Mexican No Mayo Coleslaw

This Mexican No Mayo Coleslaw is light, tangy, and fresh. It’s perfect for tacos and grilled meats and a great addition to salad. Use it for summer BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks.
This easy coleslaw recipe is packed with crisp veggies, zesty dressing, and delicious flavor. Perfect for fish tacos, BBQs, and meal prep!

As a holistic personal chef and nutrition consultant, I’m always looking for ways to transform classic dishes into healthier yet equally delicious versions. One of the recipes I get asked about the most? A good coleslaw that doesn’t use mayo! So today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite no-mayo coleslaw recipe—it’s crunchy, tangy, and works beautifully as a side dish or topping for your favorite meals.

Coleslaw, traditionally drenched in mayonnaise, often raises eyebrows among health enthusiasts. But what if I told you you can enjoy a vibrant, flavorful coleslaw without a drop of mayo? Let’s dive into the world of mayo-free coleslaw—a crunchy, tangy delight that’s as nourishing as it is tasty.

I love making coleslaw not only for its health benefits but also for its freshness and crunchiness. Every time I go to Mexico, I learn a new version of it and bring it home. Mexicans make many different versions of coleslaw, and they are always paired very well with the dish they serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No mayo! If you’re looking for a lighter, dairy-free, and egg-free coleslaw, this one’s for you.

Crispy and crunchy. Thanks to fresh vegetables like green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots, this coleslaw has the perfect texture.

Easy to make. Just chop, mix, and dress—it couldn’t be simpler.

Great for meal prep. This coleslaw tastes even better the next day!

Versatile. Serve it with tacos, grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a healthy side dish.

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Ingredients for Mexican No Mayo Coleslaw

• Green Cabbage
• Red Cabbage
• Green Onions
• Cilantro
• Salt
• Jalapeno: Optional

How to Make It

Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the green and red cabbage using a sharp chef’s knife or a food processor with a slicing attachment. Chop cilantro and slice green onion. Transfer it to a bowl.

Make the Acovado Dressing.

Combine: Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Mix it well to ensure an even coating.

Chill: Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Cabbage: If you prefer a milder flavor, Napa cabbage is an excellent option.
• Sweeteners: You can add some maple syrup or honey to balance the flavors. 
• Vinegar: White vinegar, red wine vinegar, or rice vinegar can be used instead of lime juice for a different tang in the dressing.
• Add-ins: For extra crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients for Women’s Health

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports digestion, boosts immunity, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cilatro and lime help detoxify, which is great for liver and hormone balance. 

Chef Tips

• Uniform Slicing: Ensure all vegetables are sliced uniformly to promote even flavor distribution and texture.
• Resting Time: Allowing the coleslaw to rest enhances the melding of flavors, resulting in a more cohesive taste.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the coleslaw before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness according to your preference.

Ways to Serve

At Cookouts and Potlucks: A perfect side for your next cookout, complementing a variety of dishes.

As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially pork sandwiches or fish tacos.

In Sandwiches: Adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor to deli-style coleslaws or pulled pork sandwiches.

On Tacos: Provides a refreshing contrast to spicy fillings in tacos.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes best when consumed within 3 days.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it compromises the crunchy texture of the fresh vegetables.

Equipment

• Chef’s Knife
• Food Processor
• Large Bowl
• Blender Spatula

FAQ

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix

A: Yes! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a great time-saving option. Just be sure to check for freshness and avoid any mixes with preservatives or additives that might alter the flavor.

Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Just give it a good toss before serving.

How can I make this coleslaw spicier?

A: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some finely chopped jalapeños.

Is this coleslaw vegan?

A: Yes! Since there’s no mayo or dairy, this recipe is completely plant-based

Mexican Mayo Free Coleslaw is the fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, packing it for lunch, or using it to brighten up a dinner plate, this coleslaw is a winning recipe. It’s simple, nutritious, and full of zest—no heavy dressing required.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media with your beautiful coleslaw creations. Happy crunching!

More Mexican Recipes

Authentic Mexican Tomatillo Salsa Verde Recipe
Spicy Mexican Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Authentic Mexican Black Beans Recipe (Frijoles Negros)
Squash Blossom Soup
Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing Recipe With Cilantro
Pumpkin Salsa Recipe With Apple

Mexican Jicama Mango Salad

Yum

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