Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Creamy Coleslaw

A classic side dish with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and a tangy-sweet creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side to any meal, this coleslaw is easy to make and endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

• 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded (optional for color)

• 1 cup carrots, shredded

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1–2 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1–2 tbsp milk or buttermilk (optional, for creamier texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables:
   In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage (if using), and carrots.

2. Make Dressing:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. If desired, add milk or buttermilk for a creamier consistency.

3. Combine:
   Pour dressing over shredded vegetables. Toss well until evenly coated.

4. Chill:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve:
   Serve chilled as a side dish for BBQs, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos and burgers.

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl

• Medium bowl for dressing

• Whisk or fork

• Knife and cutting board or food processor for shredding

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Refrigerator-safe container

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Size
Serves 6–8

Creamy Coleslaw

A classic side dish with crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and a tangy-sweet creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, sandwiches, or as a refreshing side to any meal, this coleslaw is easy to make and endlessly versatile.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Total Time:45 minutes mins

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium bowl for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board or food processor for shredding
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Refrigerator-safe container

Ingredients

• 4 cups green cabbage finely shredded
• 1 cup purple cabbage finely shredded (optional for color)
• 1 cup carrots shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 –2 tbsp honey or sugar adjust to taste
• 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 –2 tbsp milk or buttermilk optional, for creamier texture

Instructions

• Prepare Vegetables:
• In a large bowl, combine shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage (if using), and carrots.
• Make Dressing:
• In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. If desired, add milk or buttermilk for a creamier consistency.
• Combine:
• Pour dressing over shredded vegetables. Toss well until evenly coated.
• Chill:
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Serve:
• Serve chilled as a side dish for BBQs, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos and burgers.

Servings: 8 servings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld nicely.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots?
Yes. Pre-shredded vegetables save time, but fresh cabbage tends to be crisper.

Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Use Greek yogurt or a lighter mayonnaise to reduce calories while keeping it creamy.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Try red bell peppers, celery, or thinly sliced red onions for extra color and flavor.

How do I prevent the coleslaw from becoming soggy?
Toss vegetables with a pinch of salt first and drain any excess liquid before adding the dressing.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes. White vinegar, lemon juice, or rice vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.

How long can I let it sit after mixing?
It tastes best after chilling for 30 minutes to an hour, but it can sit for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Can I make a vegan version?
Yes. Use vegan mayonnaise and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave.

How do I keep the coleslaw creamy but not watery?
Add dressing just before serving or toss lightly. If using milk or buttermilk, start with a small amount and add gradually.

How To Store Creamy Coleslaw

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as some liquid may separate.

Freezer:
Not recommended, as the vegetables may become watery and lose their crisp texture.

Serving Tips:
Serve chilled as a side for sandwiches, BBQs, tacos, or burgers. Add extra dressing before serving if needed.