Coleslaw is a classic dish that brings a refreshing crunch and creamy richness to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, preparing a potluck dish, or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, this ultimate creamy coleslaw recipe is sure to satisfy. Combining shredded cabbage, fresh carrots, and a tangy dressing with just the right balance of sweetness, it’s the ideal accompaniment to various dishes like burgers, tacos, grilled foods, and more. This easy-to-make, yet flavorful coleslaw will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (optional, for added color)
- 1 cup carrots, grated or julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or substitute with granulated sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by finely shredding both the green cabbage and red cabbage. You can do this using a sharp knife, a box grater, or a food processor, depending on your preference. Once shredded, grate or julienne the carrots to add a bit of texture and color to your coleslaw. If you choose to include red onion for a touch of sharpness, slice it thinly and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage (if using), carrots, and red onion (optional). Toss them together gently to ensure even distribution of all the vegetables.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
To create the creamy dressing, take a small mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth. This will give your coleslaw the tangy, sweet base it needs. For a slightly more complex flavor, consider adding celery seed, although it’s not essential. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring it balances the creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors just right.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Dressing
Now that your vegetables are prepared and the dressing is ready, pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the dressing evenly coats every piece of cabbage and carrot. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture throughout the dish.
For the best flavor, cover the coleslaw and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Allowing it to chill and rest helps the flavors blend and develop more depth. The longer it sits, the more the ingredients will meld together.
Step 4: Serve
Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss to ensure the dressing hasn’t settled. Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish or as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or tacos. It’s the perfect way to enhance your meal with a bit of creamy crunch.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
This coleslaw pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes. It’s a perfect side for grilled chicken, burgers, fish tacos, or even as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches. You can also serve it alongside barbecue and grilled meats for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, but it still maintains its flavor and texture for a few days. Always give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Ultimate Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded (optional)
- 1 cup carrots, grated or julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or granulated sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the green cabbage, red cabbage (if using), and carrots using a sharp knife, box grater, or food processor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion (if using). Toss them together gently to mix evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seed (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Give the coleslaw a final toss before serving and enjoy it chilled as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and tacos.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this coleslaw in advance?
Absolutely! Coleslaw can be prepared up to a day ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will intensify and develop more as it sits in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.
2. How do I maintain a crunchy texture in coleslaw?
To keep your coleslaw nice and crunchy, avoid tossing the dressing with the vegetables until just before serving. You can also use less dressing and add more to taste, depending on how creamy or light you want the final dish to be.
3. Can I use a pre-made coleslaw mix?
Yes, using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a fantastic time-saver! Simply combine it with the dressing, toss, and you have an easy, delicious coleslaw ready to serve in no time.
4. Is there a way to make this coleslaw dairy-free?
Of course! To make this recipe dairy-free, just swap out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan variety or any other dairy-free mayonnaise alternative that fits your dietary preferences. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Tips and Variations for Customizing Your Coleslaw
- Make it sweeter or tangier: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste.
- Add more crunch: For a twist, consider adding some sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or even diced apples to the coleslaw for a delightful crunch.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version: If you’re looking for a lighter coleslaw, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a creamy but lower-fat option.
- Experiment with other veggies: While cabbage and carrots are the classic base for coleslaw, you can always mix things up by adding other fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for added flavor and color.
Recipe Adjustments
If you’re looking to feed a larger crowd or want to make more servings, you can easily double or triple this recipe. Just ensure that you maintain the same ratio of ingredients, and you’ll have a large batch of coleslaw ready for any gathering. Additionally, if you prefer a more finely shredded texture, using a food processor can speed up the prep process.
Conclusion: This creamy and crunchy coleslaw recipe is an unbeatable side dish that perfectly complements any summer barbecue or weeknight meal. With simple, fresh ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a delightful dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just as a side for dinner, this coleslaw is sure to stand out and become a staple in your recipe collection.
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautifully creamy and crunchy coleslaw every time. The versatile recipe can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether served with grilled meats, sandwiches, or tacos, this coleslaw is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or family meal.
