Healthy Cole Slaw Recipe Without Mayo
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Are you looking for a healthier alternative to traditional cole slaw? This Healthy Cole Slaw Recipe Without Mayo is the perfect solution! Made with crisp cabbage and carrots, and dressed in a light olive oil and lime dressing, it’s a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that complements any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled fish, BBQ chicken, or in tacos, this no-mayo slaw will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Cole Slaw Without Mayo
- Light and Refreshing: This slaw skips the heavy mayo and uses a tangy lime and olive oil dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. It’s perfect for hot summer days or as a complement to rich dishes.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just five simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh cabbage and carrots, this recipe is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants while being low in calories and fat.
- Versatile Side Dish: This cole slaw pairs well with almost any meal, from BBQ meats to fish tacos, sandwiches, or even as a salad topper.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, spices, or extra veggies to make it uniquely yours, or use a pre-shredded mix to save time.
Are you tired of the usual heavy mayonaise-laden cole slaw? Want to make a cole slaw without mayo? I have good news for you – yummy cole slaw doesn’t have to be swimming in the fattening mayonnaise. Here’s a very healthy version of the cole slaw without any mayo in it! This healthy cole slaw recipe uses a dressing of olive oil and lime instead of the usual mayo.
Even if you are not watching your calories, this healthy cole slaw recipe is a really nice change from a traditional cole slaw. This new light cole slaw tastes very refreshing and crunchy!
Healthy Cole Slaw Recipe Without Mayo
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage – Provides the crunchy base for this slaw and is rich in fiber and nutrients.
- 2 carrots – Add sweetness and color while boosting the vitamin content.
- 1/4 lime – Gives the dressing a tangy, zesty flavor that brightens up the dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Adds a light, healthy fat to bind the dressing and enhance the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the veggies.
For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Healthy Cole Slaw Without Mayo
- Food Processor with Shredder Blade – Makes shredding the cabbage and carrots quick and effortless. (Optional but highly recommended.)
- Large Bowl – To mix the shredded veggies and dressing thoroughly.
- Measuring Spoons – Ensures accurate measurements for the dressing ingredients.
- Knife and Cutting Board – For chopping the cabbage and preparing the vegetables.
- Juicer (Optional) – To easily squeeze the lime juice.
Directions
- Cut cabbage into 8 parts and discard the core. Peel the carrots.
- In a food processor fitted with a shredder blade, shred the cabbage and the carrots. Food processor makes it really quick and easy to shred veggies – it shreds all the cabbage and carrots for this cole slaw in seconds!
- Squeeze the juice out of the lime into a cup, add olive oil and mix until combined.
- Put shredded cabbage and carrots into a large bowl, and pour oil and lime juice mixture over it. Mix. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix.
Note: to make it even easier, you can use a store-bought cole-slaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage and carrots. If using a packaged cole-slaw mix, this recipe will take 2 minutes to make!
Enjoy your healthy cole slaw without mayo! This healthy cole slaw is a great accompaniment to any main dish – meat, fish, chicken or sandwiches. Try this yummy cole slaw without mayo with my easy garlic BBQ chicken recipe – you will love it!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this healthy cole slaw alongside Smoky Grilled Chicken Thighs, Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs, or Healthy Baked Lemon Dill Salmon for a balanced and flavorful meal.
- Use it as a fresh topping for Simple Fish Tacos or pulled Juicy Shredded Chicken Sandwich for a crunchy texture and tangy flavor.
- Pair it with other light dishes like Healthy Baked Swai Fillets or Healthy Oven-Roasted Vegetables for a healthy dinner.
- Add it to your picnic or potluck spread as a refreshing alternative to traditional mayo-based salads.
- Enjoy it as a standalone salad for a quick, healthy lunch or snack.
Tips For Success
- Choose Fresh Vegetables: Use a fresh, firm cabbage and crisp carrots for the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted or soft produce.
- Shred Consistently: For even texture, shred the cabbage and carrots finely and uniformly. A food processor with a shredding blade makes this quick and easy.
- Adjust Dressing to Taste: The lime and olive oil dressing is simple but flavorful. Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust the lime juice or olive oil to suit your preference.
- Don’t Over-Dress: Start with less dressing and add more as needed. This keeps the slaw light and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Make Ahead Option: If preparing in advance, keep the dressing and vegetables separate until right before serving to maintain the crunch.
Variations And Substitutions
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill can enhance the flavor of this slaw and add a unique twist. Chop them finely and mix them in before serving.
- Include Other Vegetables: Add shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or thinly sliced radishes for extra color and crunch.
