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.
Made this for a cookout and it was gone fast. The vinegar/sugar balance is perfect and the texture stays crunchy.
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.
Pretty good! I used a little less sugar (didn’t want it too sweet) and it still tasted fresh. Next time I might add a pinch of celery seed.
Best coleslaw ever! Everyone loved it at the BBQ, will definitely share this recipe!
The dressing is a little too sweet for me. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar to like 1 tbsp, but overall solid recipe.
Totally agree—mine turned out sweet the first time too. I swapped to 1 tbsp sugar and it was way better. Great call on tweaking it next time!
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.
I was skeptical about only 1 hour in the fridge, but wow—flavors really came together. Definitely making again.
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!
So good—this tastes way fresher than the bagged kind. The vinegar + sugar balance is perfect, and after that hour it really comes together.
Not really a fan of coleslaw, but this one was tolerable. Maybe I just don’t like it that much?
Way too much mayo for my taste. I know it says creamy, but I felt like it drowned the cabbage. Might try half the mayo next time.
I followed it but my dressing was super thick—maybe my mayo was too heavy? Still tasty though, just harder to toss evenly.
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!
Ok so I followed it exactly… except I accidentally used white vinegar. Still okay, not the same tang though.
White vinegar is more harsh though… I’d add a tiny pinch more sugar next time to balance it. Otherwise it’ll taste kinda sharp. Still edible!
I think it’ll still work, just less fruity/soft than apple cider vinegar. Let it chill longer—like 2-4 hours—so the flavors round out.
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? 🤢
This is exactly the kind of creamy coleslaw I crave—sweet, tangy, and not overly dressed. I let mine chill overnight and it got even better.
I tried this but mine was kinda too sweet, like I couldn’t taste the vinegar much. Next time I’ll cut the sugar in half. Also—does fresh ground pepper really matter or can I just shake it from the bottle?
Yes! The sweet-tang balance is spot on. I always do an overnight chill too and it really does get better.
The measurements feel a little off to me. 1 cup mayo for 6 cups cabbage seems super rich—mine was thick and needed extra vinegar/water to loosen.
Yeah, that mayo-to-cabbage ratio is pretty rich. Mine turned out thick too—next time I’ll probably use closer to 3/4 cup mayo or add a splash more vinegar/water like you said.
I don’t know… 1 cup for 6 cups sounds right to me? Mayo brands vary a ton—if yours was very thick, that would explain it. Also make sure you refrigerate; it loosens a bit as it chills.
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.
Yum! Refreshing and crunchy! Just used too much sugar, maybe try less next time.
Um, I think you forgot to mention the secret ingredient – love!
Simple and easy. This coleslaw saved our BBQ! Everyone loved it.
Not a fan. It turned out soggy after sitting in the fridge. Followed the recipe exact, but didn’t like it.
meh. Tastes fine but nothing special. I’ve had better from store-bought bags, honestly.
Yum!!
Looks good, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe add some celery or something?
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it at my next barbecue!
Not bad but I’m not sure about the sweetness. I think 2 tablespoons sugar is too much for my taste, next time I’ll cut it in half.
Tasty but not very original. I prefer the kind with raisins!
1 hour isn’t enough for me—after chilling it longer it got way better. Also I forgot to whisk and just stirred, and it still worked lol.
Huh, I always whisk, but if stirring worked for you I might not overthink it next time 😂 1 hour seems kinda short tho. I’ll try overnight.
Totally agree—mine didn’t really hit until I chilled it longer too. The flavors mellow out and it’s way creamier.
Easy to make, but I added some celery seeds for extra flavor. Will be making again!
I don’t like mayo, so I used yogurt instead and it worked fine, still creamy. 🙂
Pretty good, though I think the sugar is a lot—next time I’ll start with 1 tbsp. Otherwise the texture and flavor were on point.
I don’t get why people love coleslaw so much. It’s just cabbage with mayo. Yuck!
Coleslaw is amazing! You’re missing out, it’s all about the crunch and the tangy dressing.
This is the best coleslaw recipe! So creamy and fresh.
How do u refrigerate it? I’m new to cooking, help!
So tasty! I really loved the dressing. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Eh, I don’t get why everyone likes coleslaw so much. Just a bunch of veggies and sauce.
It was ok. I feel like something is missing. Maybe a bit of mustard would help? Idk.
Not gonna lie, 1 hour feels short. The flavor melded but I could tell it needed more time. After 3 hours it was way smoother.
Totally get what you mean—coleslaw really does benefit from more time. I usually do at least 2–3 hours so the cabbage softens a bit and the dressing tastes more “blended.”
This coleslaw is way too sweet for my taste. I think I might try less sugar next time.