Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw with Grapes takes the classic coleslaw to the next level with the addition of juicy, sweet grapes. This dish combines the crunch of cabbage, the tang of a creamy dressing, and the burst of freshness from the grapes, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or any meal that needs a touch of freshness.
To make this coleslaw, start by shredding green and purple cabbage into fine strips. This gives the slaw a beautiful color contrast and a good mix of crunchy textures. Next, add some thinly sliced carrots for added sweetness and crunch. For the star ingredient, slice fresh grapes in half, red or green grapes work well for this recipe. The grapes add a refreshing, natural sweetness that complements the tangy dressing.
For the creamy dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, a touch of apple cider vinegar for tang, Dijon mustard for flavor, and a pinch of sugar for sweetness. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until smooth. Toss the shredded cabbage, carrots, and grapes in the dressing until everything is well coated. If you want a little extra flavor, you can add a bit of chopped green onion or a sprinkle of celery seeds.
Allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. The result is a rich, creamy coleslaw with a hint of sweetness from the grapes and a satisfying crunch from the vegetables.
This Best Ever Creamy Coleslaw with Grapes is an irresistible side dish that brings a unique, fresh twist to a traditional favorite. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fried chicken, or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. Whether served at a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, this coleslaw is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Traditional coleslaw is made from finely shredded cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy dressing typically made of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Yes! In fact, coleslaw often tastes better after chilling for a few hours, as the flavors meld. However, for maximum crunch, it’s best eaten within 24 hours of preparation.
Homemade coleslaw can last up to 3–5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Coleslaw can be a healthy side dish, especially if you use a lighter dressing like Greek yogurt or vinaigrette. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants from the cabbage.
Absolutely! Try vinaigrette-based coleslaw using olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and seasonings for a lighter and tangier version.
Green cabbage is most common, but red cabbage adds color and crunch. Napa or savoy cabbage can be used for a more tender slaw.
Coleslaw pairs perfectly with BBQ, fried chicken, sandwiches, burgers, fish tacos, and grilled meats. It’s a versatile side dish for summer cookouts and picnics.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green cabbage shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots.
- Add the halved grapes to the cabbage mixture and toss lightly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
Had no honey, used sugar instead. Still tasted fine! yumz! 😀
This coleslaw is amazing! The grapes add such a nice sweetness. My kids loved it!
Wait, coleslaw has grapes? I don’t know about that, seems weird to me.
Simple recipe and tasty! I didn’t have grapes, so I used apples instead, still good!
Best evr coleslaw! @_<3 a must try for summer barbecues!
Made this for a potluck and it vanished! Super creamy and delicious.
Too much mayonnaise for my taste. I prefer a tangy slaw, but my family liked it.
I wasn’t sure about the grapes in coleslaw, but wow! It worked! Definitely making this again.
Why do people put fruit in salad? Makes no sense. I will stick to plain slaw.
Uhg!!! First time making coleslaw and this turned out all watery for me! What did I do wrong?
This slaw is amazing! The grapes add such a unique twist. My family loved it!
Grapes in slaw? 🤔 I dunno, seems a bit odd to me. But if your family liked it, I guess it’s worth a try.
I’ve never thought of putting grapes in coleslaw! Sounds interesting. Gonna try it out!
Yuuuuum! I added red onion too! Perfect!
I made this for a potluck and it was the first thing to disappear!
Sounds delicious! I love when recipes are a hit at gatherings. Gonna try this soon!
Really? Coleslaw with grapes? Not sure if that’s gonna be good. Sounds kinda weird…
I used light mayo instead and it was still delish! Did I mess it up?
Why do you need apple cider vinegar? Any other kind work? 🤔
I dunno, ain’t all vinegar kinda the same? My grandma just used white vinegar for everything. 🤷♂️
Apple cider vinegar adds a unique tang that really brightens the flavor! You could use regular vinegar, but it won’t be the same. 😋
I added some nuts for crunch and it was sooo good! Highly recommend!!
Nuts in coleslaw? That’s kinda weird, but if you liked it, great! I’m gonna try that.
Yea, but doesn’t that mess with the creamy taste? Just stick to the recipe. No nuts needed!
This coleslaw is AMAZING! The grapes add a sweet touch that I just love. Highly recommend!
