This coleslaw recipe uses shredded cabbage that is crisp, vibrant, and dressed simply with a creamy dressing that has a tinge of sweetness.
This will be a go-to side dish for practically any event with some cabbage (or coleslaw mix) and a few basic ingredients.
The Perfect Coleslaw Recipe
This recipe for cole slaw is the greatest; it’s easy to make and great for gatherings and summer potlucks.
- Only a few items are required, most of which you probably already have.
- To make it even simpler, use a coleslaw mix or green and red cabbage.
- Making the creamy coleslaw dressing only takes two minutes.
- Since it is best prepared in advance, this is perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
BASE:
We combine shredded carrots, standard green cabbage, and a small amount of red (or purple) cabbage. This can be substituted for a bag of slaw mix, but don’t limit yourself to cabbage; use any type of “slaw” that your store sells.
DRESSING:
The tangy, creamy dressing on homemade coleslaw is what makes it so delicious. You’ll want something tangy and sweet, although store-bought dressing can be utilized if you’re short on time (or ingredients).
Make Coleslaw at Home
You can make colorful coleslaw very quickly! The ideal creamy side dish is made in just 3 easy steps.
Shred Cabbage: Use a mandoline, a food processor, or thinly slice the cabbage with a knife to get fine shreds. I use a box grater’s larger side to grate the carrots.
Dressing preparation: In a big basin, whisk the ingredients for the dressing (per the recipe below).
Combine and chill: Stir the cabbage and carrots into the dressing. Place in the fridge for at least an hour.
Variations
- Replace the cabbage with pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix from the grocery store’s produce section.
- For a Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe, Finley chopped an apple and added some lemon juice to it.
- Use the vinaigrette dressing in the notes or the creamy dressing in the recipe below.
- Use yogurt in favor of some or all of the mayonnaise in this recipe to make it lighter.
Make Coleslaw Dressing at Home
This simple coleslaw recipe uses a homemade creamy dressing that just takes two minutes to prepare. It’s fantastic!
How is cole slaw dressing made? The creamy slaw in this recipe for cole slaw—my favorite kind—is made with mayonnaise, but I’ve also included a vinaigrette-based dressing in the notes.
The vinegar lends a subtle tang, while the mayonnaise adds a creamy mouthfeel. A tiny bit of sugar helps the dressing to balance. Don’t forget the celery seed; it truly gives this dish a lot of flavors.
This dressing is fantastic on broccoli salad as well as on cole slaw. Before adding the dressing to the cabbage mixture, thoroughly combine everything. Add salt and black pepper after tasting and seasoning.
Holly’s Advice
Don’t omit the celery seeds; they give this traditional coleslaw dish character.
Instead of using a small bowl, whisk the dressing in a big basin. Add the cabbage and toss to combine.
Coleslaw tastes best after chilling for at least a few hours.
Make sure the slaw isn’t left out in the sun if you’re serving it at a summer party or potluck. To keep the slaw cool, put it in a bigger bowl that has been packed with ice.
What to put alongside cole slaw?
Although we are aware that KFC coleslaw pairs well with chicken, we actually like this fresh, crunchy version. We adore it with any barbecue dish.
Crispy Air Fryer French Fries and Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks.
Without coleslaw, BBQ chicken wouldn’t be the same!
In addition, we enjoy serving a generous portion of creamy coleslaw alongside pulled pork sandwiches.
Put it on burgers and other favorite dishes in place of lettuce!
How to Keep?
This coleslaw keeps for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. It might leak some water after a few days and drain it away (and add a tiny bit of mayonnaise if needed).
Unfortunately, mayonnaise-based coleslaw won’t freeze well.
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
- In a bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients.
- Combine with carrots and cabbage. Allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
The above carrots and cabbage can be swapped out for coleslaw mix.
Don’t omit the celery seed; it gives this dish a ton of flavor.
The flavors of this dish are greatest after they have had some time to meld. The slaw can be made softer by chilling it.
Option 2: Coleslaw Dressing with Vinaigrette
- apple cider vinegar, 3 teaspoons
- Canola oil, 4 tablespoons
- White sugar, 3 tablespoons
- 1/2 tsp. of dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp. celery seeds
- pepper and salt to taste