Coleslaw is a timeless side dish that brings a refreshing crunch and creamy tang to the table. Whether you’re firing up the grill for burgers, serving up tacos, or planning a weekend barbecue, this easy coleslaw recipe is a must-have in your lineup of quick family meals.
Made with simple ingredients like fresh cabbage and crisp carrots, it’s tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing that hits just the right balance. The best part? It takes minutes to make and pairs beautifully with everything—from healthy comfort food to budget-friendly dinners.
This is one of those high-protein side dishes that feels light, yet satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your list of easy weeknight dinners again and again!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the coleslaw:
- Green cabbage (shredded for that classic crunch and mild flavor)
- Red cabbage (for a pop of color and extra texture)
- Fresh carrots (grated or julienned to add sweetness and vibrancy)
- Optional: Thinly sliced red onion for a gentle bite
For the dressing:
- Creamy mayonnaise as the base for richness
- Apple cider vinegar for tang and brightness
- Dijon mustard to add a subtle kick and depth
- Honey or granulated sugar to balance acidity with sweetness
- Celery seed (optional but highly recommended for that classic coleslaw flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to season perfectly
Why This Coleslaw Recipe Works
The secret to truly irresistible coleslaw is all about balance—creamy, tangy, and fresh. This version checks all the boxes with a vibrant mix of green and red cabbage for beautiful color and crunch.
Shredded carrots add just the right touch of natural sweetness, making every bite refreshing and satisfying.
The easy homemade coleslaw dressing is where the flavor magic happens: creamy mayo, zesty vinegar, a hint of mustard, and a drizzle of honey for that smooth, slightly sweet finish.
It’s the perfect topping for high-protein meals, healthy BBQ recipes, and budget-friendly dinners.
Ready in just 15 minutes, this coleslaw really shines after chilling for at least 30 minutes. That short rest lets the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly—while still keeping its signature crunch.
Serve it at summer cookouts, pack it for picnic lunches, or pile it high on your favorite tacos and pulled chicken sandwiches.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
Use a sharp knife, box grater, or food processor to finely shred green and red cabbage. Thinly slicing helps the cabbage absorb the dressing just right—no soggy slaw here!
Next, grate or julienne a couple of carrots for that naturally sweet crunch. Want a bit more kick? Add thinly sliced red onions for bold flavor and color.
Toss everything into a large bowl and give it a quick mix. This vibrant veggie base is low calorie, high nutrition, and the perfect start to a healthy comfort food side dish or meal prep microwave lunch!
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), celery seed, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the texture is creamy and silky smooth—this is what brings the slaw to life!
Taste and tweak: want it sweeter? Add a touch more honey. Prefer a tangier bite? A splash more vinegar does the trick. This dressing is flexible and easy to make ahead, perfect for meal planning chicken dishes or as a topping for healthy boxed meals and high protein ready made meals.
Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss well until every strand of cabbage and carrot is coated evenly. The dressing will cling nicely, giving that creamy texture without weighing down the veggies.
Chill and Serve
For the best results, cover your coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors develop and the veggies soften just enough without losing their crunch. Give it a final toss before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Coleslaw is a versatile, healthy comfort food that pairs beautifully with many dishes. Serve it chilled alongside grilled chicken, fish tacos, burgers, or your favorite budget-friendly barbecue meals. It’s also a fantastic crunchy topping for pulled meat sandwiches or enjoyed fresh as a low calorie premade meal salad.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Coleslaw Every Time
- Keep it crunchy: Toss the dressing just before serving for that crisp bite. Want it softer? Mix earlier and chill—it’s great for meal prep microwave lunches!
- Use bagged coleslaw mix: No time to shred? Pre-packaged coleslaw mix saves time and still tastes fresh—ideal for quick family meals.
- Customize sweetness: Start with less honey or sugar, then adjust to your taste. Try different vinegars—apple cider vinegar offers mellow tang, white vinegar packs a sharper punch.
- Add texture & flavor: Mix in shredded apples, raisins, or sunflower seeds for a natural sweet crunch twist.
- Lighter dressing options: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or light mayo for a creamy, lower-fat coleslaw perfect for healthy eating for two or a keto meal plan.
- Don’t skip celery seed: Optional but highly recommended—this adds that classic deli-style flavor everyone loves.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Perfect Coleslaw
Coleslaw actually tastes better when made a day ahead—flavors deepen as it chills! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Before serving, give it a good stir since dressing can settle and veggies may release some water.
Pro tip: Avoid freezing coleslaw — the texture won’t hold up once thawed, and you want that fresh, crunchy bite every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?
Yes! Swap mayo for a vegan mayonnaise or any dairy-free alternative to enjoy a creamy, allergy-friendly version.
How do I keep coleslaw from getting soggy?
Use fresh, firm cabbage and carrots, and toss with dressing just before serving. Or keep the dressing separate until mealtime for the crispiest results.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, celery, or fennel add delightful crunch and new flavors.
What vinegar works best?
Apple cider vinegar is ideal for its mild sweetness, but white vinegar or lemon juice work great depending on your taste.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Easy Weeknight Side
This easy coleslaw recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. It’s quick, versatile, and fits perfectly into healthy meal plans for two, budget-friendly recipes, and meal prep microwave lunches.
Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner, a potluck, or alongside your favorite high protein meals, this coleslaw will brighten up your plate and satisfy your cravings.
Try it once, and it’ll become your trusted classic!variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!
Ultimate Easy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated or julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced (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 sharp knife, box grater, or food processor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and red onion if using. Toss gently to mix.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well to coat every strand evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly while remaining crunchy.
- Before serving, give the coleslaw a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a topping for sandwiches and tacos.
