This Paleo and Whole30 coleslaw is creamy and crunchy, sweet and tangy, ready in 5 minutes, and requires only 6 ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and as an easy and simple side dish.
Classic coleslaw is one of those side dishes that inevitably shows up at every summer BBQ. But some of them can be heavy and made with refined sugars. But not this recipe! This Whole30 & Paleo coleslaw is light, fresh, and creamy, with an option to add a little sweetness from raw honey (note: to make a whole30 coleslaw you need to omit the honey).
This creamy coleslaw is made using Primal Kitchen's avocado oil based mayo (which you can find at Target, Whole Foods, Vitacost, and many other grocers- it's cheapest at Target 😊).
Aside for a simple side dish, I love using this coleslaw alongside my slow cooker pulled pork and Whole30 BBQ sauce for a simple and filling meal (I like to add roasted sweet potatoes, too).
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What to Love About This Recipe
- EASY - I use a store-bought coleslaw mix and store-bough mayo to keep this recipe extra easy. Seriously, it takes 5 minutes to make!
- CLASSIC BUT CUSTOMIZABLE - This is a classic coleslaw recipe, but there are lots of ways to customize and add in extras to make it uniquely your own.
- DIETARY NEEDS - Paleo, Whole 30, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, and as always, made with clean eating ingredients.
What You Need to Make This
A complete list of ingredients and the amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
COLESLAW MIX - I use store-bought classic coleslaw mix. I have also used broccoli slaw and it's just as good. And if you're up for it, you can definitely make your own coleslaw mix from green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots.
MAYONNAISE - You must use Paleo and Whole30 approved mayonnaise. Primal Kitchen, Sir Kensington's, and Tessemae's are good options. Although I don't like Tessamae's as much as it's made form sunflower oil and not avocado oil.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR - Adds the tang to this creamy coleslaw.
HONEY - Adds a little sweetness the natural way! You MUST omit the honey though for Whole30 coleslaw. You can add the honey if you're looking for Paleo coleslaw.
SALT - Salt really enhances the flavor. I always use fine sea salt when a recipe calls for salt.
Clean food tip for honey: Look for raw honey, as it does not go through as much processing as regular honey does. This means it retains most of the nutrients and antioxidants that honey is known for.
How to Make
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey (omit if wanting whole30 coleslaw), salt, and pepper.
Grab your coleslaw mix and place in a large mixing bowl and add the dressing.
Stir until coleslaw is evenly coated in the dressing. You can serve immediately, but it's even better if allowed to chill in the fridge for an hour or so.
Is Classic Coleslaw Whole30/Paleo Approved?
No, most coleslaw recipes are not whole30 and/or Paleo approved. Typical coleslaw is made with refined white sugar and conventional mayonnaise which contains soybean oil, neither of which are approved on a Whole30/Paleo diet. Most Whole30/Paleo mayonnaises use avocado oil, which is what I recommend in this Whole30 coleslaw.
FAQs
Yes, you can. But because white vinegar is more acidic, I would use slightly less in this recipe. I recommend apple cider vinegar due to the fact that it's healthier, but if in a pinch, white vinegar can be used.
Absolutely! Like I said, I like to keep this recipe simple, but if you want to make your own coleslaw mix, use roughly 3 cups thinly shredded green cabbage, 1 ½ cups thinly shredded red cabbage, and ½ cup shredded carrots.
This coleslaw should be stored in the fridge and will last for 3-5 days.
Because this whole30 coleslaw does contain mayonnaise, you can't let it sit out for too long. You can leave out at room temp for up to two hours. However, if it's outside and is hot (85+) you'll only want it out for a max of an hour, or put it in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled.
What to Serve with Coleslaw
This Paleo and Whole30 coleslaw is so versatile. You can eat as is as a simple side dish (cabbage is extremely nutritious) or use as a topping/condiment for so many things!
My favorite is to add to my slow cooker pulled pork (as a sandwich/wrap or taco). It's also great on slow cooker pulled chicken, salmon burgers, fish tacos, or as a side dish with air fryer turkey burgers.
Variations
- Add ins: Spruce up this Whole30 coleslaw by adding in some chopped apple, sweet peppers, green onions, sunflower seeds, and/or red onion. All great option!
- Lighten up the dressing by using ½ plain/unsweetened almond milk Greek yogurt & ½ mayo.
- For extra flavor, add in ½ tsp. dry mustard and ½ tsp. celery seed to the dressing.
- Slaw mixes: Use broccoli slaw, kale slaw, or any other slaw mix!
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Whole30 & Paleo Coleslaw
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Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole30/Paleo approved mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp. fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp. honey (omit for whole30)
- 5 cups coleslaw mix (roughly an 8-10 oz. bag)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt and honey (omit for whole30). Whisk for 30 seconds, or until smooth.
- Place coleslaw mix in a large mixing bowl and add dressing. Mix until coleslaw is evenly coated in dressing. If desired, you can add some pepper or additional salt.
- Best if allowed to chill in the fridge for an hour before serving, but it can be served right away.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Jess
Never buying store-bought coleslaw again!
Kris
So easy! Perfect flavor, too. Thank you for another winner!
Andrea
Yum. I love putting cole slaw on sandwiches or tacos. Can't wait to try this recipe!
Kim
Great simple cole slaw with fresh flavors. I used the honey and it was a great addition that you don't see too often! Perfect side dish for bbqs
Janis
I added finely chopped jalapeños for a sweet & spicy coleslaw. The homemade Mayo makes a big difference! Delicious
Sara
Love the idea of adding in some chopped jalapeños... thanks for sharing!