The Best Coleslaw Recipe – Spend with Pennies

Coleslaw is a favorite side for picnics or BBQs and it’s easy to make ahead of time!

In this coleslaw recipe, crisp and colorful shredded cabbage is tossed in a very simple creamy dressing with a hint of sweetness.

With some cabbage (or coleslaw mix) and a few basic ingredients, this will be a go-to side dish for almost any occasion.

A Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This is the best coleslaw recipe, perfect for parties and summer potlucks and it is so simple to make.

• You need just a few ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand.
• Use green and red cabbage or coleslaw mix to make it even easier.
• The creamy coleslaw dressing takes just 2 minutes to make.
• This is great for gatherings since it is best made ahead of time.

Ingredients

BASE: We use a mixture of regular green cabbage, a bit of red (or purple) cabbage and shredded carrots. You can swap this out for a bag of coleslaw mix but don’t limit it to cabbage try any “slaw” that your store carries.

DRESSING:  Homemade coleslaw is so good because of the zesty creamy dressing. If you’re short on time (or ingredients) store-bought dressing can be used, you’ll want something tangy and sweet.

How to Make Coleslaw

Colorful coleslaw can be made so quickly! Just 3 simple steps to the perfect creamy side dish.

1. Shred Cabbage: Finely shred cabbage using a mandoline, a food processor or make thin slices with a knife. For the carrots, I grate them on the larger side of a box grater.
2. Prep Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl (per the recipe below).
3. Combine & Chill: Add the cabbage and carrots to the dressing and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Variations

• Swap the cabbage for pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix in the produce section of the grocery store.
• Finley cut an an apple (toss it in a bit of lemon juice) to make it into a Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe.
• Use the creamy dressing in the recipe below or the vinaigrette dressing in the notes.
• To make this recipe lighter, use yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.

How to Make Coleslaw Dressing

The creamy dressing for this easy coleslaw recipe is homemade but ready in about 2 minutes. It’s so good!

What’s in Coleslaw Dressing? This coleslaw recipe uses mayonnaise as a base for a creamy slaw (my favorite kind) but I’ve included a vinaigrette-based dressing in the notes too.

Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture while the vinegar adds a slight tang. The small amount of sugar balances the dressing. Make sure you don’t skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish. This dressing is great on coleslaw but it’s also perfect on broccoli salad. Mix the dressing well before adding to the cabbage mixture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.

Holly’s Tips

• Don’t skip the celery seed, it adds flavor to this classic coleslaw recipe.
• Whisk the dressing in a large bowl (instead of a small bowl) and add the cabbage to toss it all together, one less dish to wash!
• Coleslaw is best once it’s chilled at least a couple of hours.
• If serving at a potluck or summer event, ensure the slaw isn’t left out in the sun. Place the bowl of slaw in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled.

What to Serve with Coleslaw

We know that KFC coleslaw is great with chicken but we love this fresh crisp version even more. We love it with any kind of bbq dish.

How to Store

Store this coleslaw in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. After a couple of days, it may release a bit of water, drain it away (and add a tiny bit of mayonnaise if needed).

Unfortunately, coleslaw made with a mayonnaise base will not freeze well.

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Did you make this Coleslaw recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!