This is the type of coleslaw I grew up eating, as my mom can’t stand the mayonnaise versions. German coleslaw (krautsalat or cabbage salad) doesn’t typically include carrots, but it can, and is made with an oil and vinegar dressing rather than mayonnaise, which is more Dutch American.
As with standard slaw, the cabbage and everything else is sliced very thinly. After resting for a little while, the vegetables soften and turn into an all around excellent salad. I’m a big proponent of eating some raw vegetables in the colder months and this is a good way to do that.
Oil and vinegar coleslaw lasts several days in the refrigerator so it’s a good thing to add to your meal prep rotation if you’re into that. Store in a sealed container and take what you need each day.
Ingredients
- Red Cabbage: this adds colour, but red cabbage also has a slightly stronger flavour than white.
- White Cabbage: provides a neutral base and some added bulk.
- Carrots: a bit of carrot adds some sweetness and more colour.
- Apple: fairly traditional, apples add sweetness and make a more complex coleslaw.
- Onion: red if possible, but white onion can be substituted.
- Vinegar: apple cider vinegar, preferably, but white wine or plain white vinegar can be used.
- Olive Oil: for the vinaigrette, extra virgin if you have it.
- Mustard: Dijon or German, but not yellow mustard.
- Salt and Pepper
Step by Step
Notes and Substitutions
Use all red or all white cabbage if preferred. You can leave the carrot out or replace it with more cabbage, but don’t omit the apple or onion.
Lemon juice can be substituted for vinegar. Use about 3 tablespoons, or the juice of an average lemon.
Use a food processor fitted with the thinnest blade attachment to quickly slice the cabbage. I use my food processor for both the cabbage as well as grating the carrot, apple, and onion (it’s just so much faster). Alternatively, thinly slice by hand and use the large side of a box grater.
As mentioned above, this lasts for several days if refrigerated. It’s essentially pickled, so the vinegar and salt preserve the vegetables. Wilting isn’t an issue here and the salad tastes even better after a day or two, though it’s best served at room temperature.
Other vegetables, like kohlrabi, can be added to the coleslaw if you’d like. Grate alongside the carrots.
If you want to make enough coleslaw for a large group, simply increase the recipe to make as much as you need. Keep in mind the amounts of red and white cabbage and carrots should be approximately equal.
More Cold Weather Salads
Red Cabbage Orange Salad
Crispy Lentil, Orange, and Pomegranate Salad
Ten Minute Peanut Butter Noodle Salad
Moroccan Inspired Quinoa Carrot Salad
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Vegan Coleslaw
Ingredients
Salad
- ¼ red cabbage about 200g (7 oz)
- ¼ white cabbage about 200g (7 oz)
- 2 medium carrots about 200g (7 oz)
- 1 large apple, cored
- 1 small red onion about 60g (2 oz)
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2-3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar to taste
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon sea salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Salad
- Core the cabbages and slice very finely. This can be done by hand or using a mandolin or a food processor attachment.
- Grate the carrots, apple, and onion. Use the large side of a box grater or the grating attachment in a food processor.
- Place the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and use your hands to mix until well combined. Serve immediately or, if you have the time, allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes first.
- Vegan coleslaw will keep for several days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It can be eaten cold but is best served at room temperature.
Dressing
- Add the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper to a small jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until well mixed and the vinaigrette is fully emulsified.
Nutrition
Newsletter
This post was first published in November 2016. It has been updated with improvements to the recipe as of March 2022.
janet @ the taste space says
oh yum. It has been too long since I have eaten kohlrabi. I love it in salads. 🙂
Markus Mueller says
I love a good slaw recipe. I like the addition of apples but what really caught my eye was the red cabbage. Definitely the underdog when it comes to slaws! That red color is so vibrant, it adds the perfect color to salads and other meals where a lot of the time browns and greens dominate!
Justine Celina says
Mmm, I've been craving a fresh winter salad lately and this fits the bill perfectly! Just pinned and look forward to trying it this season. Thanks so much for the gorgeous inspiration, Alexandra! I hope you're doing well.
Annika says
This looks gorgeous! I love using red cabbage in salads as well and will surely give this one a try. Your photography is impeccable and so spot on!
Alexandra Daum says
I love kohlrabi too – much more raw than cooked!
Alexandra Daum says
Me too! The red cabbage looks beautiful until it sits for a few hours, and then everything turns bright pink, ha.
Alexandra Daum says
Thank you so much, Justine! You too, sweet lady 🙂
Alexandra Daum says
Thanks, Annika!