Creamy Dairy Free Coleslaw (Gluten Free + Mustard Free)

This creamy dairy free coleslaw is classic, satisfying, and completely free from dairy, mustard, and gluten.

If you have kids with food allergies, you know the BBQ struggle is real. Coleslaw sounds simple enough until you realize that most store bought mayo is made with mustard, and most creamy dressings contain dairy. For years, classic creamy coleslaw was just off the table for my kids. This recipe changed that.

This creamy dairy free coleslaw uses a simple homemade dairy free and mustard free mayo as its base, and the result is a classic coleslaw that everyone at the table can enjoy. No sad substitution vibes whatsoever. It is free from dairy, mustard, gluten, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts.

It tastes like the real thing. Creamy, tangy, a little sweet, with that satisfying crunch.  This is classic coleslaw that just happens to work for our allergy family. It comes together in minutes using a bagged coleslaw mix, which means one less thing to prep.  

If you’ve never made homemade mayonnaise before, I promise you can do this. My dairy free, mustard free mayo comes together in less than 5 minutes and only requires four ingredients: pasteurized egg whites, lemon juice, avocado oil, and salt. Pasteurized egg whites are easy to find in cartons in the refrigerated section near the eggs at most grocery stores.

To mix it I use an immersion blender, but a food processor or hand mixer will work as well. Once you have a batch made, you will find yourself reaching for it constantly.  It’s great beyond coleslaw for dairy free sauces, dips, and anywhere else you would normally use mayo. If you already have a mayo that is safe for your family, feel free to use that instead and jump straight to the coleslaw.

Not at all. Brown sugar works just as well here and is more widely available. I use coconut sugar in most things because it has a lower glycemix index than cane sugar. Either one gives you that subtle sweetness that balances the vinegar perfectly.

Any kind you like! This dairy free coleslaw dressing tastes great on classic green cabbage coleslaw mix, broccoli slaw, or carrot slaw. I use bagged coleslaw mix most of the time simply because it saves prep time, but if you want to thinly slice your own green or purple cabbage, that works beautifully as well.

This recipe is free from dairy, mustard, gluten, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts. As always, check every ingredient label for your family’s specific allergens, as manufacturing processes and formulations can change.

Creamy Dairy Free Coleslaw (Gluten Free + Mustard Free)

Yield: 6 Cups

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

A classic creamy dairy free coleslaw made with coleslaw mix and a simple mustard free dressing. Ready in minutes and free from dairy, mustard, gluten, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts

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Ingredients

• 14 oz bag of coleslaw mix (about 6 cups)
• ½ cup + 1 tablespoon dairy free , mustard free mayonnaise or any mayo that is safe for your family
• 1 1/2 tbsp white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 3/4 tbsp coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• ½ tsp celery seed
• ⅛ tsp salt (or more to taste)
• Fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Add the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper to a large bowl and stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the coleslaw mix and stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling time lets the flavors come together and the dressing soak into the slaw beautifully.

Notes

Coleslaw mix: Any variety works well in this recipe. Classic cabbage coleslaw mix, broccoli slaw, and carrot slaw all taste great with this dressing. Thinly sliced fresh green or purple cabbage works beautifully as well.

Sugar: Brown sugar and coconut sugar are interchangeable here. Either gives you the subtle sweetness that balances the vinegar.

Chilling: The 30 minute refrigeration step is optional but recommended. It makes a noticeable difference, the flavors come together and the dressing soaks into the slaw in a way that is worth the wait when you have the time.

Allergens: This recipe is free from dairy, mustard, gluten, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts. Always check every ingredient label for your family's specific allergens, as formulations and facilities can change.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 309Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 435mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 4gSugar: 19gProtein: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate.

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