Healthy Apple Coleslaw without Mayo
Apple Coleslaw without mayo is a crisp, tangy mix of cabbage, apples, caraway seeds and carrots in a light apple cider dressing. A perfect fresh side for BBQs!
This easy Apple Coleslaw without mayo is a classic with a twist. Loaded with extra apples, apple cider vinegar, and apple juice, it offers an ultra-rich apple flavour. This low-fat version skips the mayonnaise and adds a hint of olive oil, making it a refreshing side for roasted chicken, BBQ, fish tacos or burgers. It’s also an excellent dish for kids—one of my favourites growing up!
The optional caraway seeds add a German aromatic touch and aid digestion, perfect for those with sensitive stomachs.
The Dressing
Since this coleslaw dressing is mayo-free, you can use it generously. It helps the flavours marinate faster and better. With a blend of apple juice, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar, this vinaigrette offers a perfect sweet-and-sour balance. Plus, it’s ultra-healthy, low-fat, and vegan!
Fun Facts
There is a lot of history behind this famous salad! So here are a few fun facts about it:
- Do you know Coleslaw is from the Netherlands? It was created back in the 18th century. The original version didn’t contain mayo and was most likely eaten warm. It was called Kool Sla, phonetically similar to the word coleslaw, which translates to ‘cabbage salad.‘
- Richard Hellmann 1903, a NYC deli owner and creator of the famous bottled mayonnaise of the same name, was the first to add mayonnaise to coleslaw, making this creamy version an authentic American invention.
- Did you know that white cabbage is low in calories? The calories you’ll burn cutting it are almost equivalent to your intake. One cup of shredded cabbage is about 20 calories, making it a super veggie. Click here to explore all its health benefits.
- Did you know that white cabbage can be kept in a cool place for several weeks? This makes it a lifesaver veggie!
Apple Coleslaw without Mayo
Ingredients
- ½ white cabbage
- 3 carrots
- 2 apples peeled
- ½ white onion
- 2 tsp caraway seeds *optional
The Dressing
- 200 ml apple cider vinegar
- 100 ml apple juice
- 50 ml olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing by adding the vinegar, apple juice, olive oil, salt and pepper to a bowl, whisk and reserve.
- Cut the cabbage into thin slices using a food processor, mandoline, or knife. Add the slices to a big bowl.
- Grate the carrots, onion and apples, and add to the cabbage bowl.
- Add the caraway seeds. *optional
- Whisk the dressing again before pouring it into the salad.
- Cover and let it cool in the fridge for at least 3 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Did You Make This Recipe?
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A light and refreshing twist on a classic. The crisp apples and tangy dressing make it a perfect side for any meal.
Couldn’t agree more!
I don’t eat may, so this is always my go to salad. The apple is a unique touch. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, mayo coleslaw is relatively high in fat and calories.
Iāve never had apple added to coleslaw, such a great idea!! Sounds like a delicious dish.
The sweetness of the apple balances out the acidic vinaigrette.
I LOVE coleslaw with grated apple in it… it’s such a nice way to round out the flavour. And, I’m always looking for mayo free salad recipes to bring to summer gatherings. No one needs to worry about food safety when there’s no mayo!
Tasty and healthy is always the goal!
Perfect timing! I just had to start the AIP diet, and this fits perfectly!
This apple coleslaw was the perfect complement for the pork chops that I grilled recently.
Love the crunchy texture! This was such a refreshing side dish with our grilled pork chops.
Yes, a no-mayo coleslaw goes well with fattier meats!