My Best Coleslaw Recipe
Meet my best coleslaw recipe! Made with colorful cabbage and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s a perfect side dish for picnics and BBQs.
Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw Recipe
- It’s easy to make: Simply shred the veggies, mix the dressing, and toss it all together! For convenience, you can use a store-bought coleslaw mix.
- You can make it ahead: This coleslaw tastes best after sitting in the fridge for an hour or even a day. The dressing gets creamier and the vegetables soften for great flavor.
- The homemade dressing packs it with flavor: Mayonnaise creates creaminess, mustard and apple cider vinegar provide tang, and a touch of sugar adds the right sweetness. Celery seed is my favorite addition for a savory kick!
Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients
You only need a few basic ingredients to make this homemade coleslaw recipe!
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Green and red cabbage | Creates the slaw’s crunchy base. Using both types offers a nice color contrast, although you can use just one variety if preferred. |
| Carrots | Adds earthy sweetness and vibrant color. |
| Red onion | Introduces savory depth of flavor. |
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes, pre-shredded coleslaw mix can easily replace the fresh carrots, cabbage, and onion in this recipe. Although I prefer the texture of freshly shredded vegetables, a store-bought mix saves time.
My Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
In addition to the veggies, you’ll need these ingredients for the creamy, tangy coleslaw dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base.
- Apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the sharpness of the vinegar and mustard, or use maple syrup for a naturally sweetened option.
- Celery seed: A unique ingredient that enhances flavor. You can skip it if unavailable, but it’s highly recommended.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for flavor enhancement.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Coleslaw
Making this coleslaw recipe is straightforward! Follow these steps:
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Prep the veggies: Shred the cabbage and thinly slice the onion and carrots.
- Toss everything together: In a large bowl, combine the shredded veggies and dressing. Toss well to coat.
- Serve: It can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This coleslaw makes a fantastic side dish at summer potlucks and barbecues, pairing beautifully with:
- Caprese sandwiches
- Chickpea salad sandwiches
- Egg salad sandwiches
Don’t forget to complete your meal with some delicious brownies for dessert!
How to Store and Make Ahead
You can make this homemade coleslaw up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, stir well and adjust flavors with lemon juice or salt if necessary.
Leftovers will last for up to 5 days, though the texture may soften.
More BBQ Side Salads to Try
If you adore this coleslaw recipe, here are a few more classic BBQ salads to try:
FAQ
What is the best way to serve coleslaw?
Coleslaw is best served chilled and can be a side to a variety of dishes, especially during BBQs and picnics.
How long can I store homemade coleslaw?
Homemade coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.