Creamy Coleslaw Recipe: Classic Crunchy Side Dish for Every Meal
Looking for the perfect side dish to round out your next meal? This Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is a staple that delivers on flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you're hosting a summer cookout, making pulled pork sandwiches, or just want something fresh and crunchy to balance a rich dish, coleslaw is always a reliable choice. The best part? It’s beginner-friendly and comes together in minutes.
Why This Creamy Coleslaw Stands Out
Coleslaw is more than just shredded cabbage—when made right, it’s the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and creamy. This version strikes a beautiful balance with a homemade dressing that’s smooth without being heavy, complemented by crisp veggies that keep their texture. If you've only had store-bought coleslaw before, this recipe will change how you see it forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw
- Prep the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well until evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Coleslaw
- Use fresh cabbage: Pre-shredded bags can work in a pinch, but fresh cabbage has superior crunch and flavor.
- Chill before serving: The flavors really come together after some time in the fridge.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the dressing before mixing—add more sugar or vinegar depending on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy coleslaw is incredibly versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Burgers and hot dogs
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled chicken or fish
- As a topping for tacos or wraps
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can make this coleslaw up to a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight enhances the flavor. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Greek yogurt version: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Crunch factor: Mix in some sunflower seeds or toasted almonds just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only green cabbage?
Absolutely. Red cabbage adds color and a bit more bite, but green cabbage alone is classic and still delicious.
How do I keep coleslaw from getting soggy?
Make sure your cabbage is fresh and pat it dry after washing. Adding salt too early can draw out water, so mix just before chilling.
Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your Dijon mustard and mayo brands to be safe.
Conclusion
This Creamy Coleslaw Recipe: Classic Crunchy Side Dish for Every Meal is the go-to dish you’ll keep coming back to. It's fresh, fast, and flavorful—ideal for casual dinners and big gatherings alike. Once you try homemade coleslaw, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.