The Ultimate Easy Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Discover the secret to a perfectly crispy, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy homemade coleslaw that will quickly become your go-to side dish for any occasion. This classic recipe features finely shredded cabbage coated in a sweet and tangy dressing, delivering a burst of refreshing flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving it alongside juicy burgers, topping savory tacos, or simply enjoying it on its own, this easy coleslaw is guaranteed to elevate your meal and delight your taste buds. It’s the quintessential addition to any potluck, barbecue, or family dinner, providing a vibrant contrast and a delightful texture that complements almost anything.
Summer gatherings and grilling events just aren’t complete without a generous bowl of coleslaw. It’s a versatile dish that graces every potluck and barbecue, often appearing in various forms. While you might enjoy a spicy Mexican Coleslaw perfect for fish tacos, or a lighter No Mayo Coleslaw that can endure warmer temperatures, this particular recipe brings you back to the beloved classic. We’ve even explored unique options like Cranberry Apple Coleslaw for a fun, non-traditional twist. However, for that familiar comfort and universally adored taste, this easy, creamy homemade coleslaw stands out as the traditional favorite that everyone knows and loves. Its balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it a timeless crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Adore This Classic Coleslaw Recipe
- Effortless Preparation. No matter the time of year, but especially during the busy summer months, simplicity in the kitchen is key. You won’t need to spend hours to create this delicious side. The rich and flavorful dressing comes together in mere minutes, and then it’s just a matter of tossing everything together. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings or weeknight meals.
- Perfect for Making Ahead. One of the best qualities of this coleslaw, much like many great salads, is that its flavors deepen and improve as it rests. Allowing it to chill for a couple of hours gives the dressing time to meld with the cabbage, enhancing every ingredient. This makes it an excellent candidate for meal prep; simply prepare it in the morning and it will be perfectly chilled and bursting with flavor by the time your evening party or dinner arrives, saving you precious last-minute kitchen time.
- Smart Kitchen Shortcuts. This homemade coleslaw can be assembled incredibly quickly, especially if you take advantage of store-bought pre-shredded cabbage and carrots. These convenient options drastically cut down on prep time, allowing you to enjoy fresh, delicious coleslaw without the hassle of extensive chopping. Even with these shortcuts, the vibrant flavors and crisp texture remain, proving that sometimes, convenience doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Coleslaw
For the exact measurements and full instructions, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Green Cabbage
- Purple Cabbage
- Carrots
- Mayonnaise (Mayo)
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Granulated Sugar
- Salt & Black Pepper
- Yellow Mustard
- Onion Powder
- Celery Seed
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. While using fresh green and purple cabbage alongside carrots offers the best texture and color, you can absolutely opt for convenience by swapping these out for a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the grocery store. This shortcut makes preparation even faster without sacrificing flavor. Furthermore, this versatile dressing isn’t limited to traditional cabbage; it pairs wonderfully with broccoli slaw or other “slaw” mixes available, allowing you to customize your side dish to your preference or what you have on hand. The tangy and sweet dressing is incredibly forgiving and complements a wide range of vegetables.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Homemade Coleslaw
- Prepare the Cabbage & Carrots. If you’re not using a pre-shredded mix, carefully shred both your green and purple cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline for thin, uniform strips. For carrots, you can either purchase them pre-shredded or use a box grater to grate them yourself. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure the best texture and even distribution of the dressing.
- Whip Up the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, yellow mustard, onion powder, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all the spices are fully incorporated. This ensures a uniform flavor profile for your coleslaw.
- Combine and Toss Vigorously. Transfer your shredded cabbage and carrots into a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly made dressing over the vegetables. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently but thoroughly toss the ingredients until every strand of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. This step is crucial for ensuring a flavorful bite every time.
- Chill for Optimal Flavor & Texture. Once mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to slightly soften while retaining its crispness, resulting in a perfectly balanced and refreshing coleslaw.
Expert Tips & Clever Suggestions for Perfect Coleslaw
- Mayo Alternatives for Lighter Options: If you’re not a big fan of mayonnaise, or simply prefer a lighter dressing, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute. Its creamy texture and slight tang work beautifully with the other dressing ingredients. There’s enough seasoning in the dressing that the swap will go largely unnoticed, providing a healthier yet equally delicious outcome.
- The Importance of Chilling Time: For the absolute best flavor and texture, resist the urge to serve your coleslaw immediately. Allowing it to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even better, two, is crucial. This resting period allows the dressing’s flavors to fully meld with the vegetables, creating a more harmonious and delicious side dish. The cabbage also absorbs some of the dressing, making it more tender yet still crisp.
- Serving Safely at Gatherings: When serving this creamy coleslaw at a potluck, picnic, or outdoor event, be mindful of food safety. Due to the mayonnaise base, it should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. After this time, bacteria can start to form, making it unsafe to eat. Always keep it chilled in a cooler or refrigerator until just before serving, and discard any leftovers that have been out for too long.
- Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess: The perfect coleslaw is a matter of personal preference. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and apple cider vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, add a bit more sugar; for a tangier kick, a splash more vinegar will do the trick. Taste as you go and adjust until you find your ideal balance.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: For an extra layer of freshness, consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs to your coleslaw. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or chives can brighten the flavors and add an aromatic touch that elevates the dish. Add them just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Homemade Coleslaw
While everyone knows that creamy coleslaw is the undisputed champion alongside classic hamburgers and hot dogs at your summer barbecue, its versatility extends far beyond. Its cool, crisp texture and tangy flavor provide a refreshing contrast to a variety of rich or savory main dishes. Here are a few other delectable ideas to mix things up and make your coleslaw shine:
- Smoked Pork Belly: The vibrant crunch of coleslaw perfectly cuts through the richness and smoky notes of succulent pork belly, creating a beautifully balanced meal.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Drumsticks: This easy side dish complements tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken drumsticks by adding a fresh, tangy element that brightens the entire plate.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: A classic pairing! Piling a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw on top of a savory pulled pork sandwich adds essential moisture, crunch, and a delicious counterpoint to the BBQ sauce.
- Grilled Avocado Chicken: The refreshing qualities of coleslaw make it an ideal accompaniment to grilled chicken, especially when paired with a light salsa, providing a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Coleslaw is also fantastic with fried chicken, fish and chips, and any hearty sandwich or wrap that needs a textural and flavor boost.
Storing Your Homemade Coleslaw for Freshness
To keep your coleslaw tasting its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for about 3-4 days. It’s common for coleslaw to release some water after a day or two, making it seem a bit watery. Don’t worry, this is normal! Simply drain off any excess liquid and give it a good stir. If needed, you can revive its creaminess and flavor by mixing in a tiny bit more mayonnaise and a pinch of salt and pepper before serving again. This quick trick will bring it right back to life.
It’s important to note that coleslaw does not freeze well. Freezing causes the cabbage to lose its crisp texture and become soggy and unappetizing once thawed. Therefore, this is a dish best made fresh when you plan to serve and enjoy it within a few days.
More Irresistible Summer Side Dish Recipes
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Grilled Potato Packs
- Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Corn Fritters
- Classic Potato Salad
- Baked Beans
Homemade Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Coleslaw Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Mix together all of the coleslaw dressing ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.1/2 cup mayo, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots and mix until combined and everything is evenly coated.3 cups green cabbage, 2 cups purple cabbage, 1 cup shredded carrots
- Cover with and place in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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