- Switch the Dressing: Replace the lime and olive oil with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey for a sweeter, tangy dressing. Alternatively, use a bottled vinaigrette for convenience.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use Pre-Shredded Mix: Save time by using a store-bought coleslaw mix instead of shredding the cabbage and carrots yourself.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For a bit of crunch, toss in slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover cole slaw in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 days.
- Keep Dressing Separate: If you’re making the cole slaw ahead of time, store the shredded vegetables and dressing separately. Mix them together just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.
- Avoid Freezing: This cole slaw is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can alter the texture of the cabbage and carrots, making them mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cole slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To keep it fresh, store the shredded cabbage and carrots separately from the dressing. Mix them together just before serving to preserve the crunch and texture.
How long does this cole slaw last in the fridge?
This cole slaw will last up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it as soon as possible after preparation.
Can I use a different oil for the dressing?
Absolutely! While olive oil adds a mild flavor, you can substitute it with avocado oil or sunflower oil. Just make sure the oil you choose is light and complements the tanginess of the lime.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it is! As long as you’re using vegan-friendly ingredients, this recipe is completely plant-based. Double-check your oil and lime juice to ensure no additives conflict with a vegan diet.
Can I add sugar to the dressing?
If you prefer a slightly sweeter slaw, you can add a pinch of sugar, honey, or agave syrup to the dressing. Adjust to your taste preference.
Other Easy Salad Recipes
Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad | Light Summer Side Dish: A vibrant mix of juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh herbs, perfect for a refreshing summer treat.
Creamy Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad | Healthy Lunch Idea: A protein-packed tuna salad with creamy Greek yogurt, light on calories but full of flavor.
Easy Edamame Salad | Protein-Packed Side Dish: A simple, nutritious salad combining tender edamame, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing.
Crunchy Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe: A crisp and colorful blend of broccoli, cauliflower, and savory toppings with a zesty dressing.
Arugula and Burrata Salad With Fresh Figs: Peppery arugula paired with creamy burrata and sweet figs for an elegant, flavorful salad.
Sweet Carrot Apple Raisin Salad Recipe: A delightful mix of shredded carrots, crunchy apples, and juicy raisins with a light dressing.
Parmesan Pea and Cherry Tomato Salad | Quick Side Dish: A fresh and easy side dish featuring tender peas, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Healthy Cole Slaw Recipe Without Mayo
Ingredients
- 1 small cabbage
- 2 carrots
- 1/4 lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Food processor with shredder blade optional
- Large bowl
Instructions
- Cut the cabbage into 8 parts and discard the core. Peel the carrots.
- Using a food processor fitted with a shredder blade, shred the cabbage and carrots. (Alternatively, shred them manually with a grater.)
- Squeeze the juice from the lime into a small cup, add olive oil, and mix until well combined.
- Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Pour the lime juice and olive oil mixture over the vegetables.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix again.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For an even quicker option, use a store-bought cole slaw mix to skip shredding the vegetables.
- This cole slaw is a perfect topping for fish tacos, sandwiches, or as a side dish for grilled meats.
Nutrition
More Side Dish Recipes
- Crispy Fried Potatoes and Tomatoes | Simple Skillet Recipe
- Refreshing Carrot Apple Slaw With Crunchy Radishes
- Sauteed Radish Greens | Easy Leafy Greens Recipe
Wow, I am intrigued to try this as I’ve always put a lot of mayo in my coleslaw but I know that’s not very healthy :)
hi melanie, this recipe sounds so good. i’m always trying new versions for a good slaw recipe and this one is a keeper. thank you for sharing this and for stopping by my website.. have a nice day:)
I love this! I really like coleslaw but never make it because I’m not keen on mayonnaise. Great summer recipe.
This is super easy even without a food processor and tastes delicious! Better than shop bought in my opinion!
Yeah – cole slaw I can eat (I hate mayo).
Question – the 1/4 lime listed in the ingredients – does that mean use the juice from a 1/4 of a lime or a 1/4 cup of lime juice??
Hi Brenda,
It’s juice from 1/4 of a lime. You can also use bottled Italian dressing instead of lime and oil.
Melanie
Melanie – I actually have done that with Greek Vinaigrette dressing :-)
Thank You Melanie! This is exactly what I’m looking for! I’m trying to eat more fish and I wanted this to go on fish tacos! I’m on my cell and I was hoping you had a Pin Button so I could add this to my Pinterest Favorite Recipes. Well I will do it later from my computer. I love how you break down your recipes with step by step instructions and photos. Because of you, I am encouraged that I can do that too!
Thanks, Kathy! I’m happy that you like my recipes! This healthy coleslaw is perfect for topping fish tacos!
Melanie