Creamy tahini coleslaw is a fun vegan alternative to classic mayo-based coleslaw. It's a little spicy, tangy and perfect for summer barbecues!
Coleslaw (aka slaw) is probably one of the most spring/summer recipes ever. I mean, have you been to a potluck or barbecue where there wasn't coleslaw (though maybe you'll only answer yes if you live in the south)?
Coleslaw haters beware, this tahini coleslaw recipe is mayo-free and packed with nutrition!
Crunchy cabbage is tossed in a tangy, creamy tahini sauce, then topped with pumpkin seeds for this twist on the classic recipe.
Creamy vegan tahini coleslaw
Coleslaw: this often loved, often hated side is one of those great dividers. You either like it or you don't.
I'm definitely on the "like" side of the debate, but sometimes I'm looking for something a little less coleslaw-y.
That's where this spicy tahini coleslaw comes in. It's creamy but mayo-free, super easy to make and tangy as can be!
What is tahini?
Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame. You know, that seed you usually see on a burger bun; but this time the seeds have been toasted and ground up to form a nutty, flavorful and creamy spread.
Tahini is a flavorful and healthy swap for mayo in creamy recipes. Sesame seeds are high in healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats, zinc and copper.
Using tahini in place of mayonnaise is a healthy and fun way to amp up your classic coleslaw recipe!
How to make tahini coleslaw
Lucky for us, coleslaw is very simple to make. I use prepackaged coleslaw mix, but you can chop up a head of cabbage yourself if you prefer.
Start by mixing the tahini dressing ingredients together in a large bowl until creamy. You want it to have a salad dressing consistency, like ranch dressing.
Add the coleslaw to the tahini dressing: mix, stir, and toss with pumpkin seeds. Voila - spicy tahini coleslaw! Enjoy chilled.
Cabbage and nutrition
Did you know that cabbage is packed with nutrients? Cabbage belongs to the cruciferous vegetable category alongside nutrition powerhouses like kale and broccoli.
This inexpensive veggie is high in vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber, which are all important to a healthy diet.
Looking for more recipes that use tahini?
- Spicy Jalapeno Hummus
- Hearty Spring Potato Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Classic Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
- Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Tahini Dressing
- Goddess Style Tahini Dressing
Creamy Tahini Coleslaw (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 14 ounce coleslaw mix
- ½ cup tahini
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon brown mustard
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons white sugar choose vegan sugar as needed
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: tahini, apple cider vinegar, water, brown mustard, hot sauce, sugar, salt. Stir until creamy.
- Add coleslaw mix to the tahini dressing. Stir with a wooden spoon until the cabbage is evenly coated in dressing. Toss with pumpkin seeds. Enjoy cold.
Milt
Since we went vegan a few months, my wife has been after me to find a good coleslaw (one of her favorite sides). This recipe is awesome! Thank you! (I did add a teaspoon of ground black pepper, and I used Texas Pete hot sauce.)
Cassidy Reeser
Awesome, so happy to hear that! Thanks for trying the recipe 🙂
Nicole
SO GOOD! I do not like regular coleslaw so I was kind of hesitant trying this but I’m so glad I did. It was a hit with the whole family. Will definitely make this again!
Sarah Winner
Delicious! I paired this with your BBQ Tofu Sandwich. I love tahini and the crunchiness of cabbage, so this made a perfect vegan coleslaw topping/side dish. I didn't have mustard, but added a few dashes of garlic and cumin.
Cassidy Reeser
So glad you liked the slaw! Thanks for making it.
Seva Reilly
This is so, so good! I used about 8 oz more coleslaw mix in the recipe, but it is perfect. Haven't had coleslaw since I was a kid, and this brought back happy memories. Thank you!
Cassidy Reeser, RDN, LD
So glad to hear that you liked it! Thanks for making it.