The Best Coleslaw Recipe is fresh, crunchy, and creamy! 🥗 Perfect for summer BBQs, potlucks, or a quick side dish anytime! 🌞🍴
Best Coleslaw Recipe
Looking for the best coleslaw recipe to serve at your next barbecue or family dinner? This quick and easy side dish comes together in just minutes and tastes so much better than anything from the store. With fresh, crisp cabbage and a creamy homemade coleslaw dressing, this is the only coleslaw recipe you will ever need!
Whether you are topping sandwiches or serving it as a side, this easy coleslaw recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy dressing brings just the right balance of sweetness and tang. Plus, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, and more.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Features a creamy and tangy homemade coleslaw dressing.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.
- Great make-ahead side dish that gets better as it chills.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
Best Coleslaw Recipe
- green cabbage, shredded – substitute with all red cabbage for a colorful twist
- red cabbage, shredded – substitute with more green cabbage if preferred
- carrots, shredded – substitute with pre-shredded carrots for convenience
Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
- mayonnaise – substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- granulated sugar – substitute with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness
- lemon juice – substitute with apple cider vinegar for a different tang
- distilled vinegar – substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- salt
- black pepper
✨ Variations
- Add 1 teaspoon of celery seed for extra flavor.
- Stir in a handful of chopped green onions or fresh herbs.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
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🔥 Tips
- Use a food processor for faster shredding.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Taste the dressing before mixing and adjust the sweetness or tang as needed.
❓ FAQs
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours in advance.
Absolutely. Substitute the cabbage and carrots with one 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix to save time.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to stir before serving.
No, this homemade coleslaw dressing balances sweetness and tang perfectly. Adjust the sugar to your taste if needed.
Salt the cabbage and let it sit for about 30 minutes, then drain any excess liquid before adding the dressing.
Yes! Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
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The Best Coleslaw Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl (large and small)
- food processor (or box grater for shredding)
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- ½ cup carrots shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1-½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Shred cabbage and carrots and add to a large bowl.
- In a small bowl combine the mayo, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper with a whisk until well combined.
- Add dressing to cabbage mixture, stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
📝 NOTE
You can also use 1 bag (14 oz) of Coleslaw Cabbage Mix instead of grating your own cabbage and carrots.🥡 STORAGE
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.♨️ REHEATING
This dish is served cold. Do not reheat.❄️ FREEZING
Freezing is not recommended. The cabbage will lose its crisp texture.💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter taste.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a splash of milk.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
Use leftovers as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or grilled burgers.Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on August 11, 2019. Updated on May 18, 2025.
I’m Jamie, a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!
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