Sweet and tangy, this Southern coleslaw with vinegar dressing recipe is a winner every time! It's a picnic-friendly version of traditional coleslaw with a flavorful and zesty vinegar based dressing.
Ready in 15-minutes, this No Mayo coleslaw is a must-have for your next fish-fry, outdoor barbecue or cookout!
Try whipping up a batch of this side dish to serve with homemade fried catfish!
You're gonna love this recipe!
This "no mayo" vinegar coleslaw is the quintessential summer side dish and perfect for outdoor dining!
- The flavor is light, crisp, sweet and tangy
- Quick and easy to make-dressing takes less than 5-minutes
- Holds up well at picnics and poolside gatherings because it has no mayonnaise or eggs
- Versatile-you can add other vegetables to enhance the "crunchiness" and nutrition: celery, water chestnuts, etc.
This is slightly different than traditional coleslaw or my creamy Creole coleslaw, but it pairs well with just about anything!
Here's what you'll need
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this crispy side dish: a bag of pre-cut slaw mix, a green bell pepper, yellow, white or green chopped onion (optional), sugar, apple cider vinegar, oil, celery seed and mustard seeds.
The inclusion of celery seeds and mustard seeds give this vinegar dressing a nice depth of flavor.
I usually get the slaw mix that does NOT have green cabbage in it because, if you add the vinegar dressing to a mix with red cabbage, the coleslaw turns pink... if you want to add red cabbage, add it last - after you've put the vinegar dressing on the slaw.
How to make it
The vinegar-based coleslaw dressing takes only about 5- minutes to make! Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl; add in chopped green bell pepper and onion (optional); set aside
Make the vinegar dressing on the stovetop;
In a medium saucepan, on medium heat, bring sugar, vinegar, oil, mustard and celery seed to a boil
Let the vinegar dressing cool a bit, then pour it over the coleslaw mix; combine well using tongs
Toss the slaw in the dressing; cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes; when ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to serve.
Make it ahead of time
The best way to make this Southern coleslaw with vinegar dressing is to make the dressing in advance.
On the day of serving, about an hour before you serve the coleslaw, heat the dressing to medium heat, pour it over the slaw, refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, then serve.
A note about red cabbage
This Southern vinegar slaw can be made in advance; however, if you use packaged coleslaw with red cabbage, DO NOT pour the dressing over it until you're ready to serve.
The vinegar and oil turn the red cabbage pink and then you have pink coleslaw...yuck.
If you want to add red cabbage to the vinegar based coleslaw, add it in last.
Freezing/Storage
Unfortunately, cabbage does not hold up well in the freezer. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
This crisp and delicious vinegar-based coleslaw is perfect with ham, fried fish or a slab of bbq ribs, some baked beans and a slice of pecan pie!
Related recipes:
- Foolproof Oven Baked Ribs
- Southern Fried Catfish
- Fish and Chips No Beer Batter
- Sweet Heat Country Ribs
- Homemade Cream Style Corn
- Copper Penny Carrot Slaw
- Broccoli Crunch Salad
♥ If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you!
📋 Recipe
Southern Coleslaw with Vinegar Dressing
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- 1 14 oz. bag of pre-made coleslaw (See Recipe Notes)
- 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- ¾ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion use less or none if nobody likes onions; or use green onion
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon celery seed
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Slaw Instructions
- Dice bell pepper and onion (optional); combine in a large bowl with shredded cole slaw1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, ¾ cup finely chopped sweet yellow onion, 1 14 oz. bag of pre-made coleslaw
Dressing Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook on medium heat until sugar is dissolved; bring to a boil for one minute; remove from heat and allow dressing to cool a bit, then pour mixture over slaw, cover and refrigerate or serve immediately½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, 1 tablespoon celery seed, 1 tablespoon mustard seed, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper
- When ready to serve; mix slaw well and drain; place in large serving bowl and garnish with green onions (optional); for best results, serve with a slotted spoon or tongs; add salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- If you buy a coleslaw mix with red cabbage, do not marinade the cabbage too long-the red cabbage turns the coleslaw pink...
- Store in the fridge up to 5 days; do not freeze
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to serve
Nutrition Estimate
Berta says
So simple and delicious! Easy recipe and nice to have on hand! Thank you!
Anecia says
Glad you like it! Thank you!
Justin barthold says
We love it! Used at family and church gatherings all the time!
Sandra Drake says
My favorite coleslaw! I never cared for creamy coleslaw made with bought coleslaw dressing or mayo! This fits my tastebuds!!!
Vickie Smith says
This was simple to make. Very light and refreshing. I would definitely make this again!
Anecia says
Thank you, Vickie! I'm glad you enjoyed it!