14 Coleslaw Recipes From Classic to Cabbage-Free

Simple Coleslaw — Credit:
Jason Donnelly

Nothing beats a good slaw recipe. That’s why coleslaw is such a classic—loved and devoured at cookouts, potlucks, and every kind of outdoor meal. Whether you prefer a creamy dressing or a vinegar-based one, we’ve got your favorite coleslaw recipes here. They feature green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Napa cabbage, or red cabbage. Some are cabbage-free, instead spotlighting crunchy carrot strips or broccoli stalks. Some include fruit that purists might not approve of, but that should be tried. And some add protein, chicken or chickpeas, turning the favorite side into a main.

In addition to its irresistible crunch, a slaw has much to recommend it. Most of these recipes can be made ahead, stashed in the fridge, and pulled out when the party starts or it's time for dinner. They often taste even better when the flavors have time to meld. Find your favorite slaw recipe and also try some new combinations.

01 of 14

Shredded Carrot and Cabbage Coleslaw

This colorful slaw recipe combines red cabbage with carrots in a mayo-free dressing. The honey mustard vinaigrette gets a lively kick from cayenne pepper.

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02 of 14

Classic Coleslaw With Creamy Dressing

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with a fork — Grant Webster

The classic but even creamy and a touch tangier. We add sour cream to the dressing for this must-make coleslaw recipe.

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03 of 14

Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Sweet, crunchy, and refreshing, this spicy slaw gets a kick from jalapeños in the lime-olive oil dressing. It combines green cabbage, carrots, red onion, and pineapple with fresh cilantro and mint leaves.

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04 of 14

Ginger-Chicken Slaw

Slaw gets main-dish status in this shredded-chicken version that's healthy, satisfying, and positively packed with flavor. The chicken breasts are cooked with a ginger-garlic mixture that is also used to amp up the dressing.

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05 of 14

Napa Cabbage Slaw

Got 10 minutes? Then make this crunchy, tangy slaw. Napa cabbage is more tender and milder than other cabbage varieties. Here it's mixed with carrot, fresh mint, and a four-ingredient dressing.

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06 of 14

The Best Broccoli Slaw

Save those stalks! Thinly sliced broccoli stems are the star of this surprisingly delicious dish. Along with crispy celery and juicy apple, they're tossed with a simple mayonnaise-based dressing.

07 of 14

Cashew Chickpea Salad With Cabbage Slaw

Coleslaw gets heft in this vegan recipe. Crunchy, shredded cabbage is combined with mandarin oranges, radishes, chickpeas, and cashews for a nutritious, filling dish.

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08 of 14

Quick Coleslaw

Not only is this recipe quick, but it's also easy. It takes about five minutes to combine coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, vinegar, and celery seed for this winning coleslaw.

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09 of 14

Simple Coleslaw

A staple of cookouts all summer long, this classic take on the favorite side dish is quick to make and sure to go fast. Grab a head of cabbage and a few carrots; you probably have the rest of the ingredients in your kitchen. Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar flavor the mayonnaise for the creamy dressing.

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10 of 14

Carrot Slaw

Crisp ribbons of carrot star in this elegant salad. Use your vegetable peeler to make them. They're mixed with scallions in a simple dressing that uses both lime juice and lime zest.

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11 of 14

Kale Slaw With Red Cabbage and Carrots

Vibrant and crunchy, our kale slaw brings together shredded kale, carrots, and red onion. A simple mixture of olive oil, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar makes the dressing, and a mix of seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp, adds texture and plenty of nutrients.

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12 of 14

Kohlrabi, Apple, and Mint Slaw

Crisp matchsticks of slightly peppery kohlrabi and sweet apple are tossed with a lively lime dressing made with fresh herbs, and for a hint of heat, sliced Fresno chile.

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13 of 14

Shredded Cabbage Slaw With Ginger Vinaigrette

shredded cabbage with ginger vinaigrette topped with sesame seeds — Marcus Nilsson

A tangy rice-wine vinegar-lime-ginger dressing takes this red and green cabbage and carrot slaw into fresh territory. It's finished with toasted sesame seeds for more crunch and flavor.

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14 of 14

Traditional Coleslaw

A creamy crowd pleaser, this easy coleslaw recipe is onion-free. It calls for shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a mayo-sour cream dressing flavored with celery seed.

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