Looking for a fresh, vibrant coleslaw that’s actually good for you? This healthy coleslaw is packed with crisp red and green cabbage, shredded carrots, cilantro, and a subtle kick from jalapeño — all tossed in a light, tangy dressing made without mayo or refined sugar.
Instead of heavy, creamy dressing, this version uses olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and just a touch of pure maple syrup for natural sweetness. It’s vegan, paleo, dairy-free, and perfect for summer cookouts, meal prep, and weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw
Traditional coleslaw is often loaded with mayonnaise and sugar. While it may taste good, it can feel heavy and overly sweet. This healthier version skips the mayo entirely and lets fresh, crunchy vegetables shine.
It’s:
- Light and refreshing
- Naturally sweetened
- Full of texture and crunch
- Perfect for BBQs, picnics, and meal prep
- Even better the next day
Plus, cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. Both red and green cabbage support gut health, help fight inflammation, and are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. And let’s not forget that unbeatable crunch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Slaw
- ½ medium head purple cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups)
- ½ medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups)
- 2 heaping cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- ½ cup sliced green onions (green parts only)
- ½ cup pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds)
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Make Healthy Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, jalapeño, and green onions to a large bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Toss & Marinate
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Add Crunch & Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle in the pepitas and toasted almonds. Toss again and enjoy.
Storage Tips
Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, this recipe gets even better as it sits — making it an excellent make-ahead side dish for gatherings and weekly meal prep.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 140
- Carbohydrates: 14.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8.8g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Sugar: 8.4g
Perfect Pairings
This healthy coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, turkey burgers, pulled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, or even as a crunchy taco topping.