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16 Crowd-Pleasing Vegan Coleslaw Recipes

By Megan Edwards,

Last Updated:

No plant-based barbecue is complete without a crunchy coleslaw! While traditional slaws are often packed full of mayonnaise, our vegan coleslaw recipes swap the unhealthy additives for wholesome ingredients that leave you licking your fingers. Plus, these recipes level up your slaw game by pulling inspiration from global cuisines to transform a standard side dish into a memorable supporting act. Whether you like your coleslaw spicy, savory, or sweet, we have a recipe that’s right for you.

Napa Cabbage Salad in a bowl on a black counter, with a person pouring dressing over the top

Napa Cabbage Salad

Green beans, carrots, and shredded Napa cabbage form the base of this crowd-pleasing coleslaw, but it’s the dressing that makes it a standout. Made with brown rice vinegar, maple syrup, and a blend of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, it delivers Thai-style flavor. Dry-roasted peanuts and scallions round everything out, adding nutty richness and a hint of sharpness.

“Perfect, simple, delicious recipe for this lazy vegan. Super easy to put a bucket of this together as meal prep for the week!” —Amanda
15-Minute Quinoa Slaw Bowl in a white dish with a metal spoon

15-Minute Quinoa Slaw Bowl

Short on time? This yummy vegan coleslaw bowl comes together after a few short minutes in the microwave. Chickpeas do double duty in this recipe: Half are blended to form the base of the creamy, lemony dressing; the other half are left whole to add extra substance to the veggie medley. Sweet green peas and juicy cherry tomatoes create tasty textural contrast while the quinoa elevates this dish to a main course-worthy meal.
Tempeh BBQ Sandwiches with Pineapple Slaw on a white plate

Tempeh BBQ Sandwiches with Pineapple Slaw

These sloppy Joe-style sandwiches feature a cabbage and pineapple slaw that could easily be a side dish on its own. A hearty combination of mushroom, tempeh, and wheat berries are simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce before being piled onto whole wheat buns and topped with the crunchy vegan coleslaw. One happy reader says, “My husband and I had a hard time not eating two servings!”
Szechwan Coleslaw recipe

Hearty Szechwan Coleslaw with White Beans

Add some spice to your life with this undeniably delicious Asian-inspired coleslaw. Brown rice and millet add heft to the shredded veggies while a satay-style dressing slathers everything in peanut-y goodness. Sliced red chiles take this slaw over the top by adding pockets of fiery heat, and a squeeze of fresh lime helps balance out all the powerful flavors. This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, so grab a fork and dig in!
vegan slaw

Veggie and Apple Slaw

This eye-catching slaw is a great addition to any banquet table and comes together in just 25 minutes. The classic cabbage base is enhanced with spiralized carrots and apples to create a festive confetti look that ensures each forkful is packed with earthy-sweetness. A light maple-Dijon dressing enhances the produce without masking their natural flavors and makes it easy to pair with your main dish.
Rainbow Veggie Slaw Wrap for Wordpress

Rainbow Veggie Slaw Wrap

Get creative with how you eat coleslaw! These grab-and-go wraps are the perfect quick lunch for days when you don’t have time to prepare a hot meal. Mashed chickpeas are mixed with shredded veggies and aromatic dill to create a creamy, crunchy slaw that satisfies your rumbling tummy. An umami-rich mixture of white miso and mustard adds savory complexity, which has one reader raving, “These are so good I could eat them for every meal.”
Sushi Coleslaw in a white serving dish next to two glasses of water

Sushi Coleslaw

While it might sound strange at first, this fan-favorite recipe infuses a classic coleslaw with the lip-smacking flavors of sushi. Napa cabbage is tossed with strips of salty nori, tangy scallions, and crunchy sesame seeds before being drizzled in a pear-infused ginger soy dressing. You’ll love how this light and flavorful vegan coleslaw provides palate-cleansing contrast next to the heavy flavors of your BBQ favorites.
Summertime Kale Slaw with Wheat Berries, Oranges, and Corn

Summer Corn and Wheat Berry Slaw

Sweet kernels of juicy corn are the star ingredient in this hunger-busting vegan coleslaw. The kale and cabbage base receives a boost of extra substance from chewy whole grains while toasted pecans create a satisfying crunch. Be sure you don’t skimp on adding the orange segments: The burst of refreshing citrus combined with all the earthy veggies is a match made in heaven. A simple herb-infused vinaigrette ties the refreshing flavors together for a memorable meal.
Spicy Collard Slaw in a ceramic bowl on a gray countertop

