coleslaw is the perfect summer side dish. With a delicate balance of sweet and tangy, this paleo coleslaw will become your new go-to for barbeques, picnics, and summer gatherings.
This homemade coleslaw has all the flavor of a traditional one but is far healthier and comes with a bit of a spice twist (though that is optional).
Sweetened with dried cranberries and made creamy with a blend of paleo mayo and plant-based Greek yogurt, this dairy-free coleslaw recipe pairs perfectly with any main course.
That said, as a Certified Nutrition Coach, I personally just used the coleslaw as my lunch and top it with leftover Dutch oven chicken to make for a full meal.
Why You'll Love The Recipe
Easy to make: The hardest part of this coleslaw recipe is waiting for it to chill so that you can eat it. If you use pre-shredded cabbage mix, there's not even much prep work.
Flavorful: This recipe uses a unique spice blend to give it a tangy, savory twist that's fun and fresh.
Versatile: Coleslaw can be adapted and easily made into anything else you need it to be to suit whatever it is paired with. I love it on the side of this Hawaiian pulled pork personally as the fruits are tasty together.
Important Teaching Tips
The better (thinner) you slice the cabbage, the more dressing it will absorb. Take the time to shred it or use a mandolin to get even slices. Or better yet, use a pre-packaged blend.
Paleo mayo: Primal Kitchen has the best paleo mayo I've ever had and it works in everything. This is what's used in the recipe to make it semi-healthy as it uses quality oils.
Dairy-free yogurt: you can use any brand you like. Sometimes I use a Greek yogurt to bump up the protein. However, it will make the dressing a bit thicker.
Dried cranberries can be subbed with any dried fruit just like in this shaved fennel salad.
This paleo coleslaw tastes best after it's been in the fridge for a full day. In order for the slaw not to absorb all of the homemade yogurt dressing immediately, try to chill the other ingredients prior to adding them together.
Know that the coleslaw will look dry after it's mixed but that it moistens up after sitting (which makes it the best addition to something like blackstone chicken).
Curry powder: trust me, this is a fun flavor twist. However, if it's not your jam you can skip it. Adding it in will just depend on what you're pairing it with. If you use this coleslaw recipe for something like blackened cod tacos, omit the curry powder.
How To Make Dairy-Free Coleslaw
- Prepare the vegetables.
- Mix together the cabbage and carrots and chill if needed.
- Combine the coleslaw dressing.
- Pour half the coleslaw dressing over the coleslaw and begin to mix. Once almost mixed pour in the other half and mix again.
- Toss in the cranberries and stir lightly.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of six hours though it's best after twenty-four.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dairy-Free Coleslaw
Typically there is no dairy in coleslaw but that's not a given. Most vinegar-based coleslaw won't contain dairy. However, creamy coleslaw recipes can have dairy in the mayonnaise (depending on what they choose), in the yogurt if they use it, or sometimes they're topped with cheese for flavor. Many creamy coleslaw recipes also use sour cream to cut the mayonnaise which does include dairy.
A cream-based coleslaw (even a dairy-free coleslaw) will last about 3-4 days in the fridge if in an airtight container.
Other Side Dish Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Candied Brussels sprouts
- Roasted veggies in maple sesame dressing
- Dairy & gluten-free macaroni salad
- Easy side dishes
Dairy-Free Curried Coleslaw
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ head purple cabbage roughly four cups once sliced
- ½ head cabbage roughly 4 cups once sliced
- 3 carrots shredded
- 1 tbs Apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup Avocado Oil Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Plant-based greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons curry powder optional
- ¼ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage into small ribbons.
- Combine cabbage and carrots in a large bowl and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and spices.
- Pour half the dressing over the coleslaw and begin to mix. Once almost mixed pour in the other half and mix again.
- Make sure each and every piece of cabbage is coated.
- Toss in the cranberries and combine.
- The slaw will look dry but it moistens up after sitting.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of six hours though it's best after twenty four.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Michelle
This looks good, I want to try it! I actually don't like regular coleslaw, but I had something similar to this at a restaurant and really enjoyed it!
fitasamamabear
I'm actually not a traditional coleslaw lover either haha but cabbage is sooo healthy so this is perfect!
Chei Pangan
This cranberry coleslaw looks so delicious and healthy. I will definitely try this soon. Thanks for sharing!
fitasamamabear
Thanks Chei! Let me know what you think! I gobbled the whole thing up!
Chastity
I am to a huge fan of coleslaw but this looks delicious with the cranberries in the mix!!
fitasamamabear
I'm picky on coleslaw to be honest lol but I devoured this one!
Suzanne Spiegoski
Wow this coleslaw looks so good! I love cranberry anything! Definitely pinning this for later! xo, Suzanne
fitasamamabear
I'm a cranberry fiend too- they just add such a nice "pop"- enjoy it!
Emily
This looks so yummy and unique! Perfect to bring to a get together!
fitasamamabear
Yes! It's super simple too which is always a win:D
Nay
I love coleslaw (I must be one of the few people in the world that eats cabbage all the time!) and this one just looks delicious.
fitasamamabear
Haha I'm jealous! I wish I ate more cabbage!
Eileen
These salads all look so yummy and filling. I would love to try the creamy curried cranberry coleslaw. That sounds really interesting to try.
fitasamamabear
Thanks Eileen! It's a really tasty one!
Sarah Brooks
How long will that keep in fridge once made?
fitasamamabear
It keeps about 2-3 days. After which I find it gets a bit soggy.