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Fresh Honey Mustard Cole Slaw No Mayo Recipe Easy Zesty Crisp Salad

fresh honey mustard cole slaw - featured image

A fresh and zesty cole slaw recipe that skips mayonnaise, using a honey mustard dressing for a crisp, tangy, and sweet salad perfect for BBQs and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned or grated
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry all produce. Finely shred the green and red cabbage using a mandoline or knife. Julienne or grate the carrots. Slice the red bell pepper thinly. Chop the fresh parsley and place all in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard until smooth. Slowly drizzle in apple cider vinegar while whisking. Gradually add olive oil in a steady stream, whisking continuously to emulsify. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
  3. Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Gently toss with salad tongs or a spatula until evenly coated, being careful not to bruise the cabbage.
  4. Optionally, let the slaw rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to meld flavors and soften slightly, or serve immediately for maximum crispness.

Notes

For best texture, shred cabbage uniformly and emulsify dressing well. Avoid overdressing to prevent sogginess. Fresh cabbage is key for crispness. Resting the slaw briefly in the fridge enhances flavor but serving immediately keeps maximum crunch. Vinegar is essential for flavor balance. Variations include swapping honey for maple syrup or agave for vegan diets, adding herbs or nuts for texture, and lightly steaming cabbage for a softer slaw.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, honey mustard, no mayo, salad, BBQ side, fresh, crisp, easy recipe, healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free