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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Classic Coleslaw: Recipe Highlights
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.
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 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!
Keep it Cool!
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!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red 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
- 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
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Salad, Side Dish
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perfect…even my husband who doesn’t like mayo based coleslaw loves this recipe
I thought this was terrible. Once and done.
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy it as much as we do Wanda.
This was wonderful. I added a little more mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar at the End to get the desired consistency. Might think about what would give it a not over/powering but still pleasant zing.
The best coleslaw ever!
So good and so easy. I only needed enough for two turkey Reubens so I reduced the recipe. And used probably less than a teaspoon of honey rather than sugar as I didn’t want it too sweet. Very good and easy recipe. I’m also wondering if you could mix in salad dressing like Miracle Whip with the mayo instead of sugar. Probably. The seasonings are spot on and absolutely don’t leave out the celery seed. But, I have no doubt this recipe would be excellent exactly as written.
I used to work at an inside farmer’s market. There was a bagel stand there and the owner made Turkey Reubens with coleslaw. All he did was mix mayo with shredded cabbage and salt and pepper. It was actually good. By the time the Russian dressing was added you couldn’t tell the difference.
This coleslaw is tangy and bitter.
Oh no, I am sorry this didn’t turn out as expected for you, Michael!
Yummmm
This is a solid recipe as is, and can be adapted depending on taste and what’s in the fridge. Always adding celery salt for me, that’s perfect. Sometimes a grated jalapeño or Granny Smith apple, maybe a dash of sriracha in the sauce. Minced onion is also nice. This is very good with fish taco meal as well!
Jennifer – I thought about grating an apple into the coleslaw tonight, but I was pressed for time, so I’ll definitely have to try it next time instead.
This is a great base recipe and easy to modify to suit individual tastes. I didn’t have red cabbage but I did have some broccoli stems to use up, so I peeled and shredded those along with the carrots and cabbage. I dislike sweet slaw so I reduced the sugar by half, and subbed plain greek yogurt for half of the mayo as suggested. The end result was delicious!
This was delicious. I followed the recipe exactly and used prepared coleslaw mix. Next time I will try the dressing with yogurt instead of mayo to lighten it up as suggested. I will also try with an apple added as suggested
Could you add crasins (dried cranberries) to this recipe?
You definitely can! That would be a delicious addition.
Outstanding
Really like the recipe, it has all the basics, and good suggestions for variations.
Cole slaw is one of the simple, great dishes, with a ton of uses.
Really glad I found this site – I like the practical nature of the information. Bookmarked.
Really good old fashioned coleslaw. Yummy!
I made recipe eliminating both the vinegar & sugar in the dressing. My family raved about it and want it again soon.
Kelli from Mckinney
I’ve made this recipe multiple times. The measurements are perfect! It never disappoints!
Great recipe, added a half of a Granny Smith apple, shredded, and a splash or two of sriracha- it’s perfect with fish tacos!
As promised, this is the best cole slaw recipe that I have made. It will definitely be me go-to from now on!
Do you have the calorie count for The Best Coleslaw Recipe?
Hi Cheryl, the nutrition information can be found just beneath the recipe. I hope that helps!
Can I substitute honey for sugar in the coleslaw recipe?
I haven’t tried it but I don’t see any reason it wouldn’t work.