Aromatic No-Mayo Coleslaw (A Long-time Favourite in My Kitchen)

If you're looking for a fresh, crunchy, and flavour-packed salad without a trace of mayonnaise or salad cream, you're going to love this recipe. This aromatic coleslaw has been a staple in my house for years, especially when I want something light, vibrant, and satisfying on the side of just about anything.

Think of it as a fusion between a classic slaw and a zingy Asian salad. It's sweet, savoury, tangy, and gently warming thanks to fresh ginger and garlic. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable depending on what’s in your fridge.

Build Your Perfect Coleslaw Bowl

Choose a combination of the following to create a colourful, crunchy base:

• Thinly sliced white cabbage

• Thinly sliced red cabbage

• Carrots, julienned or grated

• Radishes, julienned

• Grated apple or pear (adds a lovely sweetness)

• Thinly sliced red onion

• Spring onions, finely sliced

  
  

Mix and match based on what you have to hand—no rules here, just a beautiful medley of textures and flavours.

The Aromatic Dressing

This dressing is the heart of the dish—umami-rich, slightly sweet, with just the right kick. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 tbsp tamari sauce (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp runny honey

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar or rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  
  

Method

1. Prepare your base: Place your chosen sliced, grated, or julienned vegetables and fruit into a large mixing bowl. Give them a good toss to combine.

   
   

2. Make the dressing: In a small jug or bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients together until the honey dissolves and everything is well mixed. The smell alone will start to make your mouth water!

   
   

3. Bring it together: Pour the dressing over your veg and toss until everything is coated in the aromatic mix. If you have time, let it sit for about 10 minutes—this helps soften the veggies slightly and lets the flavours mingle beautifully.

   
   

A Note on Leftovers

This slaw is best enjoyed fresh. The vinegar in the dressing continues to soften the veg, so it loses some of that lovely crunch if left too long. If you're prepping ahead or have extra veg, simply store the undressed mix in the fridge and add a fresh batch of dressing 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with grilled fish, tofu, or tempeh

• Add to wraps or nourish bowls

• Serve alongside BBQs or light summer lunches

• Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts for extra crunch

  
  

This coleslaw brings brightness to any plate—a mix of bold flavour, simple ingredients, and feel-good nourishment. Try it once and it just might become a regular in your house too.