If you’ve ever craved that perfectly creamy, tangy, and crunchy side dish that pairs beautifully with barbecue, fried chicken, or just about any summer meal, this Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh green cabbage and vibrant carrots, all coated in a luscious, slightly sweet mayo dressing, it’s a simple yet timeless salad that elevates any plate and makes every bite feel like a little celebration of freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this coleslaw. Each element plays a crucial role—from the crisp crunch of cabbage and carrots to the creamy tang of the dressing—all coming together to create a balanced and irresistible dish.
- Green cabbage: Provides that signature crunch and mild peppery flavor, the foundation of the coleslaw’s texture and bulk.
- Carrots: Add a natural sweetness and vibrant color that lighten up the salad.
- Full-fat mayonnaise: Delivers creamy richness that holds the salad together and balances the tangy vinegar.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a bright, slightly fruity acidity that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to enhance sweetness and smooth out the tartness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight all the individual flavors.
- Celery seeds (optional): A subtle aromatic note that adds complexity if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by shredding the green cabbage and grating the carrots. Using a box grater or a food processor makes this quick and easy, ensuring that each piece is thin enough to absorb the dressing while keeping a satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the full-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe, setting the tone for the fresh and tangy flavor you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Add your shredded cabbage and grated carrots into the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything thoroughly until every strand and shred is coated with that luscious sauce. This step ensures the coleslaw is well-seasoned and ready to impress.
Step 4: Chill and Marinate
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the veggies soften just enough to become even more delicious, without losing their crisp bite.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Before serving, taste your coleslaw and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a little more salt or pepper can make all the difference in perfecting your dish.
How to Serve Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra celery seeds on top adds a lovely finishing touch that invites guests to dig in. These small details also bump up the visual appeal, making your coleslaw look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is incredibly versatile and pairs brilliantly with grilled meats, sandwiches, or fried dishes like crispy chicken or fish. It also works wonders next to hearty BBQ ribs or as a cooler counterbalance to spicy foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the coleslaw inside crunchy lettuce cups or atop baked potatoes for added texture. You can also mix it with pulled pork or tuck it into tacos for a vibrant crunch that livens up any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead side.
Freezing
Because of its fresh veggies and creamy dressing, this coleslaw is not ideal for freezing. The texture will become soggy once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best crunch and flavor.
Reheating
Coleslaw is always best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a good stir before serving to refresh the dressing and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will add a beautiful pop of color and a slightly different flavor, but it works just as well in this Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute mayo with a healthier alternative?
You can try Greek yogurt or a mayo-light version for a lighter dressing, but keep in mind this will alter the classic creamy texture and taste.
How far in advance can I make this coleslaw?
Making it about 24 hours ahead is perfect. It gives plenty of time for the flavors to marry while still preserving the crunch of the vegetables.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a bit of finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives for a unique twist that complements the classic flavors nicely.
Can I make this coleslaw vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative and make sure any added ingredients are plant-based to keep the recipe both delicious and vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, making it a must-have in your recipe collection. I encourage you to whip up a batch and watch it become a fast favorite at your next meal or gathering. Once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed coleslaw any other way!
Print
Homemade Classic Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade coleslaw recipe offers a classic, creamy side dish made with shredded green cabbage and grated carrots, tossed in a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sweetness. Perfectly chilled to meld flavors, it’s a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
Dressing
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp celery seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor to ensure even, fine pieces that will absorb the dressing well.
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Vegetables with Dressing: Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the bowl with the dressing, then mix thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the coleslaw chill for optimal taste and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning & Serve: Before serving, taste the coleslaw and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or celery seeds if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute full-fat mayonnaise with a lighter alternative to reduce calories.
- Adding celery seeds is optional but adds a subtle depth of flavor typical of traditional coleslaw.
- For a twist, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- Coleslaw is best served cold and consumed within 2-3 days for freshness.
- Use a food processor for quicker shredding but be careful not to shred too finely.
