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Classic Vinegar Based Coleslaw (No Mayo)

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This Classic Vinegar Based Coleslaw  is a vinegar coleslaw that calls for no mayo. This no mayo coleslaw is the perfect addition for your summer barbecues or family gatherings! 

I think there’s a lot of comfort in making and eating a long-time family recipe. I’ve been eating this particular vinegar based coleslaw recipe for almost 30 years, and I now serve it to my son.

I named this coleslaw “Classic Vinegar Based Coleslaw” because I want you to know what you’re getting into. This is a very tangy, very sweet coleslaw with no mayonnaise involved. This type of vinegar coleslaw that doesn’t use mayo is super popular in the area I grew up in. 

Tangy Country Coleslaw 4

Most of my family is from the rural part of central Missouri, and growing up, my weekends in the summer and fall revolved around going to various church picnics with my parents.

Church picnics were an excuse to socialize and drink beer, no doubt, and were the main fundraisers for the church. But they were also fun for kids. We bet on turtle races (seriously), played bingo, and got into mischief.

Classic Country Cole Slaw - Blackberry Babe

My favorite part of these church picnics was no doubt the food. Groups of ladies and gentleman would slave away for days to prepare a feast.

The typical menu was fried chicken and country ham, homemade mashed potatoes with chicken gravy, tangy vinegar based coleslaw (like this one) and desserts for days.

No mayo was used because these dishes would sit out in the heat for long periods of time! Makes sense, right? Another super popular dish was a cucumber, tomato and onion salad that used the same sweet and tangy dressing as this slaw! 

Classic Country Cole Slaw - Blackberry Babe

Even at a young age, I knew I was experiencing something special. These church picnics still go on, but they’re a part of an old time tradition.

Something that you rarely see in larger cities, a strong sense of community brought together by games, great food, and of course, recipes like this vinegar coleslaw, no mayo!

I hope you enjoy, and that for some of you, this slaw without mayo tastes like home.

Yield: 4

Classic Country Coleslaw (Vinegar Coleslaw)

Classic Country Coleslaw (Vinegar Coleslaw)

Sweet and tangy vinegar based cole slaw recipe, with no mayo. 

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp water
  • 1.5 tbsp oil
  • 1/8 tsp celery seed
  • a shake of powdered mustard
  • a shake of salt and pepper
  • 14 ounces shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 2 tbsp very finely diced white onions

Instructions

  1. Add together sugar, cider vinegar, water, oil, celery seed, salt, pepper and mustard. Mix until well combined.*
  2. Add cabbage and onions (optional) to medium sized bowl. Pour dressing over the top and stir well. Cover, and chill in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • *I use a mason jar with a lid so I can shake the dressing.

© Michelle
Category: Side Dishes
Love this vinegar based cole slaw recipe? Try my Cilantro Lime Cole Slaw for a delicious and HEALTHY mexican side dish, or my all-time favorite potluck item, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad! 

I also have a newer recipe that uses this vinegar slaw as a base, but adds in some other festive veggies and fruits! Click here for my Cabbage, Radish and Apple Cole Slaw recipe!

Classic Country Cole Slaw - Blackberry Babe

Comments

    • Michelle says

      I’m surprised at how many people don’t like mayo! Glad I shared this recipe for all you all! 🙂

  6. Mary says

    I’ve never liked coleslaw because of the mayo. I am looking forward to making yours, it looks delicious!

  7. Jessica says

    This is just like the coleslaw I’ve grown up eating. Looks great and now I’m craving a barbecue sandwich with coleslaw 🙂

  8. Your Cousin Sara says

    Takes me back to sitting on the front porch steps of Grandma’s house, with a Chinet paper plate full of slaw, watermelon, buttery french bread, Aunt Diane’s broccoli rice casserole, and cherry fried pies.

  14. Lisa says

    Hi there, I’ve been looking for a non mayo based coleslaw and have come across a few close to this recipe but the other ones say to cook the dressing until the sugar dissolves but yours doesn’t . Any thoughts ? I really don’t want to cook it haha. Does your dressings have a grainy texture from the sugar ?

    • Michelle says

      It doesn’t have a grainy texture at all! I do what my Mom did, which is put it in a jar and shake it like crazy! 🙂 It dissolves just fine. I’ve never had an issue with the texture!

  15. lisa says

    Which oil taste better ? I hoping your answer is olive oil or veg oil. Or do you not prefer either one. ?

    • Michelle says

      Hi Lisa! For this recipe, I use vegetable oil. I think olive oil would work well, too!

  16. Laura says

    I love this cole slaw and the memories it has brought back for you. In my own case, our neighborhood does have an annual block party and a few other parties during the year that similarly keep up a community spirit. I wish I’d seen this recipe last week, I would have brought it to last Sunday’s block party:)

    • Michelle says

      Your neighborhood sounds great! And yes, this is perfect for hot outdoor gatherings, it keeps so well!

    • Michelle says

      Hi Nicole, give this a try!

      3 cups sugar
      2.25 cups cider vinegar
      13.5 tbsp water
      13.5 tbsp oil
      1 and 1/8 tsp celery seed
      1/2 tsp powdered mustard
      1/4 tsp salt
      1/4 tsp pepper
      126 ounces shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (this should be about 18 cups). A prepared package at the store is normally 16 ounces, if you’d like to buy it pre shredded!
      18 tbsp very finely diced white onions

      I hope this works!

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