Summer barbecues call for fresh, vibrant sides, but sometimes we want to skip the heavy mayonnaise. That’s where this Scandinavian slaw shines. A delightful no mayo coleslaw recipe, it combines the crispness of fresh vegetables with the tangy zest of a vinegar dressing. This healthy coleslaw is inspired by the rustic flavors of Scandinavian cuisine, offering a light and refreshing alternative to traditional coleslaw. Bursting with dill, fennel, and colorful root vegetables, this easy vinegar coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to burgers, grilled chicken, or any summer feast.
This post was originally written back in April 2015. It has been updated with an improved recipe, tip and variations and much better photos!
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I have a not so secret confession, if I had to pick one regional cuisine to eat for the rest of my life it wouldn’t be French or Italian. No, I would start at the top of Norway and draw a line down to Austria. Yes, I love Scandinavian and Germanic food. It can be very rich, but it can also be very light and delicate. Plus, despite the whole ‘new Nordic cuisine’ chicness, at its core, it is very rustic. It makes use of fresh herbs and vegetables but also pickling to make them last longer. My Scandinavian slaw is an example of this rustic, yet light and full of flavour from fresh herbs and crunch vegetables. It is the perfect spring and summer addition to your table and a healthy side to your burgers.
We all love a bit of mayonnaise, I go through too much of it. Summer BBQs are almost synonymous with lots of mayonnaise-based dishes. Let’s be honest though, we’ve all sat there enjoying an amazing burger (or delicious chicken sandwich), only to think you need something healthier than coleslaw with mayo. In spring we are spoiled with fresh vegetables, like carrots, radishes and cucumber. So, take a page from the Scandinavians and use them in a salad.
In this case, we’re making this coleslaw healthier by making it a recipe for no mayo coleslaw. As Scandinavians are famous for pickling, instead of mayo we are using vinegar for a healthy and crunchy scandi slaw. Bursting with the flavour of fennel, radishes, onion and dill, Scandinavian slaw will stand out on your table. I love how rustic and colourful this slaw looks. The zip of the vinegar helps cut through rich foods like burgers, and the fresh vegetables mean it will equally go with light foods like roast chicken, cold picnic foods and, my favourite, smorrebrod. Make this instead of coleslaw and you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Red Onion: Provides a sharp and slightly sweet flavor.
- Carrots: Offer sweetness and vibrant color.
- Fennel: Contributes a unique anise-like taste.
- Radish: Adds a peppery bite.
- White Wine Vinegar: Creates the tangy base of the dressing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and balances the acidity.
- Fresh Dill: Infuses a distinct herbaceous flavor.
- White Sugar: Balances the vinegar’s tang.
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables. Peel your carrots (if you want), onions and any bits of the other veg. Also, seed your cucumber. Do this by slicing the cucumber in half lengthwise, and then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds in the centre.
- If you have a mandolin, set it on a thin setting and slice up the carrots, fennel, onion and radishes. You can also do this for cucumber, or chop by hand. If you don’t have a mandolin, use a good sharp knife and slice your veg very thinly. Place all chopped vegetables into a bowl.
- Chop the dill, stalks and all, toss this into the bowl.
- Mix the oil, vinegar sugar with a bit of salt and pepper. Wisk and toss with the vegetables. Then set in your fridge for at least 30min.
- To serve, give a stir and then sprinkle over the remaining dill. Perfect with a BBQ!
Equipment
A mandolin is a great kitchen tool. This is a good one, but you also find them at IKEA and other stores.
Tips and Variations
What other vegetables could you use in slaw?
I would look to try other heartier vegetables in your slaw. Cabbage is an obvious choice.
Could you add fruit to your slaw?
Yes, it is worth a shot. A chunky chopped crisp apple would be good, as it would add some sweetness and acidity to the salad. Just adjust the sugar down.
What meat goes well with Scandinavian slaw?
If the salad is a side dish, then rich dishes such as burgers or BBQ chicken work really well. However, if you wanted to make the salad the main dish, try adding some poached chicken. Either place it on the top of a salad or chop it up and mix in.
What other herbs work well in slaw?
I love it, but not everyone likes dill (my long-suffering husband is one of them). So, if you want to omit the dill replace it with other soft herbs such as parsley or mint. It will change the flavour, so it is worth experimenting.
You might like these other recipes
- Smorrebord – I LOVE smorrebord. I’ve got about 4-5 new recipes coming up soon!
- Peruvian Chicken Sandwiches – A great chicken sandwich to have with Scandinavian slaw
- Knackerbrod – a great Swedish crispbread. Could easily be used as
crutons with thisScandianvain slaw!
Pairings
Drinks
Fresh lemonade, but mix it up by making lemonade with sparkling water and a spring of mint for a fresh drink.
Music
I’m loving my Wild Kitchen playlist at the moment, so check it out on the music page.
Recipe
Scandinavian Slaw
Equipment
- Mandolin
Ingredients
- 1 Cucumber
- 1 red onion
- 2 large carrots
- 1 bulb of fennel
- a few radishes
- 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Extra-virgin olive oil
- Small bunch of fresh dill About 4 tablespoon when chopped
- 1 teaspoon White sugar
Instructions
- Prepare your vegetables. Peel your carrots (if you want), onions and any bits of the other veg. Also, seed your cucumber. Do this by slicing the cucumber in half length wise, and then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds in the centre.
- If you have a mandolin, set it on a thin setting and slice up the carrots, fennel, onion and radishes. You can also do this for cucumber, or chop by hand. If you don't have a mandolin, use a good sharp knife and slice your veg very thinly. Place all chopped vegetables into a bowl.
- Chop the dill, stalks and all, toss all but about 2 tablespoon of this into the bowl.
- Mix the oil, vinegar sugar with a bit of salt and pepper. Wisk and toss with the vegetables. Then set in your fridge for at least 30min.
- To serve, give a stir and then sprinkle over the remaining dill. Perfect with a BBQ!
I’m always up for trying out different coleslaw recipes Matt. I love how fresh this one is with the fennel and radishes added. When I eventually get my BBQ out this year, this could be on the menu!
I share your fascination with Scandinavian and Germanic food. It was created for beer lovers if you ask me:) This vibrant coleslaw is absolutely a must as far as I am concerned. Bookmarked and pinned.
This looks like a great slaw for the summer, especially on a super hot day! I would love this next to something grilled 🙂
First off, I love all of the fresh dill on this slaw! The fresh herbs just scream summer to me. You’re right about rich foods like burgers. I absolutely love a grilled backyard burger, but sometimes a heavy potato salad next to that is just too much. This Scandinavian version sounds like a fun twist. I’m totally putting this on our summer menu plans!
Love a good coleslaw recipe and we have so many radishes from the garden, so this is going to be a great way to use ‘em!
My husband is Scandanavian (Finnish) and I love their cuisines as well, especially since our trip to Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. This slaw looks absolutely delicious, perfect for our next cookout.
oh this thick cut slaw is perfect when i’m craving texture!
This may just be the prettiest coleslaw ever (but to be honest you had me at fresh dill). YUM!