Coleslaw – a seemingly simple dish that actually contains a true explosion of freshness and flavour. In my recipe with red cabbage, white cabbage, carrot, and apple, this salad is vibrantly colored. This salad is not only crisp and delicious, but also looks very appetizing.

Coleslaw is the fresh, crunchy hero among side dishes, whether it’s eaten alongside or on top of a juicy burger, as a fresh contrast to hearty BBQ dishes, simply on bread, or just as a snack between meals – coleslaw is more than just a salad. It’s a culinary all-rounder that can be prepared quickly, easily, and inexpensively using just a few, fresh, local ingredients. And that’s even possible during the winter.

Bright pink coleslaw in a mint green bowl. Pumkin bread rolls and a fork in the background
Coleslaw – a seemingly simple dish that nevertheless contains a true explosion of freshness and flavour.

What is coleslaw?

The name coleslaw comes from the Dutch “koolsla,” meaning “coleslaw,” and that’s precisely the heart of this dish. In my recipe, it’s made with red and white cabbage, while in other recipes, it’s often made with just one of them.

But anyone who thinks this salad is just a simple cabbage mix is ​​underestimating its true magic. The cabbage is finely shredded, providing a crunchy base for the perfect side dish. Carrots and apple are added, not only adding colour but also a subtle sweetness that rounds out the overall flavor.

Bright pink coleslaw in a mint green bowl. Pumkin bread rolls, apple slices, plum jams dishes and a fork in the background and in front of the coleslaw.
The name Coleslaw is derived from the Dutch “koolsla”

The Best Vegan Coleslaw Recipe

This is, in my opinion, the best coleslaw recipe. And it’s entirely plant-based. A vegan, creamy, crunchy cabbage salad with fresh red and white cabbage, plus carrots and apple. Seasoned with fresh chili, onion, mustard, and vinegar in a dressing made from homemade vegan mayonnaise and plum jam.

Bright pink coleslaw in a mint green bowl. Pumkin bread rolls, apple slices, plum jams dishes and a fork in the background and in front of the coleslaw.
The Best Vegan Coleslaw Recipe

The secret ingredient is the dressing!

What would coleslaw be without the right dressing? This is where the true art unfolds: The creamy sauce is the key to a perfect coleslaw. Traditionally, a mixture of mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar is used to achieve the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and creamy. I complement this with a little plum jam and chili, resulting in a full-bodied explosion of flavour.

Pink coleslaw in a mint green bowl
This is where the true art unfolds: the creamy sauce is the key.

Coleslaw is very easy to prepare and store.

This recipe is very easy to prepare, as the sealed coleslaw will keep in the refrigerator for about a week. This makes it very easy to store and take with you. Because it’s so hardy, it can be transported for extended periods without refrigeration, making it ideal for long barbecues and buffets.

Bright pink coleslaw in a mint green bowl. Pumkin bread rolls, apple slices, plum jams dishes and a fork in the background and in front of the coleslaw.
Coleslaw is very easy to prepare and store

A winter salad with local produce

Coleslaw is a fantastic winter salad made with ingredients that are fresh and locally available even during the colder months. Red cabbage, white cabbage, carrots, and apples can be harvested late into the year and then stored fresh for months.
This recipe means you can prepare a crisp salad with locally grown ingredients even in winter. This saves on transportation, energy, and costs, making the ingredients very affordable even in winter.

A winter salad with local produce
A winter salad with local produce

Cabbage is a local superfood

Cabbage varieties contain an incredible number of beneficial nutrients. It is practically a local superfood.

Because it’s so inexpensive and readily available, it’s probably never called that.

Cabbage contains a lot of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. White cabbage, for example, has 45 mg of vitamin C per 100 g, which is very high.

Cabbage is a regional superfood and this salad contains white cabbage and red cabbage.
Cabbage is a regional superfood and this salad contains white cabbage and red cabbage.

What coleslaw be served with? Serving suggestions!

Coleslaw is often eaten as an accompaniment to hearty dishes – as a fresh counterpoint, for example, to:

But to be honest, coleslaw is much more than just a side dish. It not only adds color to the plate, but its crisp, juicy freshness balances out the heavier components. While the main course is filling, this creamy salad refreshes the palate with every bite. This makes this salad a perfect match for many meals.

Mein Coleslaw als knackig-saftiges Element für Parasolburger.
My coleslaw as a crunchy and juicy element for parasol burgers.

Show me your coleslaw

Please follow me on Instagram or Facebook. And I’d be delighted if you made my vegan coleslaw and posted a photo of it, tagging my account. Because I always find it really great and exciting to see how my recipes have been prepared in other kitchens!

Bright pink coleslaw in a mint green bowl. Pumkin bread rolls, apple slices, plum jams dishes and a fork in the background and in front of the coleslaw.
Please show me your coleslaw too

Preparation in pictures

Here I’ll show you step-by-step on photos how to prepare coleslaw. Then I’ll move on to the recipe.

All ingredients for the coleslaw.
1. All ingredients.
The dressing for the salad is mixed.
2. The dressing is mixed.
Red cabbage, white cabbage, carrot, apple, chili and onion are chopped.
3. Red cabbage, white cabbage, carrot, apple, chili and onion are chopped.
All coleslaw ingredients are mixed together and the salad should then sit for at least 2-3 hours.
4. Now all ingredients are mixed together and the salad should then sit for at least 2-3 hours.
Coleslaw – creamy and crunchy cabbage salad with red and white cabbage
Coleslaw – creamy and crunchy cabbage salad with red and white cabbage

Ingredients for 6-8 servings of coleslaw:

400 g white cabbage, finely shredded or chopped
300 g red cabbage, finely shredded or chopped
1 carrot, grated
1/2 red chili, cut into small pieces
1 apple, grated
1 red onion, thinly sliced
Approx. 100 ml vegan mayonnaise
1 tbsp plum jam
2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp herb vinegar
2 tsp mustard
Salt
Pepper

Preparation:

  1. First, I mix a marinade of mayonnaise, plum jam, sugar, vinegar, and mustard.
  2. Lightly salt and pepper the marinade.
  3. Thoroughly mix all ingredients with the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours. Stir once or twice if necessary.
  5. Season again with salt and pepper before serving.
  6. Well-packaged, the coleslaw will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.

Enjoy!

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Coleslaw - creamy, crunchy, vegan salad with red & white cabbage
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