This Best Coleslaw is a delightful, creamy, and crunchy side dish that complements a wide variety of meals. Whether served alongside grilled foods, sandwiches, or fried dishes, this coleslaw is versatile and delicious. Featuring a medley of crisp cabbage, vibrant carrots, and a tangy yet sweet dressing, this recipe is simple to prepare and will quickly become your go-to dish for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Coleslaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup grated or julienned carrots
- 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or granulated sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. You can use a sharp knife, box grater, or food processor to make this process easier. Once the vegetables are ready, mix them together in a large bowl. If you like, you can also add some finely sliced red onion for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity based on your personal preferences.
Step 3: Toss the Coleslaw
Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss everything together until the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing. For optimal flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
Step 4: Serve
Once ready to serve, give the coleslaw a quick toss and serve it chilled. It makes a perfect side dish or topping for sandwiches, tacos, or any dish that needs a fresh, creamy crunch.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: This coleslaw is best served chilled as a refreshing side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals, such as grilled meats, burgers, or even seafood dishes. It’s also great as a topping for tacos or sandwiches.
Storage: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The coleslaw will keep for up to 3 days. Before serving again, give it a good stir, as the dressing may separate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this coleslaw in advance?
Absolutely! You can make this coleslaw a day ahead of time. The flavors will have more time to meld together in the refrigerator, enhancing the taste.
2. How can I ensure my coleslaw stays crunchy?
To keep the coleslaw crispy, it’s best to toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving. If you’d prefer to prep in advance, you can also reduce the amount of dressing and add more right before serving to preserve the crunch.
3. Is it okay to use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix?
Yes! A pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a convenient option that saves time in the kitchen. Simply combine it with the dressing for an easy and quick side dish.
4. Can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?
Of course! To make this coleslaw dairy-free, simply use a vegan mayonnaise or another dairy-free substitute. This makes the recipe accessible to those with dietary restrictions while still retaining all the flavor.
Why This Coleslaw is a Must-Try
This Best Coleslaw is not only easy to make but it’s incredibly versatile. Its creamy, crunchy texture and perfect balance of tangy and sweet make it the ideal side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a casual meal, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this coleslaw is sure to impress.
The combination of both green and red cabbage gives the coleslaw a colorful, vibrant look while adding distinct textures. The carrots bring a subtle sweetness and crunch, complementing the creamy dressing that ties everything together. The dressing itself is simple, yet full of flavor, made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a few additional seasonings. The touch of honey or sugar adds a hint of sweetness that balances out the tang from the vinegar, while the celery seed provides a mild, aromatic flavor that elevates the coleslaw to the next level.
Additional Tips for Perfect Coleslaw
- Texture Tip: If you prefer a more delicate texture, you can finely chop the cabbage instead of shredding it. This will create a softer, finer consistency that works well for those who enjoy a less crunchy coleslaw.
- Sweetness Tip: If you like your coleslaw a bit sweeter, you can increase the amount of honey or sugar. Some people even like to add a splash of orange juice to enhance the sweetness and add a citrusy twist.
- Vegan Option: For a fully plant-based version, make sure to use a vegan-friendly mayonnaise. There are plenty of high-quality options available at most grocery stores.
- Serving Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the coleslaw right before serving. This will add a touch of freshness that brightens the dish.
This Best Coleslaw recipe is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, with just the right mix of flavors. It’s easy to make, incredibly customizable, and will surely become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a simple weeknight meal, this coleslaw is the ideal side dish to complete your meal.
Best Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion Optional
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed Optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Shred the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots using a knife, box grater, or food processor. Mix them in a large bowl.
- If using, add the finely sliced red onion to the cabbage mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), celery seed, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the vegetables are well coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Toss the coleslaw again before serving. Enjoy chilled as a side dish or topping.