Rating: 3.67
(36)

Creamy Coleslaw

January 16, 2025

Creamy coleslaw is a timeless side dish that brings a refreshing crunch to any meal. With its creamy, tangy dressing and crisp cabbage, it pairs perfectly with everything from BBQ ribs to fried chicken, making it a staple at summer picnics, family gatherings, and cookouts. The balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess makes this dish not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

The base of a classic creamy coleslaw is finely shredded cabbage, usually a mix of green and purple cabbage to add both color and texture. The cabbage provides a perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Carrots are often added for a pop of color and a subtle sweetness, making the texture even more interesting. For those who like a bit of extra flavor, diced onions or bell peppers can be included to add more depth.

The creamy dressing is the heart of the coleslaw, typically made from mayonnaise, a touch of sour cream or buttermilk for added richness, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess. A little bit of sugar helps to balance out the acidity, giving the coleslaw a well-rounded sweetness. Dijon mustard or mustard powder can also be added to give it a slight kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

For an extra burst of flavor, seasonings such as celery seed, garlic powder, and salt and pepper are essential. These ingredients bring warmth and depth to the coleslaw, ensuring the dressing is as flavorful as it is creamy. The best part is how customizable coleslaw is — you can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and spices to suit your taste.

Creamy coleslaw is best when it’s allowed to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and lets the cabbage soften slightly, making it even more enjoyable. Whether you serve it as a side to a hearty meal or as a refreshing topping for sandwiches and tacos, creamy coleslaw is a dish that’s sure to please everyone. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy, and an essential addition to any summer spread.

Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy Coleslaw
3.67 from 36 votes
Creamy Coleslaw is a classic side dish featuring a blend of crunchy cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy, creamy dressing.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups cabbage shredded
  • 2 cups carrots grated
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture and toss gently to coat.
  • Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: coleslaw, side dish, vegetables
Cooking Method: Nobake
Diet: Nut-free
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar susy.oreilly50 says:

    5 stars
    This coleslaw recipe is a game changer! Super easy and delish. Will definitely make it again!

    1. User avatar Yooden Vranx says:

      3 stars
      Really? I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe I’ll cut back on the sugar next time.

    2. User avatar albertine.considine1954 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This coleslaw is the best! So simple yet packed with flavor. I’ve made it for every barbecue this summer!

  2. 5 stars
    This is the best coleslaw recipe I’ve ever tried! So creamy and delicious!

  3. 5 stars
    This was a hit at my family gathering! Everyone asked for the recipe. Thanks!

  4. 2 stars
    Coleslaw is just cabbage, right? My kids didn’t eat it.

  5. 2 stars
    Didn’t turn out right, I added too much vinegar. Now it’s sour. 🤮

  6. 3 stars
    I don’t know, it’s not that special. I prefer my coleslaw with a bit of crunch.

  7. User avatar George Prosacco DDS says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know, this seems a bit too creamy for my liking. Maybe add more vinegar?

  8. User avatar gerard.medhurst20 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make. Perfect for BBQs! Don’t forget to let it chill!

    1. User avatar derrick.jacobi says:

      5 stars
      Absolutely! I love how refreshing it is at BBQs, and chilling really does make a difference!

  9. 2 stars
    Not enough crunch for me. I like my coleslaw with some nuts in it. Just saying!

  10. User avatar basementDweller says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make, but I accidentally put in too much sugar! Oops! Still tasted good though! 😅

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      Haha, that’s what makes cooking fun! Just a little sweetness can go a long way. Glad it still turned out tasty! 😊

    2. User avatar wonda.friesen90 says:

      3 stars
      Too much sugar? That’s a rookie mistake! Might have ended up more like a dessert coleslaw lol.

  11. User avatar Mrs. Dustin Medhurst says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good. But I think it needs a little more vinegar or something, felt a bit bland.

    1. User avatar judi.fritsch44 says:

      4 stars
      I agree! A dash more vinegar could really amp up the flavor. It’s all about finding the right balance!

  12. User avatar tom.lueilwitz61 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo, turned out great! 💖

  13. User avatar richard.tillman2017 says:

    5 stars
    This coleslaw is fabulous! Turned out just like my grandma used to make. Perfect for BBQs!

    1. User avatar oleta.wolf63 says:

      3 stars
      Looks easy, but I don’t like mayo. Any ideas for a substitute?

    2. User avatar jade.schaden says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear that! Grandma’s recipes are the best! ❤️

  14. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    3 stars
    Not really a fan of coleslaw, but this one was tolerable. Maybe I just don’t like it that much?

  15. User avatar domingo.terry49 says:

    4 stars
    Easy and delicious! Added some raisins and it was perfect. 🍽️

  16. 5 stars
    This coleslaw recipe is a hit at every family BBQ! I love the creaminess from the mayo. Definitely 5 stars!

  17. User avatar danilo.feeney2025 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe more vinegar or spices next time?

    1. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      5 stars
      I think you’re onto something! A bit more vinegar or some celery seed could really bring it to life. Glad you tried it though!

  18. User avatar coy.pollich41 says:

    2 stars
    Coleslaw is simply cabbage salad to me. Why all the fuss?

  19. 1 star
    Meh, cabbage is gross. Who eats cabbage anyway? 🤢

  20. User avatar alex.hammes62 says:

    1 star
    Cabbage is for rabbits. I don’t eat that. Thumbs down! 👎

    1. User avatar mark.rodriguez1973 says:

      4 stars
      Cabbage can be great in salads! I think it’s all about how you prepare it. Give coleslaw a try, you might be surprised! 😊

    2. 3 stars
      Lol, but rabbits eat lettuce too. Cabbage can be really tasty if done right! 👍

  21. User avatar steven.skiles3 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand why people like coleslaw so much. It’s just cabbage and mayo. 🤷‍♂️

    1. 5 stars
      Coleslaw is more than just cabbage and mayo! It’s all about the crunch and the dressing! You should give it another try!

  22. User avatar van.buckridge says:

    4 stars
    Super easy to make! I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo and it was still delish!

  23. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The coleslaw was creamy and delicious. Perfect for our BBQ!

  24. 4 stars
    Yum! Refreshing and crunchy! Just used too much sugar, maybe try less next time.

3.67 from 36 votes
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