This Keto Cole Slaw recipe is crunchy and tangy with just 2 net carbs per serving thanks to the delicious sugar-free cole slaw dressing.
» You might also like Easy Keto Taco Salad or Keto Bang Bang Shrimp.
Summer barbecues and potlucks don’t have to be laden with sugary sides and high carb nightmares. This keto cole slaw tastes exactly the same as you’re used to, but it utilizes sugar substitute to cut the calories and carbs. You, and your guests, won’t even know it.
Ingredients in Keto Cole Slaw
All you need to make this delicious low-carb cole slaw is seven simple ingredients:
- A bag of cole slaw mix – or fresh cabbage and carrot
- Green onion
- Cilantro – Don’t like cilantro? Try substituting one of these other fresh herbs.
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar substitute – I use allulose as a sugar substitute. You can use Swerve, monkfruit, Erythritol or Xylitol. It’s really up to you. The reason I use allulose is because it’s a no calorie no carb sweetener like erythritol, but it doesn’t have the cooling effect.
- White vinegar
- Salt
For the cabbage, if you want to make this salad super simple, you can purchase a bag of cole slaw mix. You’ll need a 14 oz bag. Generally these come with white and red cabbage plus carrot. Even though the carrot isn’t technically keto approved, the little bit that’s in mix isn’t enough to add more than 1 extra gram of carbs.
However, if you want to avoid the carrot, you can shred your own cabbage. I use a mix of white and red cabbage, depending on what I have on hand. You can use either. Just be sure to finely shred it. I prefer to use a mandolin to shred the cabbage.
What Sugar Substitute to Use
I use allulose as a sugar substitute. You can use Swerve, monkfruit, Erythritol or Xylitol. It’s really up to you. The reason I use allulose is because it’s a no calorie no carb sweetener like erythritol, but it doesn’t have the cooling effect. I get allulose directly through Wholesome Yum. I think you’ll really like it, especially if you also don’t like the cooling effect.
Learn more about low-carb sweeteners and conversion here.
How to Make Keto Cole Slaw
In a large mixing bowl, add the cole slaw mix or shredded cabbage, chopped green onion, and cilantro.
In a smaller bowl, combine the In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, sugar substitute, white vinegar, and salt. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. You can taste the sauce and see if it suits you for sweetness and saltiness.
Add the dressing to the salad mix and stir to coat. Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to suit your tastes. This salad is best served chilled, so cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Can I Make It Ahead of Time
Yes, you can make this coleslaw ahead of time, but keep in mind that the coleslaw will become more watery the longer it sits. To combat this, I like to store the dressing separate from the salad until 15 minutes before serving it.
If you want to store a large batch in the fridge to eat over several sittings, you can just add the dressing each time you take a serving. This will keep it at its freshest.
How Many Carbs in Keto Cole Slaw?
A serving of keto cole slaw is about 1/2 to 3/4 cup and it contains just 2 net grams of carbs and 146 calories per serving. Interested in how cabbage measures up in your keto diet? Check out this article on how many carbs are in cabbage.
Cole slaw makes a great side dish, but it’s also a great way to make a tasty salad or bowl with any meat, like pulled pork or Mexican shredded beef, or even with a hamburger patty.
What to Serve With This Dish?
This side dish goes well with a lot of different main dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:
Tips and Notes
- Serving size is about 1/2 to 3/4 cup.
- Use whatever sugar substitute you like, or leave it out if you don’t like sweetened cole slaw.
- Make the dressing up ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat the salad. The longer that the dressing sits on the cabbage the waterier it will get.
- We like to add a chipotle pepper diced up along with some of the adobo sauce to spice things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cole slaw keto?
Definitely! Because the sauce in mayo based and cabbage is a low carb veggie, it is keto friendly. If you like your cole slaw slightly sweet use a sugar substitute to keep it keto. One serving of this delicious salad only has 2 net carbs.
I don’t like cilantro, what can I substitute?
Cilantro isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There are some really great substitutes out there, or you can just leave it out. Try using parsley, celery leaves or basil the next time a recipe calls for cilantro. Read up on more substitutes here.
How long does coleslaw last in the refrigerator?
It will stay fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator before it starts to get watery and soggy. You can make up the dressing in advance and mix it with the cabbage before you are ready to serve it to keep it fresh and crunchy.
Can you freeze coleslaw?
No. The texture of the cabbage will change after being frozen and will become soggy. It’s better to eat coleslaw within a day or two for freshness.
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Keto Cole Slaw
Ingredients
- 14 ounces shredded cabbage mix or 4 cups freshly shredded cabbage
- 2 green onions chopped
- 4 sprigs cilantro chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons allulose or erythritol powdered blends better
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt & ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded cabbage mix, chopped green onion, and cilantro. Toss to mix.
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, sugar substitute, white vinegar and salt/pepper. Stir until sugar substitute is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing onto the salad and stir to incorporate. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serving size is about 1/2 to 3/4 cup.
- Use whatever sugar substitute you like, or leave it out if you don’t like sweetened cole slaw.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Other Keto / Low Carb BBQ Sides & Salads To Try
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Laura is dedicated to a low-carb lifestyle after losing 52 pounds on the keto diet. As many of us do, she struggles with her weight and has found that one of the only diet lifestyles that allows her to maintain a healthy weight is a low-carb diet. She shares her favorite low-carb recipes here that are both easy to make and full of flavor, so you don’t even miss the carbs.
What a simple and tasty recipe. I do love the shredded cabbage mix and the fragrant addition of cilantro. You are right, summer eating doesn’t need to be unhealthy. Adding this to my list of salads.
Healthier coleslaw?? Count me in! Perfect for those upcoming summer BBQ’s! 🙂
I’ve made this so many times per my husband’s request! Nice twist on your normal slaw, highly recommend!
I love to keep cole slaw in the fridge during the summer it is a great snack and side dish all season. I am going to be trying this for the holiday weekend.
I love coleslaw especially during the summer months. It’s such a perfect side for barbecues, and a keto recipe makes it even better.
Looks delicious! I’ll be making this all summer long!