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 prepared coleslaw recipe in a bowl

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.

ingredients in bowls to make The Best Coleslaw Recipe

Variations

  • Swap the cabbage for pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix in the produce section of the grocery store.
  • Finley cut 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.

The Best Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

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.

Overhead shot of Coleslaw with coleslaw dressing on top ready to mix

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 for 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.

serving a coleslaw recipe with wooden spoons

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.

More Easy Sides You’ll Love

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

a prepared coleslaw recipe in a bowl
4.98 from 956 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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The Best Coleslaw Recipe

This creamy coleslaw is the best salad or sandwich topper. It's the perfect make-ahead dish, ideal for a BBQ or potluck!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients  

  • 3 cups green cabbage finely shredded
  • 2 cups purple cabbage finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrot finely shredded

Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise/dressing
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon celery seeds
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl.
  • Toss with cabbage & carrots. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Video

Notes

Cabbage and carrots above can be replaced with coleslaw mix.
 Don’t skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish.
This dish is best after the flavors have had a chance to blend. Resting in the fridge also helps to soften the slaw.
Option 2: Vinaigrette Coleslaw Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons canola oil
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seeds
  • salt & pepper to taste
4.98 from 956 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 160 | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 148mg | Potassium: 207mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3942IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American

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homemade coleslaw in a white serving bow with a title
coleslaw in a white bowl with wooden spoons and writing

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About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
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Comments

  1. Made this a couple of months ago for a gathering we were attending. Excellent! Going to make it again for a 4th of July party!5 stars

  2. My first time making coleslaw and it was super easy and wicked tasty!
    Will definitely be making this for years to come!5 stars

  3. absolutely delicious.. never made coleslaw but I will ABSOLUTELY made this again… and again5 stars

  4. Haven’t even let the flavours mingle yet but it’s easily my favourite. Only thing I did different was less sugar.5 stars

  5. Looking forward to trying this. Can I make ahead and put in the fridge overnight or will it absorb too much of the sauce?

    1. You can make it a day ahead, the slaw may release a little bit of liquid. You could also mix the dressing the day ahead and toss it together a few hours before serving.

  6. As written the recipe is OK. After a number of hours in the fridge, and testing it, I did add more cider vinegar which helped quite a bit.4 stars

  7. Only substitution I made was fresh lemon juice for the white vinegar. It really is good. Reminded me of my mom’s recipe!

  8. Followed recipe exactly… yes, do not skip the celery seeds!!! Excellent. My go to from now own.5 stars

  9. Hi! I’m planning on doubling this recipe for a party but choosing to go with pre-made slaw mix (#lazy) – how much pre-mix would you recommend buying? Thank you!!

    1. If doubling this recipe you need about 12 cups of slaw mix. An average 14 ounce bag is about 6 cups. So you will need about two bags.

  10. I just started cooking and this was super easy. I love Cole slaw but it is almost never very good. Decided to make my own and this recipe said simple. This is not only simple but excellent. Thank you5 stars

  11. Thank you so much for this recipe, it is perfect and so delicious. This is my first try at homemade, don’t like the deli slaw, and it is a hit and so easy to make. Finally, I can have the coleslaw I love.5 stars

  12. I made this for a Mother’s Day gathering. Everyone really liked it, and I will be making it again!5 stars

  13. Yes, I made this last summer for the first time and I loved, my family and coworkers. I think it offers a good balance between meat with or without barbecue sauce. it is quick and simple to make. I love the Trader Joes mixed slaw and the dressing is quick and simple vs a store bought. You can tailor the ingredients to your liking.

  14. this is truly the best slaw recipe. I looked for a while and always got over done recipes that don’t even resemble traditional slaw. All I wanted was a recipe to remind me of my childhood summer picnics. and this is it. thanks so much.5 stars