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. It's the perfect addition to sweet potato black bean burgers, BBQ portobello tacos, or just enjoyed on a plate of vegetarian macaroni salad with BBQ tofu!
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.
What is tahini?
Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame. It's the same seed that you see on burger buns, but this time the seeds have been toasted and ground up to form a nutty, flavorful, and creamy spread.
Tahini is used in hummus, salad dressings like this lemon tahini dressing and Goddess dressing, and even works well as a pasta sauce in tahini pasta.
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!
You can also find tahini at most grocery stores in the International or sauce aisle.
How to make
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.
One head of cabbage makes a lot more shredded cabbage than is needed for one batch of tahini coleslaw, so plan for leftover cabbage to be used in vegan fried rice or even vegetarian reubens.
Start by mixing the tahini dressing ingredients together in a large bowl until creamy. The goal is to have a salad dressing consistency, like ranch dressing.
Add the coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage to the tahini dressing. Then just mix, stir, and toss with pumpkin seeds.
And that's it: spicy tahini coleslaw! Cover and chill until ready to serve.
More ways to use tahini
Did you try this recipe? You can leave a star rating in the recipe card or a review in the comments below. Or check out my cookbook and keep up to date with my YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or newsletter!
Recipe
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Cozy Peach Kitchen
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.
Alexandra says
Super delicious with the bbq tofu!
Cassidy Reeser says
Thanks for the review!
Milt says
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 says
Awesome, so happy to hear that! Thanks for trying the recipe 🙂
Nicole says
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 says
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 says
So glad you liked the slaw! Thanks for making it.
Seva Reilly says
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 says
So glad to hear that you liked it! Thanks for making it.