The Classic Creamy Coleslaw Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting the best coleslaw recipe can turn an ordinary meal into a crisp, refreshing adventure.

A side dish that dances with vibrant flavors and crunch.

Summer barbecues and picnics deserve something spectacular on the plate.

This version blends tangy and sweet notes in perfect harmony.

Creamy yet light, the slaw brings unexpected excitement to your table.

Vegetables get a delightful makeover with this simple technique.

Skeptical about coleslaw?

You’ll want to bookmark this game-changing recipe right now.

FAQs For The Best Coleslaw Recipe

• Why use apple cider vinegar in the dressing?

Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that balances the creamy mayonnaise and brings a subtle fruity note to the coleslaw, making the flavor more complex and refreshing.

• Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! This coleslaw actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, as it allows the flavors to blend and develop more depth.

• Is this coleslaw healthy?

While delicious, this recipe is moderately healthy. It contains vegetables and uses minimal sugar, but the mayonnaise makes it a bit indulgent. For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

• What makes this coleslaw different from others?

The addition of Dijon mustard and celery seed gives this coleslaw a more sophisticated flavor profile compared to standard recipes, elevating it from a simple side dish to something more gourmet.

What Makes Best Coleslaw A Favorite Side

• Create Quick Flavor Explosion: This coleslaw delivers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors that dance together in every single bite, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Customize with Ease: The simple base recipe allows for endless variations, letting home cooks add personal twists like chopped herbs, nuts, or different vinegars to match their taste preferences.
• Prepare in Minutes: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward chopping and mixing steps, this coleslaw comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The recipe actually improves after chilling, which means you can prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld, reducing stress and saving precious time during meal preparation.

What Goes Into The Best Coleslaw Recipe

• Cabbage: Crisp base for coleslaw, provides crunchy texture and classic flavor. Green or white cabbage works best, finely shredded for optimal mixing.
• Carrots: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, complementing the cabbage. Grate or julienne for even distribution.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar: Smooth, tangy foundation creating rich and balanced flavor. Use full-fat mayonnaise for best consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dressing. Choose smooth, high-quality mustard.

• Sugar, Celery Seed, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste profile, balancing sweetness and providing gentle spice. Adjust seasonings to personal preference. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.

How To Whip Up The Best Coleslaw

Step 1: Shred Crisp Vegetables

Grab a sharp knife or mandoline and slice green cabbage into delicate, thin strips. Peel fresh carrots and grate them using a box grater, creating delightful orange ribbons. Toss the cabbage and carrots together in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring a beautiful color blend.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Dressing

• Celery seeds
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend these ingredients until the mixture transforms into a silky, harmonious sauce.

Step 3: Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the vibrant dressing over the shredded vegetables. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold and toss until every cabbage and carrot strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavor

Cover the coleslaw with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap. Slide the bowl into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least one hour. This resting period allows the flavors to dance and mingle, creating a more robust taste experience.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the coleslaw from the refrigerator. Give it a final gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Top Tips For Making The Best Coleslaw

• Customize Your Crunch: Swap traditional cabbage with red cabbage or add a mix of green and red for a vibrant, colorful presentation.
• Balance Dietary Needs: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to accommodate different dietary preferences without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Include finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley to introduce an unexpected burst of freshness and complexity.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance to allow flavors to develop more intensely, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
• Control Moisture Level: Drain excess liquid from shredded vegetables before mixing to prevent a watery coleslaw and maintain the perfect crisp consistency.

How To Keep The Best Coleslaw Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crisp vegetables might release some moisture, so drain any excess liquid before serving again.
• Stir Before Serving: Gently mix the coleslaw before enjoying to redistribute the dressing and revive its fresh texture. The flavors continue to develop while chilling.
• Avoid Freezing: Skip freezing coleslaw, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and vegetables will become soggy when thawed. Fresh is always best for this creamy salad.
• Quick Refresh: If the coleslaw seems dry after storing, add a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or a dollop of fresh mayonnaise to perk up the consistency and brighten the flavors.

Best Dishes To Serve With The Best Coleslaw

• Savor Southern BBQ Companions: This tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or crispy fried chicken. The cool, creamy texture cuts through rich, fatty meats and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Elevate Picnic Plate Dynamics: Serve alongside grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, or classic summer potato salad. The zesty crunch adds brightness and balances heavier barbecue dishes.
• Match with Crisp Beverages: Complement the coleslaw's vinegary notes with light, cold drinks like a crisp pilsner beer, chilled white wine (especially sauvignon blanc), or a sparkling hard cider. These beverages enhance the dish's tangy profile and provide a clean, refreshing finish.
• Create Sandwich Sidekick Magic: Use this coleslaw as a topping for pulled pork or chicken sandwiches, adding extra texture and a bright, creamy element that elevates the entire meal experience.

Ways To Change Up The Best Coleslaw

• Spicy Southwest Coleslaw: Add diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dash of chili powder to create a zesty, Mexican-inspired version with a kick of heat.
• Asian Sesame Coleslaw: Replace apple cider vinegar with rice vinegar, mix in sesame oil, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an aromatic and tangy Asian-style slaw.
• Greek-Inspired Coleslaw: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a Mediterranean twist.
• Creamy Apple Coleslaw: Fold in diced green apples and use honey instead of sugar to add a subtle sweetness and crisp texture to the classic recipe.

Best Coleslaw Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty coleslaw brings summer picnic magic to your plate with crisp cabbage and tangy dressing. Fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this classic side dish an irresistible companion for grilled meats and sandwiches you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 4 cups (300 grams / 10.6 ounces) green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 cups (150 grams / 5.3 ounces) red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup (100 grams / 3.5 ounces) carrots, grated or julienned

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather a spacious mixing vessel and introduce shredded cabbage and grated carrots, carefully blending the crisp vegetable medley to ensure uniform distribution.
2. In a separate compact container, vigorously whisk mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, creating a smooth emulsion that incorporates Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Delicately cascade the prepared dressing over the vegetable foundation, gently folding and rotating until each shred becomes gloriously enrobed in the creamy mixture.
4. Seal the coleslaw within a container and retreat to the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop deeper flavor nuances for approximately 30-45 minutes.
5. Prior to serving, re-awaken the coleslaw with a final, gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and reinvigorate the texture, ensuring every portion remains equally succulent and well-seasoned.

Notes

• Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter, healthier version that cuts calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to boost the flavor profile and introduce a bright, fresh element to the classic coleslaw.
• Toast a few sunflower or pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on top for an unexpected crunch that enhances the salad’s texture and provides extra nutritional value.
• Experiment with different vinegars like rice wine or white balsamic to create unique flavor variations that keep this side dish exciting and adaptable to different meal styles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg