The Best Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw (no mayo recipe)

This classic Vinegar Coleslaw is a healthy coleslaw recipe without mayonnaise. This vinegar coleslaw recipe uses simple ingredients. It’s the perfect addition to your summer barbecues!

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. This is a very tangy, very sweet coleslaw with no mayo used!

“This is my favorite recipe for cole slaw. I add jalapeños to it for a kick. Perfect for pulled pork or brisket sandwiches.“

Caron, Pinterest

This type of vinegar slaw is super popular in the area I grew up in. This classic coleslaw recipe makes a great addition to your barbecue meals. I think it’s the best coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches, and it makes a delicious side dish for pulled pork!

“This is the only slaw I make now. The recipe is perfect every time. The slaw is very good on fish tacos. Thank you for a fresh side dish. Love it!”

Debra, Pinterest User

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. These 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. My favorite part of these gatherings was no doubt the food! Groups of ladies and gentleman would work away for days to prepare a feast. The typical menu was fried chicken and country ham, homemade mashed potatoes with chicken gravy, and this crunchy cabbage salad.

My favorite part of these picnics was this tangy vinegar based coleslaw made with crunchy cabbage. Well, and of course, all of the homemade pie you could eat!

At these outdoor summer gatherings, they wouldn’t use mayo in the coleslaw because these dishes would sit out in the heat for long periods of time! Makes sense, right? Another super popular dish was a cucumber salad that used the same vinegar based dressing as this slaw! 

“I left out the onions and we’re completely ok with this. My hubby is still singing my praises for such a tasty coleslaw. It’s a southern thang!”

Teri, Pinterest

“This was very good. I usually make mayonnaise based coleslaw, so this was a nice change. Put it on a sliced pork sandwich.👌🏼 The only changes I made were cooked on the stove to dissolve sugar. And used celery salt.”

Kris, Pinterest

Even at a young age, I knew I was experiencing something special. Something that you rarely see in larger cities, a strong sense of community brought together by games, great food, and of course, simple recipes like this!

Substitutions

Like any recipe, you can make substitutions as needed, especially for the delicious dressing! Here are a few suggestions:

• If you do not have tangy apple cider vinegar, use white vinegar or rice wine vinegar
• Instead of vegetable oil, you can use canola oil or avocado oil
• Add additional shredded vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Add finely chopped green onion- it adds so much flavor!
• Add small carrots (shredded) or diced green pepper
• Use red cabbage or mix red and green cabbage together for extra color
• Add a teaspoon of poppy seeds

Storing Leftovers:

I think that this delicious recipe is even better the next day! Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This coleslaw recipe will not freeze well.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this delicious vinegar coleslaw alongside Smoked Pulled Pork (Beer and Apple Basted) or Crispy Grilled Chicken Quarters with Apricot BBQ Sauce!

If you need another BBQ-friendly side dish, try The Best Crunchy Broccoli Salad!

Love this vinegar based coleslaw recipe? Try my Cilantro Lime Coleslaw or Cabbage, Radish and Apple Cole Slaw recipe.