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.
A Classic Coleslaw Recipe
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.
Ingredients
BASE: We use a mixture of regular green cabbage, a bit of red (or purple) cabbage, and shredded carrots. You can swap this out for a bag of coleslaw mix but don’t limit it to cabbage try any “slaw” that your store carries.
DRESSING: Homemade coleslaw is so good because of the zesty creamy dressing. 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 cabbage using a mandoline, a food processor, or make thin slices with a knife. For the carrots, I grate them on the larger side of a box grater.
- Prep Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl (per the recipe below).
- Combine & Chill: Add the cabbage and carrots to the dressing and stir 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.
- Finley cut an apple (toss it in a bit of lemon juice) to make it into 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.
How to Make Coleslaw Dressing
The creamy dressing for this easy coleslaw recipe is homemade but ready in about 2 minutes. It’s so good!
What’s in Coleslaw Dressing? This coleslaw recipe uses mayonnaise as a base for a creamy slaw (my favorite kind) but I’ve included a vinaigrette-based dressing in the notes too.
Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture while the vinegar adds a slight tang. The small amount of sugar balances the dressing. Make sure you don’t skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish. This dressing is great on coleslaw but it’s also perfect on broccoli salad. Mix the dressing well before adding to the cabbage mixture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
Holly’s Tips
- Don’t skip the celery seed, it adds flavor to this classic coleslaw recipe.
- Whisk the dressing in a large bowl (instead of a small bowl) and add the cabbage to toss it all together, one less dish to wash!
- Coleslaw is best once it’s chilled for at least a couple of hours.
- 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.
What to Serve with Coleslaw
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.
- 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!
How to Store
Store this 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 Easy Sides You’ll Love
- Cucumber Avocado Salad – Fresh and easy
- Brussel Sprout Salad
- Cilantro Lime Coleslaw – Garden fresh!
- Old Fashioned Bean Salad – My mother-in-law’s recipe!
- Chickpea Salad Reader favorite!
- Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe
Did you make this Coleslaw recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
The Best Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage finely shredded
- 1 cup carrot finely shredded
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise/dressing
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- salt & 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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will this pair well with fried fish (sandwiches)?
Definitely! Enjoy the recipe Tiffany.
Absolutely delicious
Where can I find the coleslaw dressing recipw?
You can use the “JUMP TO RECIPE” button at the top of the page or find our coleslaw dressing here if you’d like just the dressing.
Hi getting ready to try this recipe looks fantastic! Has anyone had trouble with the red cabbage “bleeding “ and turning the whole thing purple? Want to make sure before I start thank you
I looked and my celery seed is ground. Should these be whole celery seeds?
I do use whole celery seeds in this recipe, but ground should work just fine Karen! You may want to reduce the amount used.
Absolutely the best coleslaw recipe I have tried. All the flavors blend well together to make the perfect taste. Perfect on bbq sandwiches.
My son and I LOVE this recipe! The cole slaw comes out so good. I just add a bit more sugar.
So happy to hear that, Karen! Thanks for sharing.
Really enjoy your recipes, this one is excellent! Nice combo between sweet/tart. Today is National Burger Day (who comes up with this national day stuff? IDK, they mentioned it on my morning local news program) Anyways, this slaw is in fridge awaiting the evening grilled burgers.. thanks, Holly!
My favorite was National Ice Cream Day last week! I’ll take any excuse to grab ice cream on these hot summer days! Hope this coleslaw recipe turned out great for you, Steve! Happy National Burger Day!
Looked better than it tasted.
How many days ahead can you make this?
Hi RHonda, it can be a day or two in advance and the cabbage should still be crisp and delicious when serving.
Perfect True taste of Coleslaw
Super easy to make and truest delicious! I didn’t have any celery seeds so I used poppy seeds just to give that “seedy” feeling. It’s now my go-to coleslaw recipe! Thanks for sharing ❤️
So happy you enjoyed it, Tamy!
It was a hit at the cookout.
great recipie Thanks!
You’re welcome!!
although thinly sliced, the green cabbage was actually tough to chew. are the stores selling older veggies? Never had this problem with farm bought veggies.
Hmm, strange. I am not sure Bernie! I could also be the crop this year making the cabbage a little tougher. You can also sub in a coleslaw mix from the grocery store if you prefer.
which kind of celery seeds do I have to use? ground or whole seeds?
I use whole seeds.
Fast..easy….super good!!
Is cider vinegar the same as apple cider vinegar?
Yes, it is.
Delicious
This is truly the best coleslaw ever, no lie!I guess the seeds make all the difference. Thank you for posting the recipe!
You’re welcome, Nina! Glad you enjoyed it.