5-minute creamy keto coleslaw is the sweet-tangy Southern slaw of childhood cookouts, made with a bag of angel hair cabbage and a whisked dressing. Creamy mayo, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a single drop of liquid stevia make it taste like the real deal without the sugar. Perfect piled on pulled pork or scooped straight from the bowl at a BBQ.
Is there any side dish more classic or versatile than a good coleslaw? I think not! From backyard BBQs and summer potlucks to a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, a great slaw is always a welcome sight. While coleslaw is a staple in the American South, its flavor can be a regional road trip—some are sharp and vinegary, others are unapologetically sweet. I grew up on the creamy, sweet, and tangy variety, and this recipe is my love letter to that childhood favorite. Using a bag of pre-shredded angel hair cabbage makes it ridiculously easy to whip up in just 5 minutes, proving that a show-stopping side dish doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients
• ½ cup / 115 g (4.1 oz) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon / 3 g (0.11 oz) salt
• ½ teaspoon / 1 g (0.04 oz) ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon / 1.5 g (0.05 oz) garlic powder
• 1 drop liquid stevia, or to taste
• 1 10-ounce / 283 g (10 oz) bag angel hair coleslaw
Instructions
1. In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and liquid stevia until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy.2. Add the angel hair coleslaw to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to ensure every strand of cabbage is evenly coated.3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften to the perfect texture.4. Serve chilled, garnished with a little extra freshly ground black pepper if desired. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
• Yield: 4 servingsPrep time: 5 minutesChill time: 2 hoursAmount Per Serving:Calories: 205Fat: 20gCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1g (0.04 oz)( is an estimate and will vary based on the exact used.)
Pro Tips
• For a pop of color and texture, mix in some finely shredded purple cabbage or grated carrots along with the green cabbage.
• Don’t skip the chilling time! Letting the coleslaw rest for at least 2 hours is the secret to allowing the flavors to fully develop and the cabbage to tenderize.
• Adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you don’t have liquid stevia, you can substitute 1-2 teaspoons (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) of granulated sugar or maple syrup, tasting as you go.
• This is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavor often gets even better on the second day, making it perfect for party prep.
FAQ
Q: How long does this coleslaw need to chill
A: This coleslaw should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before serving. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften to the perfect texture.
Q: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time
A: Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dish. The flavor often gets even better on the second day, which makes it perfect for party preparation.
Q: What can I use instead of liquid stevia for sweetness
A: If you don’t have liquid stevia, you can substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) of granulated sugar or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to your personal taste preference.
Q: How long can I store leftover coleslaw
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips
- Do not skip the chill time – at least 2 hours in the fridge lets the flavors meld and the cabbage soften to the perfect texture.
- Whisk the dressing completely smooth before the cabbage goes in, so the stevia and garlic powder coat every strand evenly.
- Mix in finely shredded purple cabbage or grated carrots for a pop of color and extra texture – still keto-friendly, still five minutes of work.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste: the single drop of stevia is the keto baseline, and you can add more a drop at a time.
- Make it a day ahead – the flavor is even better on the second day. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I make this coleslaw?
It is an excellent make-ahead side – the flavor often improves on the second day. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is this coleslaw keto-friendly?
Yes – about 7g carbs per serving with 20g of fat, and the sweetness comes from a single drop of liquid stevia instead of the sugar in classic slaw.
Why does it need to chill for 2 hours?
That resting time is the secret step: it lets the flavors fully develop and tenderizes the crisp cabbage into proper slaw texture.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Liquid stevia keeps it strictly keto. If carbs are not a concern, 1-2 teaspoons of granulated sugar or maple syrup works too – taste as you go.
Recipe card below.
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5-Minute Creamy Keto Coleslaw
Ingredients
Method
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and liquid stevia until the dressing is completely smooth and creamy. 2.
- Add the angel hair coleslaw to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss well to ensure every strand of cabbage is evenly coated. 3.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften to the perfect texture. 4.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a little extra freshly ground black pepper if desired. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Don't skip the chilling time!
- Letting the coleslaw rest for at least 2 hours is the secret to allowing the flavors to fully develop and the cabbage to tenderize.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you don't have liquid stevia, you can substitute 1-2 teaspoons (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) of granulated sugar or maple syrup, tasting as you go.
