Easy Coleslaw Recipe without Mayonnaise
This easy coleslaw recipe takes just minutes to make. Dotted with vibrant dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish!
With a vinegar-based dressing, this No-Mayo Southern Coleslaw is simple and delicious. Perfect for potlucks, summer picnics or to top a pulled pork sandwich!
Easy Coleslaw Recipe without Mayonnaise
Beef brisket was on the menu, and though the recipe offered a grilled option, it was below zero with the windchill, and only the dog was going outside! I’ve made this easy coleslaw recipe without mayo for years as the proportions are so simple, I never need to look up the recipe. It pairs deliciously as an easy side dish with foods like BBQ beef and Cajun smoked ribs, as well as pulled pork and Texas-style beef brisket.
How to make coleslaw without mayonnaise
Also known as a Southern Coleslaw or Carolina Coleslaw, this vinegar coleslaw recipe without mayonnaise is super simple and perfect for summer entertaining. All you need to remember is that the majority of the coleslaw ingredients are measured with a 1/3 measuring cup! A bag of coleslaw mix, then 1/3 cup of craisins, walnuts, sugar, vinegar, and oil. I like to add 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed, too. Now isn’t that a snap to prepare?
PRO-Tip: Make sure to toast your walnuts either in the oven or in a dry saucepan. The heating process draws out the natural oils, intensifying their flavor.
PRO-Tip: If your craisins look a little dry, put them in a small, heat-safe bowl and cover with boiling water. Let rest for about 5 minutes, drain well, then use them in the recipe.
And without mayo, it’s perfect to take on a picnic as there’s less danger of a foodborne illness. Another reason you need to add this easy coleslaw recipe to your menu soon! I served this as a topper to my Oven Braised Texas Brisket.
What else do you like in your coleslaw??? Do you prefer a mayo base or a vinegar base?
More Summer Salad Recipes:
- Creamy Cucumber Salad from Spend with Pennies
- Burrata Panzanella Salad
- Salade de Tomates et Fromage
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Best Summer Salad Recipes
- Best Watermelon Salad
- Strawberry Bacon Brie Salad
- Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
- Honey Lime Fruit Salad
- More Salad Recipes
This Easy Coleslaw Recipe was first shared in March 2016. Photos and text were updated in 2020.
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
A super easy coleslaw recipe with a vinaigrette dressing
Ingredients
- 1 package coleslaw mix (16 ounces), or a mixture of shredded cabbage and carrots
- 1/3 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1/3 cup toasted, chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Place coleslaw mix in a serving bowl. Mix in craisins and walnuts.
- In another bowl whisk together sugar and vinegar. Continue whisking as you drizzle in the oil. Mix in the celery seed.
- Toss the coleslaw mix with dressing and serve. If you like a wilted coleslaw, refrigerate for an hour before serving.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Marion Cunningham.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 257Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g
Liz, we love a good coleslaw around here (no surprise there) and I like your mix of shredded cabbage and carrots with the addition of the sweet cranberries to offset the tanginess of the dressing!
Another fabulous recipe!
Andrea
Sounds different with the walnuts, a great combo:@)
I love when I can use minimal measuring cups! This sounds like a delicious coleslaw – love the fruit and nut addition 🙂
I can’t even remember the last time I had coleslaw and after seeing this post of yours, Liz, I’m suddenly missing it! Looks wonderful – love the touch of craisins too.
Coleslaw is a favourite over here to go with pork, ham, or even some chicken and rice dishes! The farmer loves it with a creamy dressing as well.
Although I like creamy coleslaw, I’m become a real fan of the vinegar & oil kind. Has a more interesting personality, I think. Particularly when combined with some of the terrific ingredients you’ve added! Good stuff. And I can remember a third cup measure. 🙂
Fresh and so crunchy!
Hi Liz:)
Now this is my kinda crunchy goodness and soooooo easy too. Love the additions! Now, I need some brisket!
Thanks for sharing, Liz…
I could eat buckets of cole slaw and make it often. My recipe is similar to yours but I’ve never added craisins. I’ll have to try this, for that added zip of flavor!
I do like a good coleslaw and love the addition of dried cranberries and walnuts here.
Your colorful coleslaw does appear to be a crunchy do-able slam dunk winner salad, Liz =) Pinning!
I’m SO in the mood for a summery cole slaw!
Reading this reminds me- I haven’t made coleslaw for quite a while! Love that this one doesn’t use mayonnaise- will definitely keep this in mind when I want to bring a salad to a picnic!
This coleslaw is a must along with your brisket. Now I’m seriously craving BBQ!
Like the idea of nuts and raisins in coleslaw. 🙂
I love coleslaw. I love that you added the craisins and the walnuts. Sounds delicious.
I love a no mayo coleslaw and how great is this for warm weather outings!
Easy, quick and super healthy salad Liz! This is a perfect side for brisket, like you mentioned, as well as any roasted meat or even a decadent casserole!
Thank you so much!
Sending you lots & lots of hugs from Athens,
Panos and Mirella
xoxoxo