My Favorite Coleslaw Recipe
I have made this sweet and tangy coleslaw for years. It is my go-to potluck side dish. Everyone always asks for the recipe. I think it’s the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy.
The secret is the homemade coleslaw dressing. It whips up in minutes. Just mix mayo, a little sugar, and some tangy vinegar. Doesn’t that smell amazing? What is your favorite thing to bring to a party?
Why the Dressing Matters
Letting the slaw sit is the real trick. This is the best make ahead coleslaw. The cabbage softens just a bit. The flavors all get to know each other.
This matters because it turns simple shreds into a classic coleslaw. The wait makes every bite balanced. You can try other easy cabbage recipes too. But this one is special for its simplicity.
A Little Story About Cabbage
My grandson once called it “confetti salad.” I still laugh at that. He loved the purple and green colors. Now he asks for it every summer.
This easy coleslaw recipe is more than a side. It’s about making simple food joyful. That’s why this matters. It turns a humble vegetable into a celebration. Cabbage is so versatile, like in this cozy Mediterranean cabbage soup.
The Perfect Pairing
This creamy coleslaw is the best coleslaw for BBQ. The cool crunch next to hot, smoky food is magic. It just feels right on a sunny day.
*Fun fact: The word “coleslaw” comes from the Dutch “koolsla,” meaning “cabbage salad.”* See? It’s a classic for a reason. Do you prefer your slaw sweet, or more tangy and sharp?
More Than Just a Bowl of Shreds
This cabbage salad teaches a good lesson. Great food doesn’t need to be complicated. A few fresh things, mixed with care, make something wonderful.
You can use this same loving approach for other dishes. Try a hearty bacon and cabbage bake on a cold night. Or a vibrant braised red cabbage for a holiday. What is one simple recipe that always makes you happy?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | full fat preferred |
| Lemon juice | 2 Tbsp | fresh |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 Tbsp | |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp | |
| Ground celery seed | 1/2 tsp | |
| Red onion, minced | 1/3 cup | |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/3 cup | |
| Green cabbage, thinly sliced | 8 cups | |
| Red cabbage, thinly sliced | 2 cups | |
| Carrots, thinly shredded | 2 cups |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get all your veggies ready. Thinly slice your green and red cabbage. Shred those carrots nice and fine. I love the color this cabbage adds. Doesn’t that look pretty already? This is the start of your best sweet and tangy coleslaw.
Step 2: Now, let’s make the magic homemade coleslaw dressing. Whisk mayo, lemon juice, vinegar, and sugar together. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and happy. (A hard-learned tip: use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor!). This creamy dressing makes the perfect potluck side dish.
Step 3: Time to toss! Add all your beautiful veggies to the bowl. Mix them with the dressing until every piece is coated. I still laugh at how my apron gets covered. This easy coleslaw recipe is almost done. Do you prefer your slaw crunchy or soft? Share below!
Step 4: Patience is key. Cover the bowl and let it chill for two hours. The flavors will become best friends. This make ahead coleslaw gets better as it sits. It’s the secret to a great cabbage salad.
Step 5: Give your classic coleslaw one final stir before serving. This redistributes the delicious dressing. Serve it cold and watch it disappear. This coleslaw for BBQ is always a crowd-pleaser, just like my cabbage bake.
Creative Twists
Apple Crunch: Add a diced crisp apple for a sweet, fresh bite.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Herb Garden: Swap parsley for fresh dill or chives from the garden.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This creamy coleslaw is perfect on a pulled pork sandwich. It’s also lovely next to simple grilled chicken. For a fun plate, serve it in little lettuce cups. Try it with a warm cabbage roll soup for a cozy meal. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Coleslaw Crisp and Fresh
This sweet and tangy coleslaw is a perfect make ahead coleslaw. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they mingle. I remember my first big batch for a church picnic. I was so worried it would get soggy overnight!
This easy coleslaw recipe is a true classic coleslaw. You can double it for a crowd. Batch cooking saves you so much time later. It means you have a delicious potluck side dish ready to go. This is why planning matters. It turns a busy day into a simple, tasty meal. For another great make-ahead dish, try a cozy soup.
Do not freeze this creamy coleslaw. The cabbage will become watery and limp when thawed. Always serve it chilled straight from the fridge. Give it a good stir before serving to mix the dressing. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Coleslaw Troubles
Is your cabbage salad too watery? Salt your shredded cabbage first. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze it dry. This keeps your homemade coleslaw dressing from getting diluted. I once forgot this step. My coleslaw for BBQ was a bit of a puddle!
Does the flavor taste flat? Your dish likely needs more acid or salt. