Healthy Coleslaw with Easy Oil + Vinegar Dressing
Introduction
If you’re seeking a light, crunchy, and refreshingly tangy side dish that comes together in minutes, this Healthy Coleslaw with Easy Oil + Vinegar Dressing is your answer. Unlike many creamy commercial coleslaws, this recipe skips heavy mayonnaise in favor of a vibrant, clean-tasting vinaigrette—making it perfect for backyard picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners where you want flavor without extra calories.
Why This Healthy Coleslaw Is a Standout
This coleslaw’s appeal lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. The crisp texture of fresh cabbage and carrot meets a zesty dressing made from everyday pantry staples. The oil and vinegar vinaigrette enhances the natural flavors rather than overwhelming them—making this dish a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled mains or as a crunchy topping for sandwiches and tacos.
Quick & Easy Oil + Vinegar Dressing
This dressing is all about balance. By combining a good-quality extra virgin olive oil with vinegar, a touch of honey, Dijon mustard, and black pepper, you create a tangy, lightly sweet finish. Toss the dressing with the shredded vegetables just before serving to keep everything crunchy and vibrant. For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of celery seed, or a dash of garlic powder to customize to your taste.
Crispy Coleslaw Assembly
Preparing your coleslaw is as straightforward as can be. Simply shred or thinly slice the cabbage, grate the carrots, and toss them in a large bowl. Drizzle the freshly whisked oil and vinegar dressing over the top, and toss to combine. Let the coleslaw sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions for a Fresh, Healthy Coleslaw
This coleslaw shines as a light side for barbecue, grilled chicken, or sandwiches. You can also scoop it onto tacos, pile it atop burgers, or enjoy it as a refreshing salad on its own. For an added fresh finish, garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 6 cups—enough for 6 generous side servings. One serving contains roughly 120 calories, 8g of healthy fats, and loads of fiber and vitamins. It’s a nutrient-packed option that adds crunch without weighing down your meal.
Healthy Coleslaw with Easy Oil + Vinegar Dressing (Recap)
This coleslaw brings crunchy vegetables and zesty oil + vinegar dressing together for a healthy, flavor-packed side. Simple ingredients, straightforward prep, and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a must-have for any meal plan.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, black pepper, and optional celery seed and garlic powder until smooth and emulsified.
- In a large bowl, combine the green and purple cabbage, grated carrots, and green onions.
- Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables. Toss until all the veggies are coated evenly.
- Let the coleslaw rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the slaw to slightly soften.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or more green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 days for best crunch and flavor.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is perfect for weekly meal prep since it stays crisp for a couple of days and goes with a variety of main dishes. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your meals and automatically generate a smart shopping list that consolidates ingredients from all your planned recipes.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total ingredient quantities across your weekly meal plan
- Sorts your shopping list by grocery store section for quick, efficient trips
- Prevents duplicate buys and forgotten ingredients
- Makes meal prepping more organized and less stressful
Pro tip: When scheduling this coleslaw alongside recipes needing similar vegetables (like lettuce or carrots), CookifyAI will sum up the required amounts—so you only buy what you need and reduce food waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
