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.

Table of Contents
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

- 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

Toss together the shredded cabbage and carrots.

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

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!

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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pre-shredded cabbage can save you time and works perfectly for this recipe.
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!
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
📖 Recipe

Easy Vegan Coleslaw (Fresh & Creamy!)
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
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.
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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