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Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar

My easy Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar is one of my favorite versions of coleslaw, includes NO mayo, and goes well with any barbecue or other coleslaw-friendly meal.

Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar

Coleslaw is such a classic side dish to make, and there are as many coleslaw recipes as there are people. This particular one is my favorite non-mayo version. I have a classic Creamy KFC Coleslaw copycat on the site as well, and if you are into creamy, tangy coleslaw that is something you’ll definitely want to check out.

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Coleslaw Recipe Vinegar

What Goes Well With Coleslaw?

ALL THE THINGS. But especially:

I really REALLY like loading up my barbecue pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw right on top. It is a great texture to go with the smokey meat.

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Coleslaw Recipe Vinegar

How long can coleslaw stay out?

Food shouldn’t stay out in the “danger zone” longer than a couple of hours to be safe. The danger zone is basically anything under steaming hot, and anything over fridge temperature. There is an actual temperature range that you can look up if you want, but a good rule of thumb is to keep hot things hot and cold things cold, and put away things promptly once you are done serving them.

Coleslaw Recipe Vinegar

Is coleslaw healthy?

It is vegetables. Cabbage and carrots and more cabbage, oh my. Vinegar based coleslaw is definitely better than creamy coleslaw from a calorie perspective, but whether it is “healthy” or not really depends on your diet and your goals. I don’t like to call things healthy or unhealthy. Everything is cool in moderation, right?

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Smoked BBQ Beef Sandwich

What is the best thing to do with cabbage?

Homemade coleslaw is way up there on MY list, but if you need some more ideas I have some of those too.

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Reader Reviews!

Made this with our leftover prime rib bones & meat. Best beef barley soup I have ever had/ made!! The flavor is wonderful and it comes together quickly if you have the bone broth made ahead of time. I will be making this again and again! Love, love love!

– Sheri G

“I make this coleslaw recipe when I make pulled pork or fried fish. It is my favorite recipe to use. Thank you for sharing.”

Jane from Pinterest

Yield: 8 servings

Coleslaw Recipe with Vinegar

Coleslaw Recipe Vinegar

Easy vinegar-based coleslaw recipe that gets thrown together in 5 minutes and will leave you wanting to make a meal out of it.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16-ounce bag shredded coleslaw
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon diced garlic

Instructions

  1. Mix all of the sauce ingredients together.
  2. Toss in the shredded cabbage.
  3. Chill for at least 1 hour and stir again before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 259mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 1g

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Nicole Johnson

Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.

Vickie Worthington

Saturday 16th of March 2024

Can you make this ahead of time (the day before) or does it get soupy? Thanks.

Nicole Johnson

Monday 18th of March 2024

Yup! I haven't had it get too soupy. I prefer to make it the day of, but at least 4 hours before I want to serve it, but making it the day before wouldn't be a deal-breaker.

Debbie McLoon

Friday 30th of June 2023

Can I make this with regular vinegar instead?

Nicole Johnson

Friday 30th of June 2023

Yup! I prefer ACV, but it should be fine with white vinegar.

Don

Sunday 12th of June 2022

Great recipe! I did cut the sugar to 2 Tbsp from 1/3 cup (5.2 Tbsp) because I like more tart than sweet. Everything else is perfect and I always have some in the fridge. It's also great as a regular salad dressing just by varying the vinegars. Finally, add some bacon bits, and it is terrific for vinegar based potato salad. I make about 1 quart at a time. I use it for everything.

Nicole Johnson

Sunday 12th of June 2022

That's awesome feedback, Don! Thank you so much for sharing, and great idea on the potato salad! That sounds fabulous (and you might just see that coming to the blog soon!)

Kelly

Saturday 23rd of January 2021

I made this according to recipe but made 1 change- I put 1/4cup of sugar in instead of 1/3. Omg. It was SOOOO good!! I saved the left over dressing and am letting carrots marinade in there now!!! It’s so addicting!! I will never use any recipe but this one now!!!

Nicole Johnson

Saturday 23rd of January 2021

That's amazing, Kelly! This is my favorite coleslaw too. So glad you liked it. Let me know how the carrots turn out!

Mary

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Now our favorite coleslaw! Flavorful!

Nicole Johnson

Saturday 15th of February 2020

Yay! That's awesome to hear. Love it!

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