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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers and Side Dishes

    Healthy Whole30 Coleslaw Recipe

    Published: May 28, 2023 by Briana · This post may contain affiliate links where I may receive compensation. Please see my disclosure for details.

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    This Healthy Whole30 Coleslaw Recipe is made with a coleslaw mix of cabbage and carrots and a tangy dressing without any added sugar. It's the perfect topping or side dish to compliment your meals at a summer BBQ's or potluck.

    Whole30 Coleslaw in a clear glass bowl with a bowl of coleslaw dressing with a whisk in a bowl to the side.
    Jump to Recipe

    Looking for a healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with your whole30 dinner or paleo meal? It has the classic coleslaw flavor and crisp texture you love, but with a paleo and whole30-compliant twist. The only major difference with this whole30 coleslaw recipe is that there are no added sugars! 

    This easy and healthy coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish to a variety of meals! Serve this apple coleslaw on top of a homemade pulled pork sandwich tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce or on the side of a black bean burger. 

    Whether you're serving it as a side or topping, it's perfect for the summer season because it's so refreshing. The combination of the crunchy cabbage, earthy carrots, sweet apples and creamy dressing makes it a great side dish for your summer barbecues, potluck or family or friends gatherings. 

    Whole 30 Coleslaw Recipe in a clear glass bowl with black dipping spoon.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Healthy - this coleslaw recipe is made without any added sugar
    • Whole 30 compliant - perfect to have if you're on the whole 30 diet or simply want to eat clean
    • Nutritious - You can feel good about eating this coleslaw since it has clean and fresh ingredients and loaded with nutrients
    • Easy to swap - you can easily substitute with a vegan mayonnaise to make a vegan coleslaw recipe. 
    • Quick and easy - all of the ingredients come together in one bowl and ready to serve in less than 15 minutes.

    Ingredients You'll Need

    You'll only need a few simple ingredients for this traditional coleslaw recipe that's easy to find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need:

    • Coleslaw Mix - I always prefer a quick and easy recipe, so I opted to use a bag of pre-made coleslaw mix. If you prefer to make your own, simply use about 1 1/3 cup of shredded green cabbage and 1/3 cup shredded carrots. Red onion is also a great option to add to the coleslaw mix.
    • Apples - Fuji or Gala apples help to add a bit of natural sweetness to the dish. I prefer julienned apples however you can dice or shred the apples as well. 
    • Mayo - I like Primal Kitchen's Avocado Oil Mayo since they have a whole 30 compliant mayonnaise. You can make a dairy free coleslaw by using a vegan mayo. 
    • Dijon mustard -   for a bit of tang and a hint of spice
    • Coconut aminos - helps give the dressing flavor and a little sweetness. To make a paleo coleslaw with some sweetness, you can use about  1 tablespoon of raw organic honey or maple syrup. But, for a whole30 coleslaw you'd want to omit the sweetener completely. If not, it will no longer be whole30 compliant.
    • Apple cider vinegar -  for a delicious added tang flavor we all love
    • Seasonings -  this recipe uses a little onion powder, salt and black pepper which does a great job of enhancing the flavors of the coleslaw dressing.
    Whole30 Coleslaw Ingredients in clear glass bowls with labels.

    How to Make Whole30 Coleslaw

    • Make the coleslaw dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, salt and pepper is combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
    Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients in a bowl before being mixed.
    Whole30 Coleslaw Dressing mixed in a bowl with a whisk.
    • Mix together. Add the apples and coleslaw mix into a large mixing bowl and add the slaw dressing, a few tablespoons at a time, to the bowl. Using a spatula, fold the dressing and coleslaw together until the dressing coats the coleslaw. Add more dressing until it's coated to your liking.
    Apple Coleslaw in a large bowl without the mayo dressing.
    Coleslaw ingredients mixed in a large bowl.
    • Chill and Serve.  You can serve this side at room temperature but I like to place it in the fridge to chill for at least 15 - 20 minutes before serving. 

    What to Serve with the Healthy Coleslaw

    This creamy, easy paleo coleslaw recipe will be a crowd favorite at your next barbecue. It makes the perfect topping or side to serve with some BBQ jackfruit pulled pork sandwiches , a sloppy joe sandwich or your favorite BBQ meal. It works great for picnics or any summer parties or gatherings like Memorial Day or 4th of July when paired together with other sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, potato salad or alongside a black bean burger.

