19 Slaws That Are Crisp, Refreshing, and Anything but Boring

Slaws don’t have to be the same old side dish you’re used to. They can be crisp, refreshing, and full of bold, bright flavors that wake up your plate. Whether you’re looking for something to pair with a cookout or to bring some crunch to your meals, slaws are great for adding texture and a pop of freshness. Think beyond the basics, and you’ll see how these recipes prove slaws can be anything but boring.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Cabbage-Apple-Slaw.jpg

Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

No Mayo Coleslaw

This Asian summer slaw features a nutty homemade peanut dressing and no mayo. A refreshing, vegan side that pairs beautifully with many main dishes.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon. — Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Red cabbage and Golden Delicious apples combine in this colorful salad with a tangy dressing. A refreshing way to brighten winter meals with crisp textures.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

A white plate with cabbage slaw, sliced apples, and white beans on a metal sheet pan with a beige linen napkin. — White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Apple cabbage slaw with white beans adds crunch and is coated in apple cider vinaigrette. A crisp, flavorful side that’s great for potlucks or barbecues.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

Pickle Slaw with Bacon

Pickle slaw with bacon balances sweet, tangy flavors with crunchy pickle bits and salty bacon. A refreshing update to a classic slaw that’s full of character.
Get the Recipe: Pickle Slaw with Bacon

Cabbage Apple Slaw

Cabbage apple slaw is ready in minutes, with vibrant flavors and crisp textures. It’s a light side to pair with hearty winter dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Slaw

Broccoli Slaw Salad

A plate of broccoli slaw with a dressing on it. — Broccoli Slaw Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Broccoli slaw salad is vibrant and easy to prepare, offering a pop of color. Its crunch makes it a great complement to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Slaw Salad

Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Vegan coleslaw delivers crunch with a creamy plant-based dressing. A fresh, versatile side that’s easy to prepare for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Coleslaw

Kale Apple Slaw

Kale apple salad transforms kale with a light poppy seed dressing and sweet apple chunks. A crisp, fresh take that adds brightness to any table.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Slaw

Cool and Creamy Keto Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw combines tangy dressing with crisp vegetables for a quick side dish. It’s an easy option that tastes even better after resting overnight.
Get the Recipe: Cool and Creamy Keto Coleslaw

Sugar-Free (Low-Carb) Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing

A picture of low-carb coleslaw recipe with creamy dressing in glass bowl. — Sugar-Free (Low-Carb) Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Healthy coleslaw mixes cabbage with a sweet, tangy dairy-free dressing. It’s a simple, crowd-friendly option for dinners or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free (Low-Carb) Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing

Irish Coleslaw

Irish coleslaw combines green and purple cabbage, carrots, red pepper, and jicama. Tossed in a creamy yogurt-based dressing, it’s crisp and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Irish Coleslaw

Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Brussels sprout slaw combines shaved sprouts and cabbage with a lemon apple cider vinaigrette. This crisp, fresh dish fits perfectly with fall menus.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Keto Bacon Coleslaw

Bacon coleslaw adds savory bacon to the classic crunch of vegetables. Quick to make, it’s a fresh side that pairs well with richer meals.
Get the Recipe: Keto Bacon Coleslaw

Red Cabbage Slaw

Red cabbage slaw with apples, raisins, and honey dijon dressing balances tangy and sweet flavors. A light, refreshing side that works well with meats and fish.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Slaw

Apple Pear Slaw

Bowl of fresh apple and pear slaw salad. — Apple Pear Slaw. Photo credit: Food Plus Words.

Apple pear slaw with caramel cider vinaigrette delivers crisp fruit flavors and tanginess. A refreshing side to balance out rich, heavy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Apple Pear Slaw

Popeyes Coleslaw

Classic coleslaw with cabbage and carrots features crisp vegetables in creamy dressing. A refreshing addition to complement hearty main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Fennel and Mango Slaw

Overhead of fennel mango slaw in bowl. — Fennel and Mango Slaw. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Fennel and mango slaw offers a combination of crunchy texture and natural sweetness. This fresh side dish adds brightness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Red cabbage coleslaw is a simple, budget-friendly option packed with crunch. Its freshness makes it a great choice for gatherings or family meals.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Creamy Vegan Coleslaw

This creamy vegan coleslaw recipe is crunchy and flavorful, with a rich plant-based dressing. A great side to complement summer meals with ease.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Coleslaw