Even if you don't think you like coleslaw, this sugar-free low-carb coleslaw recipe might just change your mind! It's slightly sweet with a crunchy slaw that's full of flavor!!! It's an easy side dish that goes great with BBQ and is perfect for a covered dish or pot luck!
At first glance, you might think that coleslaw is naturally keto because it uses low-carb veggies and is typically made with mayo (which is low-carb).
However, you might be surprised to learn that coleslaw is usually packed with added sugar, making it unsuitable for keto diets.
Plus, the mayo typically used is full of inflammatory fats making it not Paleo-compliant either.
Because of this, I'm so excited to share this low-carb sugar-free coleslaw recipe with you today that only has 3 net carbs per serving!
It has a slightly sweet creamy dressing with a crunchy keto slaw that's full of flavor and just as good (I would argue better!) than the traditional variety 😀
It's a perfect side for a summertime BBQ or covered dish. I especially like to serve it with these Keto Baby Back Ribs, Country-Style Ribs, and BBQ Pulled Pork!
Ingredients
The easy low-carb coleslaw only has 6 simple ingredients with 3 optional ingredients. You probably have all of the ingredients at home already, you'll just need to pick up a bag of coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage.
You'll need:
- Coleslaw Mix - You'll need about 16-ounces of coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage.
- Sunflower Seeds - Optional, adds a nice crunch.
- Green Onions - Optional, for garnish.
- Keto Sweetener - Add mild sweetness.
- Garlic & Onion Powder - Flavor and seasoning.
- Sea Salt - Balances out the sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Adds tang and brightens up the flavor!
- Poppyseeds - Optional, adds a mild crunch.
The sweetener
For the sugar-free sweetener, I prefer to use Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend, Allulose, or Xylitol. They dissolve well, leave no aftertaste, and taste just like sugar!
If using pure allulose, keep in mind that it's only 70% as sweet as other sweeteners. So for every 1 cup of sweetener, you'll need an additional ⅓ cup.
While an erythritol-based sweetener can be used, it can leave a slight aftertaste. Also, erythritol doesn't dissolve as well as other sweeteners.
If using erythritol, be sure to use the powdered variety, otherwise, the coleslaw will be grainy.
The mayo
When choosing a mayo, be sure to choose a mild-tasting mayo that you like! The taste of the low-carb coleslaw dressing largely depends on the taste of the mayo.
I recommend my No-Fail 5 Minute Mayo, Soy-Free Veganaise for vegan, or Sir Kensington. All of these have a mild taste and do not contain soybean oil.
🔪 How to make sugar-free coleslaw
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, toss together some coleslaw mix, sunflower seeds, and green onions.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, sweetener, apple cider vinegar, salt, poppyseeds (they add a nice crunch!), garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry.
Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Step 4: Chill and serve.
You can serve it immediately, but it's best after being refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
This gives all the flavors time to combine.
How to store
- Storage: This sugar-free coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to days and should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep in mind that the longer it sits in the fridge, the soggier the cabbage will get. Because of this, it's best served the same day when it's fresh and crunchy!
- Meal-Prep: The dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for several days.
- Freezing: Due to the mayonnaise, I don't recommend freezing.
Frequently asked questions
Because of the added sugar, store-bought coleslaw usually has between 15 to 20 carbs per serving, making it not suitable for a keto diet. While it might not seem like a lot, this is only a side dish - not a meal!
You can easily make coleslaw keto-friendly by replacing the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener.
Storebought coleslaw usually contains soybean oil and added sugar - 2 things not allowed on paleo. To make paleo coleslaw, simply use a mayo that uses healthy fats and a natural sweetener.
Coleslaw can stay out at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. After that, it should be thrown out.
For paleo and whole30
To make paleo coleslaw:
- Replace the sweetener with honey
- Use a mild-tasting paleo-compliant mayo.
To make whole30 coleslaw:
- Omit the sweetener or softened Medjool date into the dressing.
- Use a mild-tasting whole30 mayo.
Looking for more recipes?
I think you'll love these...
Or if you're looking for more side dishes, I think you'll love this Blanched Broccoli and this roasted red potato salad (if you're not low-carb)
If you’ve tried this Sugar-Free Low-Carb Coleslaw Recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!
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📖 Recipe
Sugar-Free Low-Carb Coleslaw
Ingredients
Slaw:
- 14 oz Coleslaw Mix - a 16-oz bag will work also
- ¼ Cup Sunflower Seeds
- 2-3 Green Onions - chopped
Dressing:
- ½ Cup Homemade Mayo - or mayo of choice, use veganaise for vegan (see notes below)
- 2 -4 tablespoon Keto Sweetener - to taste, we prefer 4 tablespoon (see notes below)
- ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp. Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
- 3 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Poppyseeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the slaw ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine dressing ingredients.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and toss to combine.
- This can be served immediately, but it's best after refrigerated for at least 2 hours.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for 3 to 5 days and should not be stored at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Add Your Own Notes
Video
Notes
- For the sweetener, I prefer to use Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend, Allulose, or Xylitol. They dissolve well, leave no aftertaste, and taste just like sugar! While an erythritol-based sweetener can be used, it can leave a slight aftertaste. Also, erythritol doesn't dissolve as well as other sweeteners. If using erythritol, be sure to use the powdered variety, otherwise, the coleslaw will be grainy.
- If using pure allulose, it's only 70% as sweet as other sweeteners. So you may need to add a little extra if you choose this sweetener.
- For paleo: Replace the sweetener with honey and use paleo-compliant mayo.
- For whole30: Omit the sweetener or blend a softened Medjool date into the dressing and use a mild-tasting whole30 mayo.
- For the mayo, I recommend my No-Fail 5 Minute Mayo, Soy-Free Veganaise, or Sir Kensington. All of these have a mild taste and do not contain soybean oil.
- When choosing a mayo, be sure to choose a mild-tasting mayo that you like! The taste of the coleslaw largely depends on the taste of the mayo.
- As a special gift to my readers, I've teamed up with BESTI to give you guys 10% off! Simply use the code "CRAVEABLE" at checkout.
Nutrition
NET CARBS = Total Carbs - Fiber
Nutritional information is approximate and may vary. Sugar alcohols are included in the total carbs and fiber.
Looking for more information on the keto diet? Check out my
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!