If you’re craving a dish that’s crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Creamy Coleslaw Recipe. It’s a classic side that balances the crunch of fresh cabbage and carrot with a luscious, tangy dressing that’s both sweet and savory. Perfect for backyard barbecues, picnics, or simply jazzing up your sandwich, this coleslaw will quickly become one of your favorite go-to salads. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward, uses simple pantry staples, and delivers big on taste every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you—each item here is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect harmony of texture and flavor in this creamy coleslaw recipe. From the crispness of the cabbage to the tangy sweetness of apple cider vinegar, these ingredients make magic happen in your mixing bowl.
- Small head cabbage: Provides a crunchy, fresh base that defines classic coleslaw.
- Medium carrot: Adds sweetness and vibrant color, making your slaw visually inviting.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy heart of the dressing, lending richness and smooth texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a zesty acidity that brightens the flavor and balances the creaminess.
- Sugar: Just the right touch to tame tartness and enhance all the other flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of both veggies and dressing.
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and depth to the overall taste.
- Celery seed: Adds a subtle herbal note that makes this coleslaw uniquely delicious.
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Shred Your Cabbage
Start by prepping your cabbage—it’s the star of the show. Remove any bruised outer leaves, cut into quarters, and thinly slice each quarter into fine strips. This shredding step is important because it ensures every bite has a nice crispness and holds the dressing perfectly.
Step 2: Get Your Carrots Ready
Grate the carrot finely, either by hand with a box grater or with a food processor. The carrot not only brings a pop of color but also a natural sweetness that balances the tang in the dressing, making the slaw feel fresh and lively.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves and everything is smooth. This creamy dressing is the glue that brings all those fresh veggies together in perfect flavor harmony.
Step 4: Season the Dressing
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and celery seed, then mix again. These seasonings add layers of flavor and a gentle aromatics boost that make the dressing anything but ordinary.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and grated carrot, then toss thoroughly. Make sure every strand of cabbage and carrot is coated—this step is crucial for that signature creamy coleslaw texture that’s so irresistible.
Step 6: Chill for Flavor
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least one hour. This rest time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the cabbage softens just enough while staying crunchy, making each bite perfect.
Step 7: Final Stir and Serve
Give your coleslaw one last gentle toss before serving. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed — and prepare for the compliments that are sure to come your way.
How to Serve Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Want to bring an extra touch of freshness? Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few toasted sunflower seeds on top just before serving. These little touches brighten the presentation and add a subtle crunch that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
Side Dishes
Creamy coleslaw is incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats like barbecue ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or even fish tacos. It also makes a simple but satisfying side next to burgers or fried chicken, lending cool contrast to hotter, bolder dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve your creamy coleslaw inside buttery brioche buns as a crunchy sandwich topping, or spoon it atop tacos for a fresh crunch. You can even stuff it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb, colorful option that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy coleslaw keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle or separate slightly.
Freezing
Freezing coleslaw is not recommended because the texture of the cabbage and dressing will change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Reheating
Creamy coleslaw is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If your coleslaw has chilled for longer than planned, just let it sit out for 10 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage works just as well and adds a beautiful pop of color to your creamy coleslaw. The flavor remains fresh and crisp, although it might be slightly earthier.
Is there a lighter version of this creamy coleslaw recipe?
For a lighter twist, you can substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This swap reduces calories and adds a nice tang while keeping the creaminess you love.
How long should I mix the coleslaw for?
Toss the coleslaw just enough to coat the vegetables evenly with dressing. Overmixing can bruise the cabbage and make it soggy, so gentle but thorough is key.
Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?
Of course! Thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro can be great additions that add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Should I prepare the coleslaw dressing in advance?
You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just mix it into the vegetables right before serving to keep the cabbage crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about a well-made creamy coleslaw recipe that brings together simple, fresh ingredients into a crisp, cool dish full of flavor. Once you try this version, with its balanced dressing and perfectly shredded veggies, it could become your new favorite side. So don’t hesitate—grab some cabbage and carrots, whip up this delicious recipe, and enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite that follows.
Print
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Creamy Coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish perfect for barbecues, picnics, and family dinners. Made with shredded cabbage and grated carrots, it features a smooth and flavorful dressing combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and traditional seasonings like celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Easy to prepare and chilled for at least an hour to meld the flavors, this coleslaw offers a crisp texture and creamy taste that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and shred each quarter into thin strips using a sharp knife.
- Transfer cabbage to bowl: Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl ready for combining with other ingredients.
- Grate the carrot: Peel and grate the medium carrot finely using a box grater or food processor, then add it to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Make the dressing base: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Season the dressing: Add salt, black pepper, and celery seed to the mayonnaise mixture, stirring well to fully incorporate all seasonings.
- Combine dressing with vegetables: Pour the seasoned mayonnaise dressing over the shredded cabbage and grated carrot in the large bowl.
- Toss the coleslaw: Using a spoon or tongs, thoroughly mix until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the coleslaw and add more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed to achieve desired flavor balance.
- Cover the bowl: Seal the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep the coleslaw fresh while chilling.
- Chill the coleslaw: Refrigerate the covered bowl for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together and enhance the taste.
- Final stir before serving: After chilling, give the coleslaw one last gentle stir to redistribute the dressing evenly.
- Serve as a side dish: Enjoy the creamy coleslaw alongside your favorite main dishes for a crisp, tangy accompaniment.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill for more than 1 hour if time permits.
- The celery seed adds a unique aroma, but it can be omitted if unavailable or undesired.
- Use fresh cabbage and carrots for optimal crunch and taste.
- Adjust the sugar in the dressing to your preferred level of sweetness.
- This coleslaw keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir before serving again.
