Southern Gluten-free Coleslaw

Name: Southern Gluten-free Coleslaw
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup Mayonnaise; 3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 1/2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard; 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 Teaspoon Dill; 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper; 1 Teaspoon Salt; 6 Cups Shredded Cabbage; 2 Cups Shredded Carrots

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This gluten-free coleslaw recipe brings crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy all together into one classic side dish!

It's almost summer, and that means we will be outside enjoying the weather with friends and family. I love summer, and I sometimes wait for it to come very impatiently because I am ready after the cold weather over the last few months. We live in the mid-west, where spring pretends to come for a few weeks, and then we get hit with the second winter.

I love all things barbecue, and this gluten-free coleslaw goes with all of it! Its crunchy meets creamy with the gluten-free coleslaw dressing made with super simple ingredients.

Overhead view of gluten-free coleslaw being served.

Jump to:

Is coleslaw gluten-free?
Ingredients.
Dietary notes.
Coleslaw FAQ.
How to shred cabbage.
How to make gluten-free coleslaw.
Storing and make ahead.
Coleslaw for a crowd.
More gluten-free side dishes.
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Is coleslaw gluten-free?

The short answer is it depends. While coleslaw does contain simple ingredients, sometimes the dressing can contain malt vinegar which is not gluten-free. This gluten-free coleslaw recipe has all the flavor and no gluten. Just be sure to check your labels for any hidden gluten.

Ingredients.

Here is what you need to make this gluten-free coleslaw.

Green Cabbage
Red Cabbage
Carrots
Mayo - I tend to use primal kitchens mayo. You can also make your home homemade mayo if you want. You can make this vegan coleslaw by using vegan mayonnaise.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Dijon Mustard - I use the primal kitchen brand.
Garlic
Dill
Salt
Pepper

Ingredients for making gluten-free coleslaw.

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Dietary notes.

Dairy-free coleslaw. - This gluten-free coleslaw uses a homemade dairy-free coleslaw dressing making this a dairy-free coleslaw.

No sugar. - You will also notice I don't add any sugar, so this is a sugar-free coleslaw. Without the sugar, this is also a paleo coleslaw.

Coleslaw FAQ.

What kind of cabbage makes the best coleslaw?

There are a lot of coleslaw recipes out there. Everyone will say to use one kind of cabbage or another. Personally, I love the combination of both green and red cabbage. Not only do the variations between the two yield a nice contrast in flavor. Combining the two colors always makes the cabbage more fun to look at than a mostly boring bowl of pale green mush.

I also prefer fresh cabbage instead of already pre-shredded bags of cabbage. I find the flavors of those bland, and they tend to be more expensive for the amount that you get.

How to shred cabbage.

There is no wrong way to slice cabbage for coleslaw; it really does come down to personal preference. I like to cut the cabbage into quarters, trim the core and then thinly slice using a knife. You can also shred the cabbage on a box shredder or in a food processor if you prefer.

How to make gluten-free coleslaw.

Shred the cabbage and carrots.
Mix the gluten-free coleslaw dressing together.
Toss the coleslaw dressing with the shredded cabbage and carrots.
Chill the coleslaw until ready to serve.

Simple steps for making homemade coleslaw.

Storing and make ahead.

What is the best way to store coleslaw? - This gluten-free coleslaw needs about an hour in the fridge to let the flavors come together. Storing the coleslaw covered in the refrigerator will last for a few days, but it is best served the day you make it. Coleslaw is best eaten within 2-3 days when stored in the fridge.
Make it ahead of time. - Coleslaw can tend to get soggy after it's been sitting for a while. If you prefer your coleslaw to have a little more crunch as I do, just prepare your cabbage and carrots and the dressing and store them in the fridge separately. Then toss the two together wi a little while before you plan to serve it, and you will have fresh, crisp coleslaw to enjoy.
If you need to make it the day ahead, that should be okay. I just wouldn't make more than one day ahead of time.
Can you freeze coleslaw? This gluten-free coleslaw does contain a dressing that has mayonnaise. So I would not freeze this coleslaw put together. However, you can freeze the shredded cabbage and carrots and then defrost them before adding the dressing, making this coleslaw more freezer friendly.

Coleslaw for a crowd.

Have a small family you want to make it for? How about a more of a bigger crowd coming over for a party? This recipe can easily be cut in half or doubled.

You can even keep the veggies separated from the dressing and make it up as you need it.

More gluten-free side dishes.

This coleslaw is one of my favorites to pair with my gluten-free pulled pork!

Gluten-free coleslaw being served from a white bowl.

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