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.
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.
This coleslaw recipe is a game changer! Super easy and delish. Will definitely make it again!
Really? I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe I’ll cut back on the sugar next time.
I totally agree! This coleslaw is the best! So simple yet packed with flavor. I’ve made it for every barbecue this summer!
I followed it exactly and it came out bland 😕. I had to add more pepper and a tiny squeeze of lemon to wake it up. Not bad, just not wow.
Honestly I think you were right to tweak it. If you don’t let it sit long enough, the dressing won’t really “wake up” the cabbage. Also, 1 tsp pepper feels low to me. Next time maybe add more vinegar before serving not after. 🙂
Totally get that—coleslaw can go kind of “meh” if the cabbage isn’t super fresh or if the pepper/salt isn’t quite enough. I usually taste the dressing before mixing and adjust right there (more pepper for sure, sometimes a touch more vinegar). Glad it wasn’t a total flop though 🙂
This was okay, but I found it a bit too sweet for my taste. I prefer my coleslaw with a stronger vinegar kick.
This came out super creamy and not too sweet. The vinegar cut through the mayo perfectly—will make again for sure!
This is the best coleslaw recipe I’ve ever tried! So creamy and delicious!
This was a hit at my family gathering! Everyone asked for the recipe. Thanks!
Coleslaw is just cabbage, right? My kids didn’t eat it.
Didn’t turn out right, I added too much vinegar. Now it’s sour. 🤮
Made this for a cookout and it was super creamy but still fresh. The vinegar cuts through the mayo nicely. Definitely letting it chill longer than an hour next time!
Yes! That’s exactly what I love about it—creamy but not heavy. I always do a couple hours before serving and it’s so much better.
Interesting—vinegar cuts the mayo? I always thought vinegar would make it taste kinda sour. Maybe I’m not chilling long enough. I’ll try your cookout idea next time.
Ok but why so much cabbage?? 😅 I halved it and it was still plenty. Flavor was good though, just needed more time in the fridge.
Best coleslaw ever! Everyone loved it at the BBQ, will definitely share this recipe!
I don’t know, it’s not that special. I prefer my coleslaw with a bit of crunch.
I don’t know, this seems a bit too creamy for my liking. Maybe add more vinegar?
Followed the recipe but it turned out way too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut the sugar?
Honestly I thought the dressing would be bland, but the pepper and vinegar really help. Next time I’ll grate the carrots finer.
Easy to make. Perfect for BBQs! Don’t forget to let it chill!
Absolutely! I love how refreshing it is at BBQs, and chilling really does make a difference!
Not enough crunch for me. I like my coleslaw with some nuts in it. Just saying!
Easy to make, but I accidentally put in too much sugar! Oops! Still tasted good though! 😅
Haha, that’s what makes cooking fun! Just a little sweetness can go a long way. Glad it still turned out tasty! 😊
Too much sugar? That’s a rookie mistake! Might have ended up more like a dessert coleslaw lol.
Pretty good. But I think it needs a little more vinegar or something, felt a bit bland.
I agree! A dash more vinegar could really amp up the flavor. It’s all about finding the right balance!
Yummy! I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo, turned out great! 💖
This is the easiest coleslaw ever. I whisked the dressing fast, poured, tossed, and done. My family devoured it.
Looks easy, but mine turned kinda watery. I shredded cabbage by hand and it was too juicy? Not sure. Still edible, just not as thick.
Hmm, mine was kinda thick so idk. Did you use mayo straight from fridge? If you used extra vinegar or sugar it can thin it. You can also drain the cabbage/carrot after shredding—paper towels even. Still tastes good tho.
That happens a lot if the cabbage is really fresh/juicy. Next time, try salting the shredded cabbage lightly (like 1/2 tsp salt), let it sit 15–20 min, then squeeze out some liquid before mixing. Also, chilling helps it thicken a bit.
Eh, I prefer my coleslaw crunchy not soggy! It got mushy after an hour.
This coleslaw is fabulous! Turned out just like my grandma used to make. Perfect for BBQs!
Looks easy, but I don’t like mayo. Any ideas for a substitute?
So glad to hear that! Grandma’s recipes are the best! ❤️
Easy to make!!! I did use less mayo cause I’m on a diet, but it still tasted great!
That’s awesome! I’ve been cutting back on mayo too, but love coleslaw. Great to hear it still tastes delicious!
Less mayo? Really? How does that even work? Seems like it needs the mayo for flavor!
Not really a fan of coleslaw, but this one was tolerable. Maybe I just don’t like it that much?
Easy and delicious! Added some raisins and it was perfect. 🍽️
Whatchu mean with ‘apple cider vinger’? I used regular vinger and it was fine.. don’t understand the fuss.
This coleslaw recipe is a hit at every family BBQ! I love the creaminess from the mayo. Definitely 5 stars!
I followed the recipe but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe more vinegar or spices next time?
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!
1 hour in the fridge wasn’t enough for me. After like 4 hours it tasted way better, more “melded.” Next time I’ll plan ahead.
Totally agree—coleslaw needs more time than the recipe says. I usually do overnight and it’s so much more “together.” 4 hours sounds perfect.
Wait…1 hour should be enough tho? 😅 I tried it once and it was still kinda crunchy. Maybe my fridge was colder? Either way I’ll give it longer next time.
Coleslaw is simply cabbage salad to me. Why all the fuss?
Meh, cabbage is gross. Who eats cabbage anyway? 🤢
Cabbage is for rabbits. I don’t eat that. Thumbs down! 👎
Cabbage can be great in salads! I think it’s all about how you prepare it. Give coleslaw a try, you might be surprised! 😊
Lol, but rabbits eat lettuce too. Cabbage can be really tasty if done right! 👍
I don’t understand why people like coleslaw so much. It’s just cabbage and mayo. 🤷♂️
Coleslaw is more than just cabbage and mayo! It’s all about the crunch and the dressing! You should give it another try!
Absolutely loved this recipe! The coleslaw turned out creamy and delicious. Perfect side dish for BBQs!
Super easy to make! I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo and it was still delish!
I followed it pretty much exactly, but I maybe used a little less sugar and it still tasted great. Loved the crunch after chilling.
Yes! The crunch after chilling is the best part. I also like it with a tiny bit less sugar—still nice and tangy.
Hmm I tried this once and it came out kinda watery for me? I did chill it though. Maybe I didn’t shred the cabbage fine enough or my mayo was different. Still good, just not as “crunchy.”
Absolutely loved this recipe! The coleslaw was creamy and delicious. Perfect for our BBQ!
I added some chopped green onions and it was super tasty! 10/10 would recommend.