If you are craving a timeless and irresistibly smooth salad that elevates any meal, this Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crisp shredded cabbage with a luscious, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a picnic, or a weeknight dinner, this coleslaw offers a refreshing and vibrant burst of flavor that feels both comforting and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this coleslaw so special.
- 6 cups shredded green cabbage: The crunchy base that gives coleslaw its classic crispness and mild, slightly peppery taste.
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color): Adds a beautiful, vibrant pop of color and a slightly earthier flavor.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Brings natural sweetness and brightens the dish with its vivid orange hue.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious texture and rich flavor that coats every shred perfectly.
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy zing that balances the richness of the mayo and wakes up the palate.
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey): A touch of sweetness that rounds out the tartness and harmonizes the dressing.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Delivers a subtle spice and depth to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/4 tsp celery seed (optional): Offers a hint of earthy, slightly herbal notes to elevate the dressing’s character.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the ingredients together with perfect balance.
How to Make Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding the green cabbage, purple cabbage if you’re using it, and the carrots into fine, even strips. This ensures a wonderful uniform crunch and allows the dressing to coat every bite. Combine them all in a large bowl, so they’re ready to be transformed into delicious coleslaw magic.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey), Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This luscious dressing is the heart of your Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe, combining sweet, tangy, and savory notes that make this side dish an all-time favorite.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss everything thoroughly to ensure every shred is evenly coated with that creamy, tangy goodness. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften just slightly, resulting in a perfectly balanced coleslaw.
How to Serve Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving for an added burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of extra celery seed can enhance the flavor profile if you love that aromatic touch. For a bit of crunch, toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts can add surprising texture while staying true to the coleslaw’s charm.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe truly shines as the perfect companion to smoky grilled meats like BBQ ribs, chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or classic burgers. It also pairs beautifully with crispy fried chicken or as a vibrant contrast to spicy tacos. Its cool, creamy nature refreshes the palate and balances rich, bold flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a picnic or potluck vibe, serve the coleslaw in individual mason jars for easy portion control and fun presentation. Another great idea is layering it over a bed of leafy greens for a colorful salad plate or even stuffing it inside a sandwich wrap for a crunchy surprise. The possibilities are endless with this versatile Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This coleslaw keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. After that, the cabbage may release a bit of water and lose some crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this coleslaw because the high-water content of the cabbage and carrots will cause it to become soggy and lose its texture upon thawing. For the freshest taste and texture, prepare this dish closer to the time you plan to serve it.
Reheating
Since this is a no-cook, cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or ideal. Serve it chilled straight from the refrigerator for maximum flavor and crispness. If it has been sitting, give it a gentle toss to revive the creaminess before plating.
FAQs
Can I make this coleslaw without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! For a lighter or dairy-free version, you can substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative. This will still keep your Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe deliciously creamy but with a lighter touch.
How long should I refrigerate the coleslaw before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly. You can also make it up to one day in advance, which can actually improve the taste as the dressing seeps into the vegetables more thoroughly.
Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?
Definitely! Thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even chopped apples can add a unique twist and additional crunch. Just be mindful not to overpower the classic flavors that make this Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe so beloved.
Is celery seed necessary in the recipe?
Celery seed is optional but highly recommended for adding a subtle earthiness and depth to the dressing. If you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out, and your coleslaw will still be fantastic.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage for coleslaw?
A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer works best for shredding the cabbage into fine, uniform pieces, which helps the dressing coat everything evenly and ensures each bite has the perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe enough if you want a dependable, crowd-pleasing side that’s refreshingly crisp yet luxuriously creamy. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and instantly brings everyone together around the table. Give it a try the next time you’re planning a meal — trust me, it won’t disappoint!
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Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This classic coleslaw recipe offers a creamy and tangy side dish that’s perfect for BBQs, burgers, or fried chicken. Made with a crisp mix of green and purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and a smooth, flavorful dressing combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard, it’s an easy, refreshing salad that can be prepared in just 15 minutes and requires no cooking.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp celery seed (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage (if using), and shredded carrots until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed (if using), salt, and black pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the salad chill before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter variation, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This coleslaw can be made up to one day in advance, which helps to deepen the flavor.
- It pairs perfectly as a side dish for BBQs, burgers, and fried chicken.