Spicy Collard Slaw

If you aren’t a fan of cabbage, this scrumptious slaw uses tender collard greens instead. The leafy veggies are a staple in the South, and adding hot sauce to the dressing further highlights the punchy flavors of Southern cuisine. Bell pepper, onion, and orange segments are tossed into the mix as well to deliver the perfect balance between crunchy, sweet, and savory. Sprinkling red pepper flakes on each serving adds extra heat, but feel free to omit if you aren’t big on spice.
A bowl of Thai-Style Slaw with Peanuts and Ramen Noodles with chopsticks on the side

Thai-Style Slaw with Peanuts and Ramen Noodles

Ideal for a light meal on a warm day, this refreshing Thai-inspired slaw brings together tender whole grain ramen with a colorful medley of Napa cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and edamame. Lime juice gives the soy dressing a tangy kick, while roasted peanuts add a pleasing richness, and fresh cilantro lends brightness to every bite. No need to turn on the stove with this one, just pour boiling water over the noodles and let stand until they soften.

“Great combination and so easy” —Janet
Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw on two ceramic plates with whole grain crackers

Vegan Pineapple Coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe has it all: crunchy shredded veggies, a creamy dressing, and chunks of sweet tropical fruit to cool you down at a hot summer cookout. The pineapple pairs perfectly with red cabbage and carrots, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds refreshing herbal notes to each bite. Serve this tasty slaw alongside a Pineapple Teriyaki Burger for a double dose of fruity fun.
The Best Broccoli Slaw in a black bowl with metal serving spoons

The Best Broccoli Slaw

Reduce your food waste with this simple and delicious broccoli slaw that uses both the florets and the stem. Once the stalks are shredded, carrots and scallions join the broccoli to create a classic slaw combo that’s enhanced with the peppery notes of fresh parsley. A tangy Dijon mustard vinaigrette ties it all together so you have the perfect crowd-pleasing coleslaw to accompany carrot dogs or veggie burgers.
jackfruit barbecue sandwiches

Jackfruit Barbecue Sandwiches with Broccoli Slaw

Sink your teeth into these juicy jackfruit burgers when you’re craving a hearty meal. The crunchy broccoli slaw is mixed with creamy avocado and a splash of lime juice to balance out the meaty barbecue filling. While this recipe calls for a premade slaw mix, you’re welcome to shred broccoli stems, carrots, and cabbage yourself to create a homemade version. Serve this at your next big gathering and watch the rave reviews roll in!
Crunchy Brussels Sprout Slaw with Figs, Pomegranate and Quinoa in a large pale green ceramic platter

Crunchy Brussels Sprout Slaw with Figs, Pomegranate, and Quinoa

Shaved Brussels sprouts take center stage in this crisp, colorful slaw, paired with carrots, red onion, and a hint of sweetness from dried figs or raisins. Tossed with quinoa and a zesty pomegranate-balsamic dressing, this nourishing slaw is an excellent addition to any fall gathering. Note: Tricolor or red quinoa is a great option for this salad..

“I had never used pomegranates before, and I fell in love with them thanks to this recipe—the slowness of releasing the arils and the sweet, juicy, crunchy reward.” —Steph
Hearty Winter Slaw with Quinoa and Cranberries in brown and blue bowls against a wood tabletop

Hearty Winter Slaw with Quinoa and Cranberries

If you thought coleslaw was a dish reserved exclusively for summer, think again: This nourishing recipe is packed full of your favorite winter produce. Your standard mix of cabbage and carrots gets an upgrade from tart dried cranberries, sweet dates, and crunchy pumpkin seeds. Quinoa adds satisfying substance while a creamy homemade vegan mayo binds the jumble together, ensuring that this dish will become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Spicy Citrus Slaw with Pearl Couscous on a large platter with a small bowl of creamy dressing

Spicy Citrus Slaw with Pearl Couscous

Layered over fluffy pearl couscous, this citrus-spiked slaw brings a burst of flavor and color to any table. Sweet orange slices and tart kumquats mingle with crisp carrot and earthy celeriac for a refreshing crunch, while frisée adds a touch of elegance. A creamy tofu-based dressing, infused with zesty horseradish, ties everything together.

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About the Author

Headshot of Megan Edwards

About the Author

Megan Edwards

Megan Edwards is a staff writer and content producer for Forks Over Knives. She is also a certified RYT-500 yoga teacher who is passionate about cultivating holistic wellness through plant-based eating, mindful movement, and meditation. With a background in journalism and marketing, she supports both the online presence and quarterly print magazine for Forks Over Knives.
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