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Easy Vegan Coleslaw (Fresh & Creamy!)

Published: May 6, 2026 · Modified: May 6, 2026 · Written by: Delaney Marie · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you. · Leave a Comment

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This Easy Vegan Coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and perfect for summer BBQs and cookouts! A lightly tangy, slightly sweet dressing with a hint of celery seed coats the crunchy shredded cabbage and carrots. It’s a simple, fresh side that pairs perfectly with sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and more.

Fresh vegan coleslaw in a bowl, made with crunchy shredded green and red cabbage, carrots, and a creamy tangy dressing.
Table of Contents
  • Key Ingredients
  • How to Make Simple Vegan Coleslaw
  • Recipe Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Crisp & refreshing: Fresh coleslaw that is crisp, creamy, and full of crunch in every bite.
  • Perfect for gatherings: A great make-ahead side for BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks.
  • Naturally vegan: Dairy-free and made with simple plant-based ingredients!
  • A wholesome twist on a classic: Made with an oil-free vegan mayo and fresh veggies for a lighter take on classic coleslaw.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients for easy vegan coleslaw recipe, including fresh cabbage, carrot, apple cider vinegar, and vegan mayo.
  • Green & red cabbage: the crunchy base.
  • Carrots: slight sweetness and a bit more crunch.
  • Vegan mayo: the creamy base of our vegan dressing.
  • Apple cider vinegar: makes a deliciously tangy coleslaw.
  • Maple syrup: subtle sweetness to balance the acidity.
  • Celery seeds: for some subtle savory flavors.

How to Make Simple Vegan Coleslaw

Shredded cabbage and grated carrots combined in a bowl.

Toss together the shredded cabbage and carrots.

Vegan coleslaw dressing being whisked in a glass bowl.

Whisk the vegan mayo, maple syrup, salt, apple cider vinegar, and celery seeds together to make the dressing.

Combining tangy dressing and crunchy veggies to make summer coleslaw.

Pour the dressing over the crunchy vegetables and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Recipe Tips

  • For the best texture, shred the cabbage into thin, even pieces so it stays crisp and crunchy.
  • Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed. Add more apple cider vinegar for a stronger tangy flavor, or more maple syrup for a bit more sweetness!
  • Ideally, this coleslaw is best enjoyed the day it is fully assembled. If prepping your coleslaw the day before, store the dressing and chopped veggies separately and then combine about 30 minutes before serving!
Simple Vegan Coleslaw with crisp veggies on a yellow plate.

Serving Suggestions

  • Use this as a crunchy topping on tacos, sandwiches, and wraps.
  • Pair your coleslaw with potato salad or baked beans for a classic cookout plate.
  • Enjoy this vegan side dish alongside summer classics like a black bean burger.
  • This quick and easy recipe also makes a great plant based option at potlucks and picnics!

Substitutions & Variations

  • Add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a slightly sharper flavor.
  • If you don't have both green and red cabbage on hand, just use one in place of both!
  • For extra fresh vibes, sprinkle on some chopped green onions just before serving.
Large serving bowl of plant based coleslaw, with small bowls of cabbage surrounding it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage for this recipe?

Yes! Pre-shredded cabbage can save you time and works perfectly for this recipe.

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best crunch, it should ideally be served the same day it is fully assembled. You can prep the veggies and dressing ahead of time, then mix about 30 minutes before serving!

Is this Vegan Coleslaw oil-free?

If you use the Joyful Balance Vegan Mayo in this recipe, then this coleslaw is oil-free and whole food plant based (WFPB).

Other Vegan Summer BBQ Recipes You'll Love

  • Creamy Vegan Potato Salad With Dill Recipe by Joyful Balance.
    Creamy Vegan Potato Salad With Dill
  • Grilled Portobello Mushrooms (Portobello Steaks) recipe by Joyful Balance.
    Grilled Portobello Mushrooms (Portobello "Steaks")
  • Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad recipe.
    Easy Vegan Three Bean Salad
Creamy vegan coleslaw served on a yellow plate, with cabbage and carrots around it.

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📖 Recipe

Bowl of creamy vegan coleslaw made with shredded green and red cabbage and carrots.

Easy Vegan Coleslaw (Fresh & Creamy!)

Delaney Marie
This Easy Vegan Coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and perfect for summer BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks. Made with shredded cabbage and carrots, it’s tossed in a lightly tangy, slightly sweet dressing. A simple, refreshing side dish that pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and grilled mains.
*Note that From Start to Finish is an estimate and is mostly passive time. This includes about an hour to prepare your homemade vegan mayo (most of which is letting cashews soak and letting the mayo refrigerate), about 15 minutes to make the actual slaw, and then another 30 minutes to refrigerate the slaw before serving.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review
From Start to Finish1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Servings6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2-3 cups shredded green cabbage - (about ¼ of a head)
  • 2-3 cups shredded red cabbage - (about ¼ of a head)
  • 2 carrots - grated or julienned
  • ½ cup Joyful Balance Vegan Mayo - (OR a store bought vegan mayo)
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup - Joyful Balance Vegan Mayo
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ⅛ teaspoon celery seeds

Instructions

  • Add the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots to a large bowl and toss to combine.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, maple syrup, salt, apple cider vinegar, and celery seeds until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve, ideally around 30 minutes for best texture and flavor.
    This coleslaw is best enjoyed the day it’s made. If serving the next day, store the dressing and prepped veggies separately, then combine about 30 minutes before serving!

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @joyfulbalanceofficial on Instagram and show the world your plant based creation!

Happy cooking! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your coleslaw-making ways.

Stay joyfully balanced!

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Meet Delaney

Welcome to Joyful Balance! I create recipes that promote a joyfully balanced plant based lifestyle. All are welcome here, vegan or not! Let's get cooking!

Learn more about me →

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