Coleslaw is a favorite side for picnics or BBQs, and it’s easy to make ahead of time!

In this coleslaw recipe, crisp and colorful shredded cabbage is tossed in a very simple creamy dressing with a hint of sweetness.

With some cabbage (or coleslaw mix) and a few basic ingredients, this will be a go-to side dish for almost any occasion.

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This is the best coleslaw recipe, perfect for parties and summer potlucks, and it is so simple to make.

You need just a few ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand.
Use green and red cabbage or coleslaw mix to make it even easier.
The creamy coleslaw dressing takes just 2 minutes to make.
This is great for gatherings since it is best made ahead of time.

Ingredient Tips

Cabbage: I use a mixture of regular green cabbage, a bit of red (or purple) cabbage, and shredded carrots. Any cabbage can be used; you can also swap it for a bag of coleslaw mix.

Dressing: The dressing is creamy and zesty, and what makes homemade coleslaw so good. If you’re short on time (or ingredients) store-bought dressing can be used, you’ll want something tangy and sweet.

How to Make Coleslaw

Colorful coleslaw can be made so quickly! Just 3 simple steps to the perfect creamy side dish.

Shred Cabbage: Finely shred the cabbage. I use a mandoline but you can also shred with a food processor, or thinly cut it with a knife. Grate the carrots on the large holes of a box grater.
Prep Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients. Mix it in a large bowl and add the slaw instead of washing an additional small bowl (per the recipe below).
Combine & Chill: Add the cabbage and carrots to the dressing and toss to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

ingredients in bowls to make The Best Coleslaw Recipe

Variations

Swap the cabbage for pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix in the produce section of the grocery store.
Finely chop an apple (toss it in a bit of lemon juice) to make a Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe.
Use the creamy dressing in the recipe below or the vinaigrette dressing in the notes.
To make this recipe lighter, use yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.

Homemade Coleslaw Dressing Is SO Easy!

The creamy dressing for coleslaw is homemade and ready in about 2 minutes. It’s so much better than bottled! It’s creamy and a little tangy!

Don’t skip the celery seed, it adds a lot of flavor to this dish. This dressing is great on coleslaw, but can also be used on broccoli salad or as a salad dressing.

serving a coleslaw recipe with wooden spoons

Serving Suggestions

We know that KFC coleslaw is great with chicken, but we love this fresh crisp version even more. We love it with any kind of BBQ dish, from ribs to chicken.

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks and Crispy Air Fryer French Fries.
BBQ Chicken wouldn’t be the same without coleslaw!
We also love serving a large scoop of creamy coleslaw with pulled pork sandwiches
Use it in place of lettuce on burgers and other favorites!

If serving at a potluck or summer event, ensure the slaw isn’t left out in the sun. Place the bowl of slaw in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled.

Storage

Store leftover coleslaw in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. After a couple of days, it may release a bit of water, drain it away (and add a tiny bit of mayonnaise if needed).

Unfortunately, coleslaw made with a mayonnaise base will not freeze well.

More Classic BBQ Side Salads

Did you make this Coleslaw recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

4.97 from 1604 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

The Best Coleslaw Recipe

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 6 servings

This creamy coleslaw is the best salad or sandwich topper. It's the perfect make-ahead dish, ideal for a BBQ or potluck!

Save Rate Print

Servings 6 servings

Prep Time 20

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
▢ 1 cup thinly sliced purple cabbage
▢ 1 cup shredded carrot

Dressing

▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
▢ 1 tablespoon white vinegar
▢ ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
▢ 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
▢ ½ teaspoon celery seed
▢ salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl.
Toss with cabbage & carrots. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Video

Notes

Cabbage and carrots above can be replaced with coleslaw mix.

Don’t skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish.

This dish is best after the flavors have had a chance to blend. Resting in the fridge also helps to soften the slaw.

Option 2: Vinaigrette Coleslaw Dressing:

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
4 tablespoons canola oil
3 tablespoons white sugar
½ teaspoon dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon celery seeds
salt & pepper to taste

4.97 from 1604 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

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