Classic Coleslaw (Dairy-Free)! This coleslaw is just what you need at your next BBQ, potluck, or taco night!
Sometimes creamy, crisp coleslaw is just what you need to complete a meal. This is my go-to recipe for coleslaw. I’ve made it dozens of times and it’s as good as the best restaurant coleslaws I’ve had. The dressing is naturally dairy-free and made with a mayo base that you thin out with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. I like using a cleaner, non-GMO brand for the mayo like Just Mayo or Primal Kitchen. There is no reason to be afraid of the fat in mayo if it isn’t made from inflammatory GMO oils! That is good news for mayo lovers like me.
This coleslaw is perfect alongside Slow-Cooker Pinto Beans with Cornbread or as a topping for your favorite BBQ pulled pork or tacos. We ate this on slow-cooker carnitas tacos (recipe soon!) and couldn’t get enough.
For another dairy-free crowd-pleaser try this dairy-free appetizer artichoke dip.

Favorite Classic Coleslaw (Made Dairy-Free!)
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 10 oz shredded green cabbage
- 1 tablespoon minced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise I like using a brand like Just Mayo or Primal Kitchen
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix together the ingredients for the coleslaw in a bowl. Whisk together the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw. Toss to coat and let sit for 20 minutes before serving or up to 1 hour.
Erin,
Thank you for making more dairy and gluten free recipes! It is a huge help to our family. This is delicious! Your site is my favorite because I know all your recipes will be yummy!
Gabby
I used some apple instead of the sugar and used some purple cabbage – looks beautiful and tastes great!
If you are using mayo how is it dairy free? I have a granddaughter that cannot have any type of dairy and I’m looking for cauliflower I can make for her without dairy
Mayo is actually dairy-free! It’s just not egg-free. If you need an egg-free option you can use a vegan mayo.
Thanks for the recipe, tasted great!
I was wondering if you can use white vinegar as a substitute. I am looking for dairy, milk free and low sodium and low potassium recipes.
No red meat, no dairy, no milk, low sugar, no sodium, no nuts
I am on a cardiac and kidney diet, as I have CHF and Level 5 Kidney Disease.
Thank you, Finally a recipe I can use. I’m dairy free soy free and I’m gluten-free
Great recipe! I am enjoying it as I type (Smile).
Love this dressing! Used a shedded bagged cold slaw as well, and added the dressing. I’m dairy gluten and soy free and am always happy to find easy tasty recipes I can enjoy!
So glad you like it! 🙂
Thanks for the gf, df recipe. 🙂 I used the shredded bagged coleslaw and added your suggestion of wet ingredients. It was great!
Great! I’m so glad it turned out for you!