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Looking for a quick and easy vinegar coleslaw recipe that’s perfect for one or two people? This single serving coleslaw is tangy, crunchy, and refreshing. Made with a vinegar-based dressing, it’s ideal for those who don’t care for mayonnaise. Plus, it’s dairy-free, low-fat, and can easily be made vegan.
Pair this coleslaw with tender BBQ ribs, a sweet and tangy Sloppy Joe, flavorful baked chicken thighs, savory carne asada, or a hearty burger.
Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe comes together in just a few minutes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette, it’s a nutritious side dish.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Small Portions: Designed for one or two servings, so you won’t have leftovers.
- No Mayo: This coleslaw is great for those who prefer a tangy, vinegar-based slaw over a creamy one.
This single serving coleslaw is perfect for those who need just a small portion without leftovers. The tangy, vinegar-based dressing is a refreshing change from traditional creamy coleslaws. It’s easy to make, customizable, and fits well with many dietary preferences. Whether you’re having a BBQ or just need a quick side dish, this coleslaw has you covered.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this healthy coleslaw recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Green Cabbage: This provides a crisp and crunchy base for the coleslaw. Its mild flavor allows the tangy dressing to shine. Thinly slicing the cabbage ensures each bite is perfectly textured. Consider using leftover cabbage in a Brussels sprouts salad or roasted cabbage wedges.
- Red Cabbage: Adds a vibrant color and a slightly different crunch compared to green cabbage. It also has a slightly peppery taste that complements the dressing well.
- Red Onion: Gives a sharp, pungent flavor that adds a kick to the coleslaw. Thinly chopping the onion helps distribute its strong taste evenly throughout the dish. Extra onions can be used in a Sicilian Orange Salad, Chicken Shawarma, or a small batch of pickled onions.
- Carrot: Brings a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the coleslaw. Grating or slicing the carrot finely ensures it blends well with the cabbage and adds a delicate crunch. Got extra carrots? Use them in to make a small carrot cake, Chicken Fried Rice, or Split Pea Soup.
For the Dressing
- Olive Oil: A rich and smooth oil that helps bind the dressing ingredients together while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides the tangy punch that defines this coleslaw. Its slight sweetness balances the acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the vinegar. It also helps to create a more cohesive dressing by binding the ingredients together. For a vegan version, use maple syrup.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a slight spiciness to the dressing. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar mix together smoothly.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the coleslaw. Adjusting these to taste ensures the perfect balance of savory and spicy notes.
I love thinly slicing the vegetables with a sharp knife because it gives me better control over the thickness and texture. There’s something satisfying about the precision and uniformity you get with a knife. Plus, it’s safer and easier to clean than a mandolin. But if you prefer using a mandolin for convenience and speed, feel free to do so. Both methods will give you a delicious coleslaw!
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these variations:
- Spicy Coleslaw: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for heat.
- Asian Coleslaw: Make the dressing with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. You can also add a sprinkle of peanuts or sesame seeds and a handful of chopped cilantro for extra flavor and crunch.
- Creamy Coleslaw: Add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to the dressing.
- Fruit Coleslaw: Mix in some chopped apples or pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Herb Coleslaw: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill for extra flavor.
How To Make Vinegar Coleslaw For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions will help you visualize how to make a small batch of coleslaw. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Place the thinly sliced or shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, red onion, and carrot in a medium-sized bowl.
Note: I thinly slice the vegetables myself because it gives them the best texture and flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can use 2 cups of store-bought coleslaw mix instead of slicing the cabbages and carrots.
- In a small bowl or jar, mix the dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
- Pour about half of the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. Gradually add the remaining dressing, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency and taste.
- Transfer the coleslaw to a serving bowl and enjoy!
What To Serve With Coleslaw
We’ve already mentioned a few great pairings above, but here are some more delicious ideas for enjoying this coleslaw:
- Fish Tacos: Adds a refreshing crunch to your tacos.
- Sheet Pan Sausage: Complements the savory flavors perfectly.
- Baked Beans: A classic side pairing that works wonderfully together.
- Juicy Lucy: A great addition to your burger.
- Slow Cooker Ribs: The tangy coleslaw balances out the rich, tender ribs.
Expert Tips
- Thinly Slice the Vegetables: Use a sharp knife for the best texture or you can use a mandolin.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your coleslaw before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Mix Well: Ensure the dressing coats all the vegetables evenly.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch, sprinkle in some sunflower seeds or slivered almonds.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a nice touch.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day.
It can be made vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey.
Yes, you can add bell peppers, celery, or radishes for extra crunch.
It’s best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to a day.
Absolutely, it saves time and works just as well.
Absolutely! To make coleslaw for two just double the ingredient amounts.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serve coleslaw recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Vinegar Coleslaw For One
Ingredients
- 1 cup thinly sliced or shredded green cabbage (2.5 oz/70 g)
- ½ cup thinly sliced or shredded red cabbage (1.2 oz/34 g)
- ¼ cup thinly chopped red onion (1.2 oz/34 g)
- 1 small carrot -thinly sliced or grated (1.5 oz/43 g)
For the coleslaw dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the thinly sliced or shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, red onion, and carrot in a medium-sized bowl.Note: I thinly slice the vegetables myself because it gives them the best texture and flavor. However, if you’re short on time, you can use 2 cups of store-bought coleslaw mix instead of slicing the cabbages and carrots.
- In a small bowl or jar, mix the dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and add more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
- Pour about half of the dressing over the vegetables and toss to combine. Gradually add the remaining dressing, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency and taste.
- Transfer the coleslaw to a serving bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- Thinly Slice the Vegetables: Use a sharp knife for the best texture or you can use a mandolin.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your coleslaw before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables make a big difference in taste and texture.
- Mix Well: Ensure the dressing coats all the vegetables evenly.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: For extra crunch, sprinkle in some sunflower seeds or slivered almonds.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add a nice touch.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
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.
Great recipe.
Thank you!