Red Slaw | Oil-Free

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

This red slaw is so good because it’s vibrant, crunchy, and bursting with fresh, tangy flavors, making it a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and oil-free, offering a deliciously light option that everyone can enjoy.

blue country bowl filled with red coleslaw with a blue and white checkered napkin.

I live in the Carolinas where coleslaw is a staple. This red slaw recipe is not our traditional creamy mayo coleslaw, but a sweet and tangy variation that goes great with anything, especially barbecue dishes like my vegan crockpot BBQ, these delicious barbecue cauliflower wings, and our easy tempeh vegan ribs.

One thing I love about slaw is that it requires absolutely no cooking. Simply combine veggies in a bowl. If you are more of a fan of traditional coleslaw, try our creamy vegan coleslaw recipe.

This recipe is so good, that it was even published on the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies website.

Reasons you will love this slaw

  • Packed with Freshness: This healthy red slaw recipe offers a crisp, vibrant crunch in every bite, making it the perfect side dish for any meal.
  • Nutrient-Rich and Flavorful: Loaded with colorful veggies, this slaw is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, while its tangy dressing adds a delicious zest.
  • Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Oil-Free: Enjoy a guilt-free slaw that caters to various dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this red slaw is a go-to recipe for a healthy and satisfying dish in no time.

Ingredients you will need

overhead shot of chopped coleslaw on cutting board with bowl in background
  • Cabbage- I like to buy pre-shredded cabbage which often includes green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. It is a huge time-saving product and contains nothing except raw vegetables.
  • Onions- Purple onion is my favorite to use in slaw and salads because of the added burst of color.
  • Ketchup- Use store-bought ketchup or try my very easy-to-make homemade sugar-free ketchup that only takes about 10 minutes to make.
  • Vinegar- Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy pop of flavor. Other vinegar varieties could also be used.
  • Sweetener- Pure cane sugar, date sugar, or even maple sugar are great options.
  • Hot sauce- Adding a little spice is optional, but just a drizzle can add flavor without making it too spicy.

How to make red slaw

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

ketchup and spices in bowl with whisk

STEP #1: In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sweetener, kosher salt, paprika, pepper, and hot sauce (if using).

slaw chopped up on wooden cutting board with red onion

STEP #2: In a large mixing bowl, add slaw (or cabbage) and diced onion. Buying the pre-shredded cabbage or slaw in a bag makes this recipe a breeze to pull together.

red slaw in blue bowl on wood table

STEP #3: Pour the wet mixture into the large bowl of cabbage and onion. Mix thoroughly and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour or more. Serve chilled.

This delicious cabbage slaw goes particularly well with vegan BBQ. Check out some of my great BBQ Recipes.

*Originally published November 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best ketchup to use?

Store-bought ketchup is loaded with sugar, so try my very easy-to-make homemade sugar-free ketchup that only takes about 10 minutes to make.

Can red slaw be made ahead of time?

Yes, red slaw can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together while staying fresh and crisp.

How do you keep red slaw from getting soggy?

To keep red slaw from getting soggy, dress it just before serving or store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat. Also, make sure to pat the vegetables dry before mixing.

How long will this recipe last?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This slaw will not freeze well.

overhead photo of slaw in two white bowls

If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Article

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from EatPlant-Based

red slaw in blue bowl on wood table
4.58 from 21 votes

Red Slaw | Oil-Free

I live in North Carolina where cole slaw is a staple. This recipe is not our traditional creamy cole slaw, but boast a sweet and sour vinegary flavor with a punch of heat.
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 14 oz package of cole slaw or 1 lb. fresh sliced cabbage
  • 1 medium onion minced
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener sugar, sucanat, agave, etc.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to your taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, sweetener, kosher salt, paprika, pepper, and hot sauce (if using).
  • In a large mixing bowl, add slaw (or cabbage) and onion.
  • Pour wet mixture into the large bowl of cabbage and onion.
  • Mix thoroughly and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour or more. Serve chilled.

Video

Notes

Pro Tips & Suggestions-
Cabbage- I like to buy pre-shredded cabbage slaw bags which often include green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. It is a huge time-saving product and contains nothing except the raw vegetables listed.
Make Ahead- Red slaw can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together while staying fresh and crisp.
Storage- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This slaw will not freeze well.

Nutrition

Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.3g | Protein: 1.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 13.5g

Disclaimer

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Please rate & share if you like this!Leave a comment or share on Pinterest or Instagram

Similar Posts

4.58 from 21 votes (21 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating