When you’re trying to cut carbs, its useful to know whether you can modify some of your standby recipes to make them sugar free. Sometimes, it’s just not going to work. But when you find one that does work, you feel like you’ve struck gold! That’s how I feel about this keto coleslaw.
Is coleslaw keto friendly?
Regular coleslaw is not keto friendly, because the dressing contains sugar, the ultimate simple carb. However, what I discovered is that my simple creamy coleslaw dressing translates very easily to keto with one simple change: replace the sugar with erythritol. The first time I tried this I figured it would just be the first step, and I’d end up making other adjustments to the recipe.
Guess what? No other changes needed. It is kind of amazing to me, but I actually cannot tell that a sugar substitute was used to make it! Sugar free coleslaw, just like that.
What this means is that you can still make an easy coleslaw with only 4 ingredients, and it will be keto friendly to fit your diet.
What ingredients are needed?
Cabbage: I like to start with the bags of shredded coleslaw mix. If you have cabbage in your garden, feel free to shred the cabbage yourself. I do recommend a food processor for this chore.
Mayonnaise: in my standard coleslaw recipe I use light mayo. If you want your coleslaw to be reduced fat AND sugar free, then choose your mayo accordingly. The keto diet encourages the use of full fat mayo so that is what I did for this recipe. It really does make a very tasty dressing. 😃
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Sugar substitute: I use erythritol and love it in this dressing. I have only tried the granular type, but I think powdered would work as well. Monkfruit would also work. Just check to ensure your product has a 1:1 sugar substitution ratio. Or else you’ll be doing a bunch of extra math!
Vinegar: I use plain white vinegar and have always been happy with the “tang” it provides. But feel free to try others, like rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for a different taste.
How to make Keto Coleslaw
It’s pretty complicated, so be sure to concentrate. Mix 3 dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Pour the coleslaw mix into a serving bowl. Add the keto coleslaw dressing and mix. That’s it!
It’s technically ready to eat right away but I prefer to refrigerate the coleslaw for at least an hour to give the flavors a chance to blend a little.
This easy low carb coleslaw is the perfect side dish for so many meals! Try it with Potato Crusted Cod!
📖 Recipe
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Keto Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 14 oz package coleslaw mix or about 3-4 cups of shredded cabbage
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 TB sugar substitute Erythritol or similar
- 3 TB white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the sugar substitute and vinegar until mostly smooth.
- Place the coleslaw mix in a bowl and mix with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Optional: Sprinkle with paprika to serve.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Scarlet
My daughter just loves cabbage so thanks for the new coleslaw recipe to try!
Sula
You are very welcome. Your daughter is like me - I LOVE cabbage and I swear I could eat coleslaw almost every day!
Christina
How delish! This is perfect for a healthy side dish.
Sula
Yes and still good the next day - it's usually part of my lunch LOL.
Erin
This fits right into my keto diet! yum!
Sula
Perfect!
Emmeline
Interesting, I never had sugar in coleslaw so had no idea that most versions actually aren't keto!! Good to know!
Sula
Yes, the coleslaw with creamy mayo-based dressings typically include sugar.
Gloria
You can never have too many salad recipes. This is the perfect side dish. Great for bbq's, potlucks. Goes with everything.
Sula
Exactly Gloria!
Gina
Yum! I've always been a fan of a more vinegary slaw than thick and mayo one - this looks like the perfect balance!
Sula
Yes you can so easily adjust the vinegar to your own preference!
Sunrita | Spiceitupp
What a brilliant option from a regular coleslaw. I avoid making and eating coleslaw which I LOVE before of this. With this recipe it sure makes it doable!
Sula
Yes, very do-able and just as delicious!
Chris Collins
I love that this is only 5 ingredients! Can't wait to try out the recipe, looks so delish 🙂
Sula
I hope you try it soon, its delicious with a sandwich!
Kasy
Looks delish! My niece is on the ketogenic diet and always looking for new recipes like this!
Sula
Oh if she likes coleslaw she will definitely want to give this a try!
Capri
Such a tasty and easy to make cold slaw! Yumm
Sula
I'm glad you like it!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
This dish looks so deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right this minute!
Sula
Whenever I make it, I do just that!
Amy
Love a good coleslaw, especially if its keto friendly. Goes with so many meals!
Sula
Very true - I love coleslaw with everything!
Amanda Marie Boyle
SO great, love adding the paprika!
Sula
It's something that makes a subtle difference, and very good!
Alexandra
This was the perfect side dish to our evening meal!
Sula
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Blake Moon
Tastes better than store-bought! Thanks.
Sula
I'm so glad you liked it! and, you are welcome 🙂