I was skeptical about grapes in coleslaw but I tried it and wow, you’re right! It’s so good!
I was skeptical, but wow! So good! Who knew grapes in coleslaw could work? 😂
Who knew grapes could go in coleslaw? Mind blown! 😂
Coleslaw should not have grapes! That’s just wrong! 👎
Grapes add a nice sweetness! It’s actually really good. 😋
Why not grapes? They are fruit, and fruit goes in salad! Just try it.
Super tasty! I added some pecans on top for crunch. Will make again!
Meh. Just a salad with grapes, nothing special. Should’ve added some nuts or something.
I tried this recipe with broccoli instead of cabbage and it turned out fine. Who needs cabbage anyway? LOL
Not sure if that would taste as good as the original. Cabbage is kinda essential, right?
Broccoli?! That’s a twist! I might have to try it this way. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t like raw veggies much but this one was alright, I guess.
Yeah, I get it! Raw veggies can be hit or miss. The dressing really helps, though!
This coleslaw made my barbecue pop! Everyone loved it, thanks!
I’m so glad to hear that! This coleslaw is a hit at my barbecues too. 😄
Grapes? In coleslaw? I don’t know about that… Seems weird to me.
I don’t understand why everyone raves about adding grapes. It was kinda weird. Not sure I’ll make this again.
Easy and delish! Perfect for summer BBQs.
This is the best coleslaw recipe ever! I love the grapes in it! 😍
The recipe says chill at least 30 minutes… I did 2 hours and it got better, not worse. Next time I’ll add a pinch of celery seed too.
Coleslaw is coleslaw! Not too impressed with the grapes.
I actually think the grapes add a nice sweetness! But I get that it’s not for everyone. 🙄
I forgot the grapes and it was still super tasty! Who would’ve thought?
Seems too complicated. Just mix some cabbage and mayo it’s enough.
I get what you mean, but this sounds way better than just mayo and cabbage! The grapes add a nice sweetness.
I’m not a fan of mayo, so I subbed yogurt. Still tasty.
Just okay… my grandma’s recipe is way better.
Your grandma must have a secret ingredient! Everyone has their own taste, though. I thought this was pretty good.
A bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe less honey next time?
Not bad but could use more sweetness, maybe add sugar?
I agree, a little more sugar could make it perfect!
Tried it but it wasn’t creamy enough for me. Maybe I used too little mayo?
I think it might be the mayo! I usually add a little more for that creaminess. Don’t be shy! 😊
Too creamy is gross tho! I like a lil crunch. 🤷♂️
This is just like my grandma’s recipe but she never used grapes. Very refreshing!
Such a simple recipe! My family devoured it at the BBQ. Will be a staple for sure!
Totally agree! This slaw is a hit! Perfect with BBQ. I added some nuts for crunch, yum!
Honestly, grapes in coleslaw? Sounds weird. I prefer my slaw without fruit!
I don’t know, the combination of grapes and cabbage sounds weird. I can’t picture it. 🤔
Tasty! But why the honey? Thought it was suppose to be savory.
I dunno, honey seems weird for coleslaw. I just want it crunchy and savory, not sweet. Can’t say I’m a fan of this recipe.
I think the honey adds a nice balance to the dish! It gives it a bit of sweetness that complements the tangy dressing. Totally worth it!
Can we use white grapes instead? I can’t find red ones anywhere!
I don’t like mayo, can I use yogurt instead? Help!
One word: yum.
Yum! Simple and delicious!
Absolutely! The grapes add such a nice twist! 😍
I don’t know about grapes in coleslaw… seems weird to me.
I think 30 minutes isn’t enough. I tasted it right away and it was fine, but after chilling it really improved.
I made this for a potluck and it disappeared! Everyone was asking for the recipe. Totally a hit!
Idk, I find coleslaw kinda boring. Maybe adding bacon or something would make it better.
That’s awesome! I love when recipes get such a great reaction. Did you change anything from the original recipe?
Love this! Made it for my picnic and everyone loved it! 😍
This is the best coleslaw I’ve had in years. I’m already planning to bring it to Thanksgiving.
I followed the recipe exactly and it came out creamy and flavorful. The dressing is nice and tangy.
That’s awesome! I love when coleslaw actually turns out creamy instead of watery. Tangy + grapes sounds perfect.