    BBQ Jackfruit with coleslaw topping and fork

    How to Store the Homemade Coleslaw 

    The best way to store this recipe is in an airtight container in the fridge. I find the coleslaw always tastes best the next day since it's had a chance to absorb all the flavors of the mayo dressing. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy this coleslaw within the first 2 days although it can be stored for up to 4 days.

    Unlike store bought coleslaw, after a few days it tends to be a bit too soggy. You can also store the creamy coleslaw dressing in a separate container and mix the coleslaw in when you're ready to eat it. 

    Whole 30 Coleslaw Recipe in a clear glass bowl with black dipping spoon.

    Is It a Thyroid-Friendly Recipe? The ingredients used in this recipe includes apple cider vinegar, which may help to restore the body's acid-alkaline balance and hormone regulation. It also includes salt which is known to be beneficial for thyroid health since table salt has iodine, which is needed for thyroid hormone synthesis. Lack of iodine in the body can possibly cause your thyroid gland to work harder and may lead to other complications, including hypothyroidism.

    Recipe FAQ

    Can you freeze coleslaw?

    Yes, however for the best texture and flavor it's best to enjoy this recipe within the first 2 days of making it and can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.

    How many calories are in coleslaw?

    This recipe has about 6 servings with 110 calories per serving.

    How long does coleslaw last? 

    It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    What is traditional coleslaw dressing made of typically?

    Traditional coleslaw dressing is made of mayonnaise, a sweetener (honey, maple syrup or sugar), apple cider vinegar, celery seeds or herbs (dill or parsley), salt, and pepper.

    Is coleslaw Whole30 approved?

    Instead of making a traditional coleslaw dressing with non-compliant ingredients like canola and soybean oil, this recipe takes a healthier approach. We use Whole30 compliant mayonnaise brands and opt for natural whole food sweeteners such as apples and coconut aminos to add sweetness to the dish.

    More Recipes You May Like

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    BBQ Jackfruit Pulled Pork

    Gluten Free Black Bean Burger

    Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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    Whole 30 Coleslaw Recipe in a clear glass bowl with black dipping spoon.
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    5 from 4 votes

    Healthy Whole30 Coleslaw Recipe

    This Healthy Whole30 coleslaw Recipe is made with a coleslaw mix of cabbage and carrots and a tangy dressing without any added sugar. It's the perfect topping or side dish to compliment your meals at a summer BBQ's or potluck.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Chill15 minutes mins
    Total Time20 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: coleslaw, paleo, whole30
    Servings: 6
    Author: Briana

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces coleslaw mix
    • 1 fuji apple medium size, julienned or diced
    • 3/4 cup mayo
    • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoon coconut aminos
    • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, salt and pepper is combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
    • Add the apples and coleslaw mix into a large bowl and add the slaw dressing, a few tablespoons at a time, to the bowl. Using a spatula, fold the dressing and coleslaw together until the dressing coats the coleslaw. Add more dressing until it's coated to your liking.
    • You can serve this side at room temperature but I like to place it in the fridge to chill for at least 15 - 20 minutes before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 483mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 113IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

    Disclaimer

    Although HalfPastHungry.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on which products you use, the brand that was purchased, or in other unforeseeable ways. HalfPastHungry.com will not be held liable for any reliance on given nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your physician first.

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    About Briana

    Briana is the blogger, recipe developer and food photographer behind HalfPastHungry. She's been blogging since 2017 sharing thyroid friendly and plant-based recipes that are easy to make, healthy and nutritious.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kay says

      May 24, 2025 at 7:05 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for posting this recipe. Love that it has no added sweeteners. Recipe is easy to follow and tastes delicious. Definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Briana says

        May 27, 2025 at 9:46 am

        Thank you so much for your comment. I'm so happy you loved it!

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hi! My name is Briana. 
    After being diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in my early 20's, I struggled with hypothyroidism and weight gain, which started me on my plant-based journey. HalfPastHungry is your source for beginner friendly plant-based recipes that are easy to make, healthy and nutritious and make eating plant-based easier for you.

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