Creamy Coleslaw Recipe: Easy to Make at Home

If you’re craving a creamy coleslaw to pair with your next barbecue, picnic, or sandwich, you’ve found the right one! This simple coleslaw recipe will not only offer a fresh and crisp flavor to your meal, but it is also quite easy to prepare at home. You’ll never go back to store-bought coleslaw after making your own. In this post, I’ll teach you how to create creamy coleslaw dressing, give advice, and offer some delicious variants so you can make it just the way you want it.

Before we dive into the steps, let me tell you something: making coleslaw at home is way better than anything you’ll find in a jar. It’s fresher, cheaper, and you get to control the ingredients! Plus, you can always switch things up if you’re in the mood for something different.

What You Need for This Simple Coleslaw Recipe

Let’s look at it. The process of making coleslaw at home is simple. A few basic materials will suffice:

• Roughly 4 cups of shredded cabbage—green, purple, or a mix of both.
• Shredded carrots (about 1 cup)
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, the creamy base)
• Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp for a little tang)
• Sugar (1 tbsp for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Celery seed (optional, but adds a nice touch)

Got all that? Great! Now, let’s move on to making it.

How to Make Creamy Coleslaw Dressing for Your Slaw

First things first, let’s focus on that creamy coleslaw dressing that brings everything together. All you need is to mix mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, a little sugar, a pinch of salt and pepper in a simple bowl.

Here’s the thing – don’t be afraid to taste it as you go. If you like your dressing extra creamy, add a bit more mayo. Want more tang? A dash more vinegar. This is your chance to make the dressing perfect for your taste buds!

If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can swap out the mayo for a lighter dressing, like my healthy Alfredo sauce for diets—it’s creamy and guilt-free! Check out the full recipe here.

Tossing Your Cabbage and Carrots

Alright, with the dressing done, it’s time to focus on the veggies. Use a sharp knife or a food processor to finely shred your cabbage. Then, grate the carrots. The shredded cabbage is the base, and the carrots add that nice pop of color and crunch.

Here’s a little tip: the more finely you shred the cabbage, the creamier your coleslaw will be when you mix it. You want it to have that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, you feel me?

Mixing the Coleslaw

Now for the fun part—tossing it all together. Toss the shredded cabbage and carrots into a large bowl, then pour the creamy dressing on top. Mix it well until everything is coated. And don’t be shy, get in there and give it a good toss!

If you want to make your classic coleslaw even better, consider adding extra ingredients like onions or celery seed for an extra pop of flavor. A handful of celery seeds can take it to the next level!

Let it Sit

Once you’ve mixed everything together, let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. To be honest, it becomes better the longer it sits. You can even make this the night before your party or BBQ—just don’t forget to give it one last stir before serving.

Where to Serve Your Easy Coleslaw

Now that you have your super-easy coleslaw, it’s time to serve it up. It’s the ideal complement to a wide range of meals. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve it as a side dish with your BBQ meats or plant-based options.
• For extra crunch, pile it high on a wrap or sandwich.
• Take it to a picnic or potluck salad for a fresh, cool side that everyone will love.
• Enjoy it as part of a light meal, especially in the summer.

This cabbage coleslaw recipe is also an amazing choice for when you’re having friends over for a casual get-together. It’s fast, delicious, and sure to have everyone asking for the recipe.

Coleslaw Variations You Can Try

Not feeling the classic recipe? Here are some ideas to provide some variety:

• Vinegar-based coleslaw: Skip the mayo and use vinegar as your base for a lighter, tangy version. You can even add some Dijon mustard for an extra kick.
• Carrot coleslaw: Looking to brighten things up with extra color and a punch of flavor? Add extra carrots or even some shredded apple for a bit of sweetness.
• Low-calorie coleslaw: For a healthier twist, try a version with Greek yogurt instead of mayo! Check out more healthy recipes like this healthy gluten-free sloppy joe sandwich for more ideas.

Is Coleslaw Good for You?

Yes! While traditional creamy coleslaw can sometimes get a bad rap for being too heavy, this recipe is pretty balanced. You get fiber from the cabbage and carrots, and if you’re using a lighter dressing or making adjustments with low-calorie options, it’s a great, budget-friendly coleslaw that fits most diets.

Looking for more healthy options? Check out my recipes for healthy vegan apple pie or healthy lasagna—they’re all about tasty food that makes you feel good without the guilt!

If you’re a fan of healthy eating, these books are great resources to inspire your next meal prep or cooking adventure!

1. For those who love salads, check out Salad Lab: 60+ Recipes for Fresh, Fabulous Salads for a ton of fresh and exciting salad ideas that are sure to elevate your next meal.
2. If you’re looking to add some vegan flavor to your dishes, Big Vegan Flavor: More than 100 Bold and Satisfying Recipes is a must-read for those seeking bold and flavorful vegan recipes.
3. Looking to get into the paleo diet? You’ll love Quick Prep Paleo: 5-Minute Prep, Whole-Food Recipes which offers simple and delicious whole-food recipes.

Final Thoughts on This Traditional Creamy Coleslaw

Making creamy coleslaw at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro in the kitchen, this quick coleslaw recipe is sure to become a favorite. The great thing about coleslaw is that it’s easy to adjust—add a bit more sugar, vinegar, or spices to make it your own. Remember, it’s all about balancing those flavors and finding that perfect crunch.

Next time you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, or just craving a refreshing side dish, try this recipe out. T And if you’ve got any leftovers, even better—coleslaw for sandwiches the next day is an absolute game-changer!

Want more inspiration? Dive into these other easy recipes like the best 6 low carb noodle options and healthy noodles recipe with comforting soups.