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    Easy Homemade Coleslaw

    Side Dishes Gluten Free Homemade Staples May 15, 2023 | By Kristen Chidsey | 26 Comments | *This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe
    It could not be easier to make creamy coleslaw at home! This recipe for homemade coleslaw comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients and is the perfect side dish or accompaniment to barbecue sandwiches.

    This recipe for Homemade Coleslaw comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Made with a creamy coleslaw dressing, this coleslaw is the ultimate summer side dish.

    Coleslaw is not only a delicious summer side dish, but it also is the perfect topping for Classic Hamburgers, Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwiches, or BBQ Chicken Burgers, as the creaminess and crisp texture of the coleslaw balance out the rich meat.

    Bowl of homemade creamy coleslaw on white counter.


    There are many varieties of coleslaw. From a mayonnaise-based creamy coleslaw to tangy coleslaw made with vinegar dressings, coleslaw is a classic summer side dish.

    This coleslaw recipe is the ultimate recipe for coleslaw. It is a classic, simple recipe for creamy coleslaw that couldn't be easier to make!

    why you will love this recipe

    • Easy Recipe. It only takes minutes of hands-on prep to create creamy coleslaw at home.
    • The Best Flavor. The simple coleslaw dressing is perfectly balanced, creating a creamy coleslaw that is so much better tasting than anything store-bought!
    • Versatile Uses. While coleslaw makes a great side dish that everyone loves, it is also the perfect condiment for burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. The crunchy cabbage, paired with a tangy, creamy sauce is perfect to cut through heavier summer dishes.

    Ingredients in Coleslaw

    Ingredients for Coleslaw on countertop labeled.
    • Cabbage: I recommend using a head of green cabbage and shredding it yourself rather than using a pre-packaged bag of coleslaw mix, as it is I find most bags of shredded cabbage have a bitter, acidic taste. Plus it is more economical to shred the cabbage yourself.
    • Carrots: The carrots are an optional addition, but add a nice natural sweetness and color to the coleslaw. Use bagged matchstick carrots or shred peeled carrots yourself along with the cabbage.
    • Mayonnaise: Use regular or low-fat mayonnaise. I don't recommend fat-free mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, as the flavor is not the same.
    • Vinegar: Vinegar adds a bit of tang to the coleslaw and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and helps to break down the coleslaw. White distilled vinegar is best, as it will not overwhelm the flavor of the coleslaw.
    • Honey: Coleslaw needs a bit of added sweetener to help balance out the richness of the mayonnaise and the tang of the vinegar. Feel free to use granulated sugar in place of the honey.
    • Salt: Salt is needed to enhance the flavor of the coleslaw and soften the cabbage. Kosher salt is best, as it will help to enhance the flavor, rather than just make the coleslaw taste salty.

    ∗ Low-Fat Option∗

    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.

    How To Make Coleslaw

    Step One: Prepare the cabbage and carrots for the coleslaw. This can be done by shredding the cabbage and carrots using a food processor, or using a box grater.

    Step Two: Prepare the coleslaw dressing. This is as simple as whisking the mayonnaise or yogurt with vinegar, honey, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined.

    Creamy coleslaw dressing combined in a mixing bowl.

    Step Three: Add the cabbage and carrots to the coleslaw dressing and toss until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated in the dressing.

    Mixing bowl with ingredients for homemade coleslaw combined in the bowl.

    Step Four: Chill. Coleslaw is best served after it has been chilled. This will allow the cabbage to soften and absorb the flavors.

    Step Five: Serve. Once the coleslaw has been chilled, serve it as a condiment or as a side dish.

    Bowl of creamy coleslaw recipe.

    Serving Suggestions

    Coleslaw can be served on the side of any meal like Instant Pot Ribs or Barbecue Chicken, but it is also great served in more creative ways.

    • Pile coleslaw and slow cooker pulled pork or Instant Pot Pulled Pork, on a bun to make a ridiculously delicious Pulled Pork Sandwich.
    • Top Chicken Burgers with some of this homemade coleslaw to add crunch and creaminess.
    • Top baked sweet potatoes with barbecue meat of your choice and coleslaw for a delicious meal.
    • Top Sloppy Joes with coleslaw for texture and taste.

    How to Store Coleslaw

    For the best flavor, prepare this creamy coleslaw at least 1 hour before serving, and no more than 48 hours after preparing. After 2 days have passed, the coleslaw will become watery, as the cabbage breaks down and releases its natural liquid.

    Recipe FAQs

    What kind of cabbage is best for coleslaw?

    Basic green cabbage is traditional in creamy, southern coleslaw. However, you can use red cabbage, just keep in mind that red cabbage can give the coleslaw a slight pink tinge.

    What is the best way to shred the cabbage?

    The easiest way to shred the cabbage 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.

    More Favorite Summer Side Dishes

    • Creamy Cucumber Salad
    • Homemade Baked Beans
    • Instant Pot Potato Salad
    • Summer Fruit Salad
    • BLT Pasta Salad

    If you enjoyed this coleslaw recipe, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.

    Bowl of creamy coleslaw made with shredded green cabbage.

    Homemade Coleslaw

    It could not be easier to make creamy coleslaw at home! This recipe for homemade coleslaw comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients and is the perfect side dish or accompaniment to barbecue sandwiches.
    5 from 28 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Refrigerate: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 121kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • ½ head green cabbage shredded
    • 1 carrot shredded
    • ½ cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
    • 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • To shred or grate the cabbage, Wash and dry the carrots. Remove and discard the outer leaves on the cabbage and cut the cabbage into quarters, which will make it easier to grate. Fit a food processor with the grater blade and finely grate the cabbage. Alternatively, thinly slice the cabbage into thin strips or grate it using a handheld box grater.
    • For the carrots, peel the carrots, chop off the stem, and discard the peels and stem. Cut the carrots into 2 or 3 pieces to fit into the food processor and grate using the same food processor and grater blade as you did for the cabbage. OR grate the peeled carrots on a handheld grater. I find it is easier to not remove the stem to allow excess space for holding the carrot while grating by hand.
    • In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise with vinegar, honey, and salt until evenly combined.
    • Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to coleslaw dressing and toss until well combined. 
    • Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Serve as desired.

    Equipment Needed

    • Food Processor

    Notes

    Cabbage & Carrots: Instead of using fresh cabbage and carrots, you can also use a 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix.
    Pepper: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper if desired.
    Storage: Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While it will keep for 3-4 days, coleslaw is best served within 48 hours after preparing, as it begins to become watered down. 
    Nutritional facts have been calculated using mayonnaise.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1339IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2023 with new photos.

    « Instant Pot Ribs
    Homemade Buffalo Sauce »

    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

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    1. V

      September 25, 2023 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      I just made this coleslaw & it was super-delish! (: Yum!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 25, 2023 at 6:50 am

        Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Alan E Christensen

      July 07, 2023 at 11:45 pm

      5 stars
      Too easy thanks for the recipe it works for what I needed 🙂

      Reply
    3. Sharina

      June 05, 2023 at 4:44 am

      5 stars
      This homemade coleslaw is a must-try! It is savory, cozy and refreshing! Plus, the dressing is a winner.

      Reply
    4. Leslie

      May 06, 2023 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      A most delicious and easy recipe. Thank you.

      Reply
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    It could not be easier to make creamy coleslaw at home! This recipe for homemade coleslaw comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients and is the perfect side dish or accompaniment to barbecue sandwiches.

    Meet Kristen

    Kristen Chidsey with apron on in front of vegetables in kitchen.

    Hi! I'm Kristen. It is my honor and passion to share easy, wholesome recipes with you to in turn share your loved ones. These tried and true recipes will help you make delicious, family-friendly meals without stress! Read more

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    It could not be easier to make creamy coleslaw at home! This recipe for homemade coleslaw comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients and is the perfect side dish or accompaniment to barbecue sandwiches.

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