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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Hi: trying this receipe now for a party later this afternoon. I don’t have any apple cider vinegar and don’t have time to go out to get some. What can I sub. for it?
Thanks!
You can use white wine vinegar or additional white vinegar.
What type of Mayo do you prefer?
I usually use Hellmann’s but any brand will work.
Made this a couple of months ago for a gathering we were attending. Excellent! Going to make it again for a 4th of July party!
My first time making coleslaw and it was super easy and wicked tasty!
Will definitely be making this for years to come!
absolutely delicious.. never made coleslaw but I will ABSOLUTELY made this again… and again
Haven’t even let the flavours mingle yet but it’s easily my favourite. Only thing I did different was less sugar.
Looking forward to trying this. Can I make ahead and put in the fridge overnight or will it absorb too much of the sauce?
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.
As written the recipe is OK. After a number of hours in the fridge, and testing it, I did add more cider vinegar which helped quite a bit.
this is the best coleslaw recipe I ever had no need to change a thing
Love it
Sorry, I forgot to post my rating. But 5, easily, 5 stars!
Only substitution I made was fresh lemon juice for the white vinegar. It really is good. Reminded me of my mom’s recipe!
I am so glad you loved this recipe Marvin!
Followed recipe exactly… yes, do not skip the celery seeds!!! Excellent. My go to from now own.
This was just like mom used to make!
Hi! I’m planning on doubling this recipe for a party but choosing to go with pre-made slaw mix (#lazy) – how much pre-mix would you recommend buying? Thank you!!
If doubling this recipe you need about 12 cups of slaw mix. An average 14 ounce bag is about 6 cups. So you will need about two bags.
Great, thank you so much!!
I just started cooking and this was super easy. I love Cole slaw but it is almost never very good. Decided to make my own and this recipe said simple. This is not only simple but excellent. Thank you
Thank you so much for this recipe, it is perfect and so delicious. This is my first try at homemade, don’t like the deli slaw, and it is a hit and so easy to make. Finally, I can have the coleslaw I love.
I made this for a Mother’s Day gathering. Everyone really liked it, and I will be making it again!
Yes, I made this last summer for the first time and I loved, my family and coworkers. I think it offers a good balance between meat with or without barbecue sauce. it is quick and simple to make. I love the Trader Joes mixed slaw and the dressing is quick and simple vs a store bought. You can tailor the ingredients to your liking.
Good recipe but too sweet for my taste, I knock it down to one teaspoon of sugar.
this is truly the best slaw recipe. I looked for a while and always got over done recipes that don’t even resemble traditional slaw. All I wanted was a recipe to remind me of my childhood summer picnics. and this is it. thanks so much.