This recipe for Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw is the perfect summer recipe. Serve this side dish with all your cookout favorites and fall in love with the classic, creamy texture!
Today we're talking about coleslaw with no mayo that is still creamy, dreamy, and ready for your picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Some coleslaw has a vinegar base, which makes it easy to leave out the mayonnaise. But what if you still want it to have that classic, creamy texture?
This no mayo coleslaw gets its tang from real cultured sour cream and apple cider vinegar in the dressing. This is so easy to put together, requiring just eight ingredients and ten minutes!
What makes this the best no mayo coleslaw
Y'all know I'm a real mayo hater, so swapping it out for sour cream was a no brainer! The consistency is spot on with ordinary coleslaw. Plus I love the fresh taste!
We're keeping this recipe super easy by using packaged coleslaw mix. It's just cabbage and carrots that you don't have to shred yourself. That means you'll have more time to spend at the pool, hanging out with your favorites, or cooking up an elaborate main dish to go with it.
Coleslaw is a real summer staple for serving alongside grilled foods or on top of BBQ jackfruit sandwiches. Please tell me you're putting coleslaw in your sandwiches, because if not you're really missing out!
Creamy no mayo coleslaw ingredients
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper
- Coleslaw mix
How to make coleslaw without mayo
- Make the coleslaw dressing by whisking together sour cream, milk, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the coleslaw mix and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
Top tips
What kind of sour cream to use for coleslaw
I like to use full fat sour cream for the best taste and texture, but light sour cream would be just fine. Kemps is my favorite brand, but Westby Creamery is also great if you can find it.
Use packaged coleslaw veggies
You won't gain much from cutting your own veggies here. Most store sell fresh veggies pre-chopped for coleslaw that will make this recipe fast, convenient, and nutritious.
Make it dairy free
Use your favorite dairy free swaps to make this recipe dairy free, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
How to store no mayo coleslaw
You can keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing coleslaw because the texture will change with thawing.
Tips for customizing coleslaw without mayonnaise
- Use 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in place of the honey
- Skip the prepackaged slaw mix and instead shred 6 cups green cabbage and 1 cup carrots
- Swap the classic slaw mix for the same amount of broccoli slaw
- Use 1 teaspoon dried mustard or 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard in place of the dijon
- Use light sour cream for a lighter version
- Halve the recipe if you're not cooking for a crowd
What to serve with my creamy no mayo coleslaw
- Walnut Burgers
- Vegetarian Lentil Meatloaf Muffins
- BBQ Tempeh Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Cajun Tofu Wraps
- Lentil Veggie Burgers
- Black Bean Burgers
- BBQ Tofu
More side dish recipes
- Vegetarian Cornbread Stuffing
- Vegetarian Stuffing
- Potato Wedges
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Vegan Orzo Pasta Salad
- Vegan Potluck Barley Salad
If you make this recipe, be sure to rate it, leave a comment, or tag #theliveinkitchen on Instagram!
Recipe
Creamy No Mayo Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 28 ounces coleslaw mix
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, apple cider vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the coleslaw mix to a large bowl and pour the sour cream mixture over the top. Stir to combine completely.
- Chill the coleslaw at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Richa Gupta says
Coleslaw in my favorites anytime, this looks yum!
Mark says
For the amount of coleslaw mix this calls for, the dressing was hardly enough. I made a double batch for 28 oz of slaw mix and it gave it a better coating without swimming in it. That being said, I like the simple flavor with a slight tang that hits at the end of the chew. Will definitely make again.
Lindsay Moe says
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I do like my slaw a little less wet, but I appreciate you sharing your adaptation for those who prefer it like you do!
Amy says
This was simple and good. Needed a coleslaw with no mayo and this fit the bill but was still a bit creamy.
Lindsay Moe says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Tracie Hunsaker says
I made this for my son who also hates mayo, I love it! I may turn over a new leaf!
Racheal says
I was looking for a "mayo-less" coleslaw recipe and came across this one. I am glad that I tried this recipe because I really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for giving this option. I will definitely be looking at your website in a whole 😊.
Mimi says
It kind of just tasted like cabbage with sour cream to me. Maybe I need to play with the ratios a bit.
Ruth says
How long will it keep in fridge?
Lindsay Moe says
Up to 3 days
terry says
Excellent recipe, made it twice. I added fresh chives cut very small the second time. no more mayo for me.
Susan says
I really wanted to like this, but oh my gosh...all I could taste was the honey. I had to keep trying to offset the strong honey taste, but yet honey remained the primary flavor. I would strongly suggest using sugar instead of honey. And, I'd suggest that you put the ingredient of a "28-oz" bag of slaw first, so that if someone is making a smaller batch, they'll know to halve the other ingredients.
Lindsay Moe says
I'm sorry you found the honey overpowering. I have found that all honey tastes a little different depending on where it comes from and how processed it is or not. Its definitely ok to substitute sugar if you prefer, but adjust the quantity to taste.
John says
Used sugar, cut the sour cream by 1/3, added green onions and smoked Paprika. Was excellent!
Elizabeth says
Sounds like a great Cole Slaw recipe, thanks for sharing! Do you think subbing Greek Yogurt for the Sour Cream would work?
Lindsay Moe says
It would definitely change the flavor, and you may want to do a little more honey, but I think Greek yogurt would be just fine!