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My easy keto coleslaw recipe is lightly sweetened and addictively crunchy. It’s easy to make ahead of time and has only 2 grams of net carbs!
Need more foolproof keto side dish recipes? Try my cauliflower potato salad, keto pasta salad, and keto green bean casserole next.
![keto coleslaw.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/keto-coleslaw-5.jpg)
I hate to say it, but you’ll rarely see me dying to eat salad. They just aren’t satisfying unless, of course, they’re tossed in the perfect dressing.
Que, my low-carb coleslaw recipe. Made with a handful of simple ingredients, it’s a crunchy, fresh-tasting slaw that’s just sweet enough to complement your keto BBQ (hello, keto pork chops!).
Can I eat coleslaw on a keto diet?
Unfortunately, restaurant-style and store-bought coleslaw contain a considerable amount of sugar, making them not keto-friendly. Most slaws also contain a lot of carrots, which are higher in carbohydrates.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- The perfect texture. It’s crispy, crunchy, and creamy, like all good coleslaw should be.
- It tastes even better the next day. If you’ve ever made slaw, you know it’s even better if it has time to soak in the flavor overnight. I’ve made this up to three days in advance, and it just gets better and better.
- It doesn’t taste keto. You’d never guess anything was missing–because nothing is.
- Versatile. It pairs well with just about anything, and you can customize it with different low-carb veggies or level up the sweetness.
Ingredients needed
For the salad:
- Green cabbage and purple cabbage. I used a mixture of green and purple shredded cabbage for extra color. Purple cabbage also tends to be a bit sweeter.
- Carrot. Just a tiny amount of carrots keeps the carbs and sugar down.
- Green onions. Adds a subtle peppery kick.
For the keto coleslaw dressing:
- Mayonnaise. Skip the expensive store-bought kind and make your own keto mayo. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or a combination of both.
- Lemon juice. For essential acidity.
- Keto maple syrup. I like my slaw a little sweet but not overly so. Alternatively, you can use any sugar-free sweetener.
- Dijon mustard. Gives a lovely subtle spice and tang.
- Horseradish. Optional, but recommended if you can handle the heat.
How to make keto coleslaw
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Mix the veggies. In a large bowl, combine the slaw veggies.
Step 2- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
Step 3- Toss and serve. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
![how to make keto coleslaw.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/how-to-make-keto-coleslaw.jpg)
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a food processor. Slicing cabbage by hand can be time-consuming, so I like to use the food processor.
- Or buy coleslaw mix. Rather than buy everything separately, I often buy a pre-mixed bag of cole slaw veggies.
- Swap the lemon juice. Use dill pickle juice or apple cider vinegar instead.
- Add salt before serving. When I added salt along with the dressing, it drew out too much moisture and made for overly watery slaw. If you’re going to add salt and black pepper, wait until right before you’re ready to serve.
- Use different veggies. Try red cabbage, thinly sliced onion, dill pickles, or bell peppers.
Storage instructions
To store: Store leftover slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
To make ahead: Prepare the salad and dressing separately. Cover, then refrigerate both for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, pour the dressing on top.
![sugar free coleslaw.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/keto-coleslaw-4.jpg)
Frequently asked questions
There are just 2 grams of carbs in my sugar-free coleslaw.
What to serve with this recipe
- Keto chicken tenders
- Zucchini boats
- Bacon wrapped chicken
- Keto salmon
- Or any of my keto dinner ideas
![keto coleslaw recipe.](https://thebigmansworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/keto-coleslaw-recipe-378x378.jpeg)
Keto Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 small Green cabbage chopped finely
- 1/2 small red cabbage chopped finely
- 1 small carrot shredded
- 2 green onions trimmed and chopped
For the keto coleslaw dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon keto maple syrup optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon horseradish cream optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add your shredded and chopped green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and green onions, and mix well. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, keto maple syrup, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and horseradish cream and whisk until combined. Pour over the salad and mix well.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 2 hours, to chill before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published May 2022, updated and republished August 2024
Absolutely the best coleslaw dressing that I have ever tasted. I am so addicted. I used broccoli slaw mix because I prefer it to a cabbage coleslaw.
Thanks, Juliet!!
The dressing for this slaw is amazingly good! The flavors are spot on and meld together beautifully. I would not leave out the cream horseradish – it gives the dressing a little kick and makes it so good! Thanks for making boring ol’ coleslaw not boring at all!
The dressing for this slaw is amazingly good! The flavors are spot on and meld together beautifully. I would not leave out the cream horseradish – it gives the dressing a little kick and makes it so good! Thanks for making boring ol’ coleslaw not boring at all!
I make this for my family and they don’t even know it’s keto. Love it!!
Although it’s already been said…this IS the best coleslaw recipe I’ve ever had and will be my go to from now on!! Simply great!!
Love your recipes! I know they will be good and the recipes are easy with your explanations!
love this variety, it is my alltime fave.
Forgot the 5 star rating!
This was a hit tonight! I added minced jalapeño for a little kick and had some Choc Zero maple syrup (keto) on hand. Very good!
Delish
Being from the South, I consider myself a coleslaw connoisseur. And this is truly the best coleslaw I’ve ever eaten. I will never use any other recipe.