Not bad! I used a little less honey and it still tasted great. Next time I’ll chill it longer than 30 minutes.
Delicious! But I accidentally doubled the grapes 😅 still ate it all though. The color is beautiful, and it tastes like summer.
Delish! Yum!!!
Idk, I prefer plain coleslaw without the fruit. This was just too sweet for me.
I followed it pretty much exactly. After chilling, the flavor really came together. Next time I might add a bit more pepper, but overall, great.
Could’ve used more seasoning. The pepper and salt feel kinda mild, and my cabbage was not as “crisp” as I hoped.
Not gonna lie, mine was crisp right away, but I think it’s more about the cabbage shred size. I’d slice it thinner and squeeze out extra moisture (paper towel) before mixing. Also I doubled the pepper and it helped.
I felt the same about it—next time I’ll add a pinch more salt/pepper and maybe a little garlic powder. The grapes are sweet enough that the seasoning gets drowned out for me.
Meh. Too sweet for my taste. Also 1/2 cup mayo feels like a lot—might use 1/3 cup next time.
Ingredients list is too long. I’m lazy, my coleslaw is just cabbage and dressing, lol.
I get that! Sometimes simpler is better. But trying new things can be fun! 🤷♀️
Yum!
I don’t think grapes belong in coleslaw… kinda weird if you ask me.
Coleslaw without mayo? No. Wait—this has mayo. Ok, I’m in. The vinegar/honey balance is legit.
Yes!! The vinegar/honey combo is what makes it taste bright instead of flat. I’m definitely trying this—grapes make it so much better.
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about grapes in coleslaw, but wow. It’s actually a nice twist. Texture is on point.
Tasted nice, but I didn’t have mayo, so I used Greek yogurt instead. Still turned out pretty good!
Made this for a BBQ and it disappeared fast. The grapes add this sweet pop that actually balances the vinegar—so good. I used Greek yogurt half the mayo and it still worked.
This is kinda sweet for me. I know honey helps, but I could taste it over the cabbage. Still decent—just not my usual vibe.
My grandma makes coleslaw way better! This one is too sweet for me.
Creamy, sweet, and crunchy—this is honestly the first coleslaw that didn’t taste “too mayo” for me. The grapes are such a nice touch.
Yes!! The grapes really make it taste fresher and less “mayo-y.” I added a little more vinegar next time and it was even better.
So easy to make. Don’t forget to chill it! I might use yogurt instead of mayo next time.
Do you really think it will taste better? I love mayo too much, idk about yogurt…
Using yogurt instead of mayo sounds great! I bet it will add a nice tang. 😊
I made it for a BBQ and everyone kept asking what I put in it. The honey + vinegar balance is perfect. Will repeat.
Not my fave. Cabbage is cabbage, right? Can’t see what the fuss is about.
I totally get that! Cabbage can be hit or miss. But have you tried it with grapes? It adds a whole new layer!
Delicious! But my kids wouldn’t touch it. Picky eaters ruin everything.
I get it! Kids can be so fussy, but maybe you could try leaving out the grapes next time?
Yo! Coleslaw heaven!!! Can’t believe the grapes in this! So yummy!
Totally agree! The grapes really add a nice twist to the usual coleslaw. Best side dish ever!
I dunno… grapes in coleslaw seems weird to me. Isn’t that gonna make it too sweet?
I’m giving it 3 stars only because I didn’t like the texture of the grapes. It’s probably me though.
That makes sense—grapes can be kinda squishy in coleslaw. Did you use fresh firm ones? I usually chill longer so they stay a bit more “snappy.”
3 stars cuz the grapes texture? maybe you over-tossed? i always add them last, like right before serving. also… i think the vinegar amount is too much lol but idk
Took me 5 mins to make! So easy, perfect for summer BBQs.
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it at my next family BBQ!
Grapes in coleslaw? Weird, but I’m intrigued. Gonna give it a shot!
I thought the same! Grapes seem odd but could add a nice sweetness. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Yea, not sure about grapes in coleslaw. Seems kinda gross, not sure if I’ll ever try that!
Not sure about the honey—mine was a little too sweet. Next time I’ll cut it down to 1/2 tbsp.
Good call! Honey can be overpowering depending on the grapes and how sweet your cabbage is. Cutting it to 1/2 tbsp sounds like the perfect tweak.
This is a game changer! The grapes added a sweet twist. Family loved it! 🙂
Not bad, but I think 1/2 cup mayo is a lot. Mine tasted a little heavy, so next time I’ll cut it down and add more vinegar. Grapes are the winner though.
I’m skeptical about using both green and red cabbage—seemed like overkill. But the colors look awesome and it’s actually balanced. Would make again.
Right? I thought it’d be too much, but the mix makes the texture and flavor feel way more “complete.” The grapes really do the heavy lifting too.
I don’t know about putting grapes in coleslaw. Seems kinda strange to me. Just stick with the veggies.
My dressing was a bit too thick (maybe my mayo brand). I added a splash more vinegar and it fixed it. Flavor is nice and bright even with that tweak.
Huh, I thought mayo thickness was just “normal.” Maybe I should try more vinegar next time. My version came out kinda heavy, but the flavor was still good.
Yes!! I’ve had that happen with different mayo brands—adding a little extra vinegar (or even a teaspoon of water) usually loosens it right up. Glad the brightness stayed!
Very good recipe. My fam loved it! I’ll make again, but maybe with less mayo next time.
This coleslaw is absolutely phenomenal! The grapes add a sweet twist that we’ve never tried before. Definitely making this again!
The dressing is good but mine came out a bit too thick—maybe my mayo brand is heavier. Adding a splash more vinegar helped.
Good point about the mayo! I noticed different brands vary a lot—mine turned out thick too until I added a tiny extra vinegar splash.
I dunno. Grapes in coleslaw? Sounds weird. I didn’t try it but I can’t imagine it’s good.
The color is beautiful with the red cabbage and grapes. That alone made me want to eat it. Pretty tasty too!
Made this for a BBQ and it was a hit. The grapes make it taste way fresher than regular coleslaw—sweet but not overpowering.
Love this idea—grapes in coleslaw is such a good upgrade. Glad it hit at your BBQ!
This is unlike any coleslaw I’ve ever had! The grapes really make a difference; I was surprised!
I totally agree! The combination of flavors is just amazing. I never thought grapes could work in coleslaw, but it’s a game changer!
This is the only coleslaw recipe I’ll make now. The dressing is perfectly tangy and creamy. Mine sat about an hour and got even better.
Eh. I don’t get the hype with grapes in coleslaw. Also it took longer to shred everything than I thought.
Totally get you—grapes in coleslaw always sounds a little weird to me too. The flavor is nice when it hits, but I can see why it wouldn’t feel “hyped.” And yeah, shredding cabbage is way more time than the recipes make it seem.
Honestly I love the grapes 😅 they add a sweet crunch. But I agree on prep—shredding took me forever the first time. I switched to a food processor and it was a game changer.
This slaw was amazing! The grapes made it so sweet and crunchy. Definitely a keeper!
Kinda weird but in a good way—grapes in slaw? The flavor blend is surprisingly legit.
Grapes in coleslaw… okay that is weird 😅 but I tried something similar once and it was actually good. I might use less honey next time though.
I was skeptical too, but the grapes totally make it pop. The sweet-tang balance is legit—will definitely make again!
Coleslaw is usually all mayo and no flavor. This one surprised me, though. Nice balance of sweet and crunchy!
We served this at our family reunion and everyone loved it! Great recipe, thanks!
Sounds delicious! I’m planning to make this for my next gathering too. Thanks for sharing!
Mine came out a little too sweet (maybe my grapes were extra ripe?). Still good, just need to reduce honey slightly next batch.
Seems simple enough, but I accidentally added too much honey… now it’s just a sweet mess. 😂
I dunno about grapes in coleslaw. Seems weird to me. But I guess it’s one of those ‘you have to try it’ things.
I made this for a BBQ and everyone kept asking for the recipe. So good! Thanks for sharing!
I liked it, but the dressing felt heavy to me. Could use less mayo or a splash more vinegar for tang.
Easy recipe, but I didn’t chill it long enough and it tasted kinda flat. After 1 hour it was way better.
Good catch! I always do at least a couple hours—sounds like that’s exactly what your coleslaw needed. The flavors really bloom after chilling.
Flat taste after only 1 hour? hmm… I mean 30 minutes says “at least” but maybe your fridge was too warm? Also I’d maybe add a pinch more vinegar or salt next time.