The Best Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

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.

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (1)

A Classic Coleslaw Recipe

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.

Ingredients

BASE:We use a mixture of regular green cabbage, a bit of red (or purple) cabbage, and shredded carrots. You can swap this out for a bag of coleslaw mix but don’t limit it to cabbage try any “slaw” that your store carries.

DRESSING: Homemade coleslaw is so good because of the zesty creamy dressing. 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 perfectcreamyside dish.

  1. Shred Cabbage: Finely shred cabbage using a mandoline, a food processor, or make thin slices with a knife. For the carrots, I grate them on the larger side of a box grater.
  2. Prep Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl (per the recipe below).
  3. Combine & Chill: Add the cabbage and carrots to the dressing and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (2)

Variations

  • Swap the cabbage for pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix in the produce section of the grocery store.
  • Finely cut an apple (toss it in a bit of lemon juice) to make it into a CreamyAppleSlawRecipe.
  • 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.

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (3)

How to MakeColeslaw Dressing

The creamy dressing for this easy coleslaw recipe is homemade but ready in about 2 minutes. It’s so good!

What’s in Coleslaw Dressing?This coleslaw recipe uses mayonnaise as a base for a creamy slaw (my favorite kind) but I’ve included a vinaigrette-based dressing in the notes too.

Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture while the vinegar adds a slight tang. The small amount of sugar balances the dressing. Make sure you don’t skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish. This dressing is great on coleslaw but it’s also perfect on broccoli salad. Mix the dressing well before adding to the cabbage mixture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (4)

Holly’s Tips

  • Don’t skip the celery seed, it adds flavor to this classic coleslaw recipe.
  • Whisk the dressing in a large bowl (instead of a small bowl) and add the cabbage to toss it all together, one less dish to wash!
  • Coleslaw is best once it’s chilled for at least a couple of hours.
  • 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.

What to Serve with Coleslaw

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.

  • Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks andCrispy Air Fryer French Fries.
  • BBQ Chicken wouldn’t be the same without coleslaw!
  • We also love serving a large scoop of creamy coleslaw withpulled pork sandwiches
  • Use it in place of lettuce on burgersand other favorites!

How to Store

Store this 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 Easy Sides You’ll Love

  • Cucumber Avocado Salad– Fresh and easy
  • Brussel Sprout Salad
  • Cilantro Lime Coleslaw– Garden fresh!
  • Old Fashioned Bean Salad– My mother-in-law’s recipe!
  • Chickpea SaladReader favorite!
  • Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe

Did you make this Coleslaw recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (5)

4.99 from 1432 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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The Best Coleslaw Recipe

This creamy coleslaw is the best salad or sandwich topper. It's the perfect make-ahead dish, ideal for a BBQ or potluck!

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ReviewPrint

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (6)

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Chill Time 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (7)

Servings 6 servings

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (8)

Author Holly Nilsson

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

  • 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

Cabbage and carrots above can be replaced with coleslaw mix.

Don’t skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish.

This dish is best after the flavors have had a chance to blend. Resting in the fridge also helps to soften the slaw.

Option 2: Vinaigrette Coleslaw Dressing:

  • 3tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4tablespoonscanola oil
  • 3tablespoonswhite sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seeds
  • salt &peppertotaste

4.99 from 1432 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 160 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3942IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (9) Course Salad, Side Dish

The Best Coleslaw Recipe (10) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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Healthy Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes

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Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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The Best Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is apple cider vinegar better than white vinegar for coleslaw? ›

Whether your coleslaw is with or without mayonnaise, simple or chock-full of ingredients, a splash of this vinegar adds a welcome fruity and tangy note that's more balanced and not as sharp as other types of vinegar, like white or red wine vinegar.

What is KFC coleslaw made of? ›

There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don't use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

It's packed with shredded cabbage and julienned carrots (for health!) and tossed in the holy triumvirate of coleslaw dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar for acidity, honey for balance, and mayonnaise to tie it all together (feel free to substitute up to half the mayo for tangier Greek yogurt or sour cream for an ...

Which is stronger, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar? ›

White vinegar is stronger than apple cider with a higher percentage of acetic acid. Reach for apple cider vinegar when you want to add flavor to salad dressings and sauces. Choose distilled white vinegar when you want to pickle foods or add acidity without imparting any extra flavors.

What can I use instead of cider vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar. Lemon Juice.

What is Popeyes coleslaw made of? ›

Made with cabbage, red pepper, carrot and onion, this awesome recipe for coleslaw has all of the ingredients you love about traditional coleslaw and is topped with a slightly sweet dressing that sets it apart from many other coleslaw recipes…

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is Zaxby's coleslaw made of? ›

Fresh diced green cabbage and carrots with specialty dressing, made in-house daily. Small (8 oz.) serves 2.

What is Amish coleslaw made of? ›

CABBAGE, MAYONNAISE (SOYBEAN OIL, EGG YOLKS [EGG YOLKS, SALT], HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR, MUSTARD [WATER, DISTILLED VINEGAR, MUSTARD SEED, SALT, SPICES], WATER, SALT), FRUCTOSE, SUGAR, CARROTS, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, GLUCONO DELTA LACTONE, PEA FIBER, ERYTHORBIC ACID (TO ...

What is in Mary Brown's coleslaw? ›

If you're in the mood for something creamy, sweet, and tangy, coleslaw is an excellent option. Mary Brown's shreds fresh cabbage and carrots in house, and tops it with a creamy dressing.

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Once you settle on your variety of cabbage, always opt for the freshest heads possible. They should be firm, dense, and heavy with crisp, vibrant, tightly packed leaves. Older, overripe heads often have a more pungent smell and are more likely to taste bitter.

What is traditional coleslaw made of southern living? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for salad? ›

Apple cider vinegar

The apples give the vinegar a lightly sweet yet tangy taste with a fruity undertone. This vinegar is on the lighter end of the spectrum in terms of tang, but will still add that classic vinegar taste to your meal. It works well in salad dressings as well as pickling and marinating.

Is white vinegar better than apple cider vinegar for pickles? ›

Because apple cider vinegar is made from apples rather than barley, corn rice or wine, it gives pickles a mellower taste. Using a white distilled vinegar, for example, will create a harsher flavour. But as well as being gentler on your palate, using apple cider vinegar also adds health benefits to pickles.

What can I use instead of white wine vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Light-bodied rice vinegar is among the most versatile white wine vinegar substitutes. Also called rice wine vinegar, it's made from white, brown, or black rice that's fermented until the sugars and starches turn into alcohol and then acetic acid.

Does apple cider vinegar help with bad cold? ›

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Symptom Relief

Apple cider vinegar can also provide relief from the unpleasant symptoms that often accompany colds and flu. Gargling with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and warm water can soothe a sore throat by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria.

References

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