Healthy No-Mayo Coleslaw with Cilantro, Jalapeño, and Toasted Nuts Recipe
A vibrant, healthy coleslaw recipe that is mayo-free and packed with fresh vegetables, nuts, and a zesty, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or salad, this coleslaw combines purple and green cabbage, shredded carrots, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño with a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing sweetened with pure maple syrup. Toasted almonds and pepitas add a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Slaw Ingredients
- ½ medium head of purple cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- ½ medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 3 cups shredded cabbage)
- 2 heaping cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- ½ cup green onion (green part only)
- ½ cup pepitas
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, depending on desired sweetness
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Slaw Base: Add all the ingredients for the slaw except for the almonds and pepitas into a large mixing bowl. This includes shredded purple and green cabbage, shredded carrots, finely chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and green onion greens. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the vegetables.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, minced garlic, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss Slaw with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the prepared slaw mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly. Taste the slaw and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or salt to enhance flavor.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the slaw chill and marinate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop a delicious tang.
- Add Nuts and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds and pepitas over the coleslaw. Toss gently to distribute the nuts evenly and serve immediately for best texture and freshness.
Notes
- For more heat, keep some jalapeño seeds or add an extra jalapeño.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your preference for sweetness.
- Use freshly toasted almonds and pepitas for maximum crunch and flavor.
- This coleslaw can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated; just add nuts before serving.
- For a nut-free version, omit almonds and pepitas, or substitute with toasted seeds like sunflower seeds.
