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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.
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!
The Best Coleslaw Recipe
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
- 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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Can I use apple cider vinegar in this since I don’t have cider vinegar? I’m going to make this for dinner this evening and don’t want to go to the store.
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar. Enjoy Tonya!
Excellent salad that is easily scaleable. I made it for 20 people and added 1 cup of dried cranberries for taste and texture. Great taste!
I am making for 24 people. Did you double or triple recipe?
this recipe is so good. my husband wasn’t a big coleslaw fan and he ate half the bowl
Can I make the salad a day in advance or does it have to be made the same day?
You can make it a day ahead, the slaw may release a little bit of liquid. You could also mix the dressing the day ahead and toss it together a few hours before serving.
This is a great salad, and to make it even healthier, don’t add sugar, but add 1/2 cup fresh chopped pineapple and a half cup of walnuts.
This is a great salad, and to make it even healthier, don’t add sugar, but add 1/2 cup fresh chopped pineapple and a half cup of walnuts.
Best coleslaw. My husband liked it and doesn’t usually like coleslaw. I had to substitute finely grated celery in the dressing for celery seed but the dressing was great
That is great, Kathleen! So happy you guys both enjoyed it.
This is the best recipe, I have made this so many times. Instead of sugar I use honey and a little lemon juice.
Great recipe. I improvised by adding a level teaspoon of dried ground mustard and a tablespoon of dry dill weed. DELISH!!!
why don’t you give the measurements for the coleslaw dressing.
To find the full list of ingredients and amounts you can find them by scrolling to the bottom to the recipe or hit the “jump to recipe” button in the top header. I hope this helps Elaine!
This is the most delicious coleslaw I ever had. My husband normally likes potato salad but since I made this for him he actually prefers this. It’s such a great side dish or sandwich topper. Thanks for sharing!
I love this recipe. The perfect coleslaw and I made it. If it looks like you need more just make another batch of dressing. It’s so easy. Thank you soo much for this.
Absolutely perfect!
Eating this as I type.
Delicious-had it with pizza and jacket potato
It really is the best coleslaw and so easy no need to change.a thing and in no time it’s done
Thank you
I had lost my mother’s coleslaw recipe, and was looking for something just like this! The celery seed is a new twist, but it adds a wonderful dimension. Thanks so much-delicious!
Just yummy! Used a prepackaged bag of coleslaw. Dressing was easy-peasy. Used plant-based mayo to make it vegan friendly. Will try the vinaigrette recipe next time.Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Just made this to go with a bbq brisket. I used a 16oz bag of coleslaw mix which came out to 6 cups. The flavor is amazing! Just the right amount of sweet and tart, and it wasn’t drowning in sauce. Just the way I like it!
This is Awesome even my fussy husband said it was a keeper
Thank you for a great recipe
You’re very welcome Lorraine!
My family LOVES this cole slaw! I make it weekly. The only change I make is to add 1 tablespoon of sugar vs 2 tsp. We like it a little sweeter.
Super easy. Super quick. The hardest part was grating the carrot because I didn’t want to dig out my food processor. Lol. Good for the arms anyway. Oh my gosh this was so tasty! I just used regular cabbage and carrot, as that’s what I had in the fridge. Next time, I might try reversing the measurements of cider vinegar and white – or maybe try a touch of balsamic? Thank you for the quick and easy recipe.