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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Published: Jan 3, 2023 · Modified: Nov 21, 2023 by Jennifer Banz· 23 Comments

    Keto Coleslaw with a Secret Ingredient!

    Jump to Recipe Pin for Later

    This Keto Coleslaw is the perfect side dish you've been looking for! This easy, low carb recipe uses simple seasonings and will be the hit of any summer cookout!  

    keto Cole slaw recipe in a glass bowl

    One of my favorite meals ever is BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw.  This is a very simple meal to make keto with just a few easy swaps.  I use sugar free BBQ sauce for my pulled pork, and I follow this super easy 4 ingredient keto coleslaw recipe.

    This keto coleslaw recipe comes together really quickly but if you have made homemade coleslaw before, you know that it only gets better if it gets time to marinate for a little bit after first mixing it all together.  Then I like to serve it with any kind of BBQ, a side to my Air Fryer Whole Chicken, Steak Tips, or keto salmon. It really is the perfect gluten-free low carb keto coleslaw recipe at only 3 net carbs.

    Can I eat coleslaw on a keto diet?

    When it comes to store bought or restaurant style coleslaw (like KFC coleslaw)...it would not be keto friendly.  That is because they use a lot of sugar in their coleslaw dressing.  This keto coleslaw is very similar to any recipe out there, but we use a sugar free sweetener instead of sugar.  This simple swap saves so may carbs!

    How may carbs are in coleslaw?

    This would vary depending on which dressing is used and which restaurant you get your slaw from.  Most coleslaws are going to be 15 to 20 carbs per serving.

    This keto version of coleslaw is only 5 total carbs!  The carbs come from the cabbage which is definitely an essential ingredients.

    Ingredients

    This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this keto coleslaw recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

    I am a big lover of coleslaw, especially with BBQ pulled pork!  I'm not sure how your family makes theirs, but my family uses simple ingredients like slaw mix (or shredded cabbage), mayonnaise, a little sweetener, salt and pepper...and pickle juice!

    16 ounces shredded cabbage (454g) - I like to use a coleslaw mix from the grocery store produce section when I am not in the mood to shred my own cabbage.  This mix usually has some shredded carrot in it as well or it could have red cabbage.  You can also buy a head of green cabbage and shred it yourself very easily with a knife or a food processor.

    ½ cup mayonnaise (112g) - Any mayo you like will work. You could use your favorite store bought brand or make your own avocado oil mayo. For a lighter keto coleslaw you could use Greek Yogurt or a combination of the two.

    1 tablespoon sugar-free sweetener (12g) - Most coleslaw recipes use some form of sweetener to balance out the flavors.  I like to use a sugar free version for this keto recipe. My favorite is Lakanto because it has the best flavor.

    ¼ cup dill pickle juice (59mL) - This ingredient might surprise you but it is so good in this keto coleslaw recipe!  I think it combined with the other ingredients makes the perfect keto coleslaw dressing.  Don't knock it until you try it! You could also use apple cider vinegar.

    Salt and black pepper to taste

    all coleslaw ingredients in a glass bowl

    How to make this keto coleslaw recipe

    This section explains how to make this low carb coleslaw recipe, step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

    Step 1 - If you didn't buy pre-shredded cabbage, go ahead and shred your cabbage using either a sharp knife or a food processor.  Some people like really finely shredded cabbage so if that is you, you may want to shred it yourself.  It is also much cheaper to DIY this part!

    Step 2 - Add you cabbage to a large mixing bowl, followed by the mayonnaise, sweetener, and pickle juice.

    Step 3 - Toss the ingredients together well and then season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Storage Instructions

    This keto coleslaw recipe doesn't really last longer than 24 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator unless you can revive it with leftover shredded cabbage.  If I want to eat some leftover the next day, I simply add more cabbage because there is usually a little pool of dressing at the bottom of the bowl.

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    mixed coleslaw in a bowl

    Keto Coleslaw Recipe with a secret ingredient!

    Keto Coleslaw is the perfect side dish you've been looking for! This easy, low carb recipe with a simple coleslaw dressing will be the hit of any summer cookout!
    5 from 16 votes
    Save to FavoritesSaved! Print
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 144
    Author: Jennifer Banz

    This post may contain affiliate links

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces Shredded cabbage (see notes)
    • ½ Cup Mayonnaise
    • 1 Tablespoon sugar free granulated sweetener
    • ¼ cup dill pickle juice
    • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
    US to Metric Conversion Chart for Common Keto Ingredients
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a large bowl and mix well.
    • Adjust seasonings to taste.

    Notes

    • You can use pre-shredded cabbage from a bag that contains carrot and or purple cabbage or you can buy a head of cabbage and shred it yourself.   
    • Taste for seasonings:  If you find it tastes like too much mayonnaise, add more pickle juice or you could add vinegar if you like.
    • Storage Instructions
      This keto Cole slaw recipe doesn't really last longer than 24 hours in an airtight container in the refrigerator unless you can revive it with leftover shredded cabbage.  If I want to eat some leftover the next day, I simply add more cabbage because there is usually a little pool of dressing at the bottom of the bowl.
    Servings: 6

    Nutrition per serving

    Calories: 144 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

    Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.

    Keyword :carbs in coleslaw, is coleslaw keto, keto cole slaw, keto coleslaw, keto coleslaw dressing, keto coleslaw recipe

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      Recipe Reviews




    1. lynnette higgins says

      October 23, 2023 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      BEST Keto slaw ever!

      Reply
    2. Julie Martin says

      October 10, 2023 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe Jen…. Life Hack: keep your dressing in a jar separate from the cabbage… Add as needed (less waste)🙃 You’re welcome 💕

      Reply
      • Jennifer Banz says

        October 10, 2023 at 2:18 pm

        Great idea!

        Reply
    3. Luann Ragonesi says

      July 04, 2023 at 4:42 pm

      5 stars
      I was unsure about the pickle juice, but this salad was a hit with my family! You don’t really even taste the pickle juice; it gives just a hint of dill to the salad. I used Bochasweet for the sweetener and I was surprised that just the 1 tbsp was enough, but it was perfect! This recipe is definitely a keeper and we’ll be enjoying this all summer long!

      Reply
    4. Barbi says

      January 03, 2023 at 5:10 pm

      I will try this but I don't use sugar at all with my slaw. I use the mayonnaise with a bit of apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.

      Reply
    5. Maggie says

      August 27, 2022 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      I used red cabbage and shredded carrots, added green onion, and swapped pickle juice with banana pepper juice and a little of the peppers too! So so so GOOD!!

      Reply
    6. Naydine says

      July 04, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this to go with Ribs. I followed directions almost exactly just substituted sweetener with sugar free maple syrup. This will be made often. We love it!!

      Reply
    7. Dwan Davis says

      March 05, 2021 at 11:07 pm

      This recipe seems easy to follow and takes only a short time to prepare. I have not made it, but my concern would be the sodium in the pickle juice. Is it possible to just use apple cider vinegar?

      Reply
      • jenniferbanz says

        March 08, 2021 at 2:28 pm

        Sure!

        Reply
    8. Kathy says

      March 05, 2021 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      Jennifer, this coleslaw is delicious. This is my second time making it and it is so easy. I used the prepackaged cabbage mix. I will only make it this way from now on.

      Reply
    9. Leslie says

      March 03, 2021 at 5:15 pm

      What kind of pickle juice? Dill, sweet, bread and butter?

      Reply
      • jenniferbanz says

        March 05, 2021 at 1:14 pm

        Dill

        Reply
    10. Bari says

      March 02, 2021 at 10:15 am

      5 stars
      I usually don’t like coleslaw but this one is the best! The pickle juice is what makes it so tasty. I love it with pulled pork bbq.

      Reply
    11. Jessica says

      November 14, 2020 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      what is the serving size? This is the best coleslaw recipe I’ve ever had and I hate pickles!!

      Reply
      • jenniferbanz says

        November 16, 2020 at 1:07 pm

        It makes 6 servings

        Reply
    12. Amanda says

      September 16, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      Super yummy!! So simple. I will make this over and over again! My new go to keto coleslaw recipe. Thank you!!

      Reply
    13. Angie says

      June 25, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this and it’s super easy to make!

      Reply
    14. Wendy Finney says

      April 28, 2020 at 6:14 pm

      5 stars
      This is a keeper recipe. It is so good. I actually pored a just a little bit of apple cider vinegar into to the measuring cup and filled the rest of the way with pickle juice.

      Reply
    15. Erika says

      January 29, 2020 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      This is a fantastic coleslaw recipe!

      Reply
    16. Irina says

      January 29, 2020 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      Made it last night. We really loved this version of coleslaw recipe. Well, my family was asking for more... I should make it again tonight. Tasty and delicious!

      Reply
    17. Alisa Infanti says

      January 29, 2020 at 9:33 am

      5 stars
      This coleslaw recipe is awesome. I served it on some turkey burgers last night and it was a huge hit!

      Reply
    18. Pam Greer says

      January 29, 2020 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh, I can't believe I've never included pickle juice in my cole slaw! What a great idea!

      Reply
    19. Heidy L. McCallum says

      January 29, 2020 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      Keto recipes have become so popular and now I can see why this coleslaw looks amazing and I think I might make this for a side one night this week.

      Reply

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    Hey there, I'm Jennifer Banz! I’m the creator behind Low Carb with Jennifer and author of the cookbook Live Life Keto.  

    I've been cooking and developing low carb and keto recipes for the past 13 years and it is my goal to bring you the best quality recipes and cooking tutorials possible.

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