This quick and easy recipe for Homemade Coleslaw takes just minutes to prepare and is a million times better than anything store-bought. It is made with freshly shredded cabbage and carrots and a simple homemade dressing, to yield a delicious, creamy coleslaw that will quickly become a staple recipe!
Coleslaw, like baked beans and bacon ranch potato salad, makes a perfect addition to any potluck or picnic.
And while coleslaw is delicious served as a side, in my humble opinion, coleslaw is BEST served as a topping! From classic burgers, to crockpot pulled pork, to BBQ chicken burgers, coleslaw lends a creamy, fresh topping to sandwiches and wraps that balance the richness of the meat and add an irresistible texture to your sandwich.
And not to brag, but this quick and easy coleslaw recipe is the best! It is a classic, simple recipe for creamy coleslaw that turns out perfect every time.
Coleslaw Ingredients
Creamy coleslaw is made with two components:
- Shredded Cabbage + Carrots: While you can purchase a bagged mix of shredded cabbage and carrots, often labeled as coleslaw mix at any grocery store, I highly recommend shredding the cabbage and carrots yourself. Not only is this a money-saver, but your coleslaw will just taste better, as most bags of shredded cabbage to have a bitter, acidic taste.
- Coleslaw Dressing: The simple creamy dressing for this coleslaw is made with mayonnaise, salt, vinegar, and a bit of sugar or honey to create a sweet, tangy classic dressing for coleslaw.
How To Make Coleslaw
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Shred the Cabbage and Carrots
While you can purchase a bag of coleslaw mix, it is better tasting and cheaper to make it yourself. The easiest way to shred the cabbage and carrots is is to use a food processor fitted with a grater blade. Alternatively, you can grate by hand on a box grater OR thinly slice the cabbage yourself.
Prepare Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
This is as simple as whisking the mayonnaise with the vinegar, honey (or granulated sugar), and salt until well combined.
Dress the Cabbage with Coleslaw Dressing
Toss the shredded cabbage, carrots, and coleslaw dressing together until everything is evenly coated.
Chill Coleslaw Before Serving
Coleslaw is best served after it has been chilled for at least one hour. This will allow the cabbage to soften and absorb the flavors.
Recipe Notes/Modifications
- Swap Out Mayo for Greek Yogurt: If you want to cut back on fat, calories, and/or cholesterol, use plain Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise. The coleslaw will still be creamy and delicious! it will also be egg-free.
- Vinegar: White distilled vinegar is best, as it will not overwhelm the flavor of the coleslaw, but apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch.
- Serve within 48 hours. After 48 hours, the coleslaw will become watery, as the cabbage breaks down and releases its natural liquid.
How to Serve Coleslaw
Coleslaw can be served as a side dish alongside just about any entree like Instant Pot Ribs, Grilled Shrimp, or Barbecue Chicken. However, there is something about using coleslaw as a condiment or topping, especially when it comes to BBQ that is irresistibly good! Try out one of my favorite combos below.
- Pile coleslaw and slow cooker pulled pork or Instant Pot Pulled Pork on a bun to make a ridiculously delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich.
- Top BBQ Chicken Burgers with some of this homemade coleslaw to add crunch and creaminess.
- Top Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes, Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, with Instant Pot BBQ Chicken or BBQ meat of your choice and a big scoop of this homemade coleslaw for one delicious meal.
- Top Sloppy Joes or Hamburgers with coleslaw for added texture and flavor.
More Favorite Summer Side Dishes
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Instant Pot Potato Salad
- Summer Fruit Salad
- Italian Potato Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- BLT Pasta Salad
If you enjoyed this coleslaw recipe, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.
Homemade Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ½ head green cabbage shredded
- 1 large carrot peeled and shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Peel the carrots and cut the cabbage into large chunks. to grate. Fit a food processor with the grater blade and finely grate the cabbage and carrots. Alternatively, thinly slice the cabbage into thin strips and grate the carrots using a handheld box grater.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix ½ cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey (or sugar) and ¼ teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to coleslaw dressing and toss until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve as desired.
Heidi S
I will never buy from the store again! I had no idea how easy it is- and how much better- to make at home. Thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
You are so welcome! Homemade is so easy too!
V
I just made this coleslaw & it was super-delish! (: Yum!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing!
Alan E Christensen
Too easy thanks for the recipe it works for what I needed 🙂
Sharina
This homemade coleslaw is a must-try! It is savory, cozy and refreshing! Plus, the dressing is a winner.
Leslie
A most delicious and easy recipe. Thank you.
Allyson Zea
This flavor combination was seriously amazing! Thank you for the easy recipe!
Dana G
Everyone's favorite summer side dish! We make this all the time, thank you!
Yve Beauchamp
Can't wait to make this recipe> Can I use purple cabbage with the green? I Love seeing bright colors in my food.
Kristen Chidsey
Yes! Just keep in mind that the purple will bleed into the mayonnaise and cause it to be a pinkish hue.
Barbara
Regarding your nutritional info, what portion does it pertain to? Does the info refer to the dressing only? Does it refer to coleslaw plus dressing? What is the portion size? Nutrition info must include portion size , etc or it is useless.
Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Barbara! The nutritional information is based on 8 servings of the entire recipe--including cabbage and dressing.
Lara
This is the tastiest coleslaw I’ve ever had!! Even my picky grandson loved it!
I hate the smell & taste of mayo, so I rarely even eat coleslaw. I didn’t know I could use Greek Yogurt or honey instead. What a difference! AND, I didn’t even have to add more honey (which says a lot about me).
Kristen Chidsey
YAY!!! I love hearing how much your family enjoyed Lara! It is a staple here and I hope it becomes a staple at your house.
A
All I have is NAPA cabbage.Can I use that instead?Thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi there! I love using Napa cabbage as a slaw, but it won't work well for this recipe. I would cut the dressing in half for the same amount of cabbage, as napa cabbage is really delicate.
Leah
Hi Can you use regular plain yogurt?
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Leah! Yes, you can, but being that regular yogurt is not as thick as Greek yogurt, you may want to decrease the amount to 1/3 cup.
Kim
Who knew Cole slaw could be so easy to prepare? This is delicious! I've made with the mayo and another time with yogurt and both were very tasty. Thanks so much!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you are enjoying this super easy recipe Kim! Thanks for leaving a review.
Claudia Lamascolo
What a great recipe for homemade coleslaw one taste and we were hooked thanks!
Kristen Chidsey
I love hearing you enjoyed it.
Jessica
I love it when coleslaw is shredded this thin, but the dressing is what really makes it delicious and unique!
Linda
I love homemade coleslaw! It tastes so much better than store-bought and the fact you can use this as a topping for other summer BBQ items is fantastic. Can't wait to give it a try.
Liz
Delicious!!! So easy to make and the perfect balance of sweet and acid!!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed Liz!
Lettie Graves
This recipe has been in my family for years. I prefer to hand grate the cabbage and carrots. It just tastes better. Much better than chopped. Thank you.