Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe

Name: Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded cabbage (, can do a mix of green and red or a prepackaged mix); 1 cup shredded carrots (, see note); ½ thinly sliced red onion; ¼ - ½ cup apple cider vinegar, (, depending on how tangy you want it); 1-2 tablespoons your favorite oil for dressings ((or use veggie broth if avoiding oil), can add more for desired consistency); 2 teaspoons maple syrup; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon celery seed; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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This apple cider vinegar coleslaw recipe is simple, but so flavorful, and perfect for just about anything. Made with a few whole ingredients!

White plate with a fork in a pile of cabbage slaw

I love having versatile recipes that are easy to throw together. This is one of our favorites to pair with homemade black beans and Mexican rice!

Coleslaw is so fresh and crisp, and makes a great addition to so many meals! It can be used as a topping, a side dish, or even as a base for an extra flavorful salad. It comes together super fast, and since the flavors improve with time it's also a great make ahead dish!

Ingredients

This tasty coleslaw is made with the perfect mix of fresh and flavor packed ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

Shredded cabbage
Shredded carrots
Sliced red onion
Apple cider vinegar
Oil or broth
Maple syrup
Seasonings

Colored bowls with ingredients needed to make a vinegar slaw

How To Make Vinegar Coleslaw

This recipe couldn't be any easier! Once you shred the cabbage and carrots, here's what to do:

Mix cabbage, carrots, red onion and dressing in a bowl.
Let rest in the fridge then enjoy!

Serving suggestions

This vinegar coleslaw makes a great topper to vegan burgers, sandwiches, even bowls! It's also a fabulous side dish to any of these plant based recipes:

Flavor suggestions

Here are some helpful hints to make the best tasting vinegar coleslaw:

If you like tangier flavors, use more vinegar. Or, use less to keep it on the milder side.
Apple cider vinegar is the best for this recipe. If you want to use another vinegar you can, however the end result won’t have that same flavor.
I like to use a mix of green and red cabbage, but any cabbage or combination will do.
Mix in additional finely shredded veggies for a flavor and nutrition boost!
This recipe will taste best after it has a chance for the flavors to come together. I recommend a minimum of 5-10 minutes.

Preparation and storage tips

Here are a few suggestions that should help you when preparing this vegan coleslaw:

To save time, you can shred the cabbage ahead of time. Or, buy a package of pre shredded cabbage.
Shred the carrots by using a thick cheese grater, or a grating attachment on a food processor. You can do this ahead of time, just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
Some packaged mixes have the carrots in them. You can make this easy and use those. Just make sure the total amount of cups is the same.
The dressing can be made up to a week in advance to save on time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Common Questions

What is coleslaw dressing made of?

Most coleslaw dressings are made with mayonnaise, a sweetener like sugar, and spices. Others are made with a vinegar base, oil, seasonings, and a sweetener.

How long will vinegar coleslaw keep?

Vinegar coleslaw will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Is apple cider vinegar better than white vinegar?

It depends what you're looking for! Apple cider vinegar is made from apples and has more of a flavor than white vinegar, making it great for cooking. Plus, it has some health benefits including probiotics! White vinegar is made from grain alcohol and can be used for cooking as well, but also cleaning!

Is coleslaw better the next day?

The more time the flavors have to work together the better, to a certain point. The longer your coleslaw sits the less crunch it will have. The sweet spot to eat coleslaw once it's mixed is between 10 minutes and 24 hours.

More Vegan Cabbage Recipes

I don't know about you, but when I buy a head of cabbage I often have leftovers! Here are some more plant based recipes that use cabbage as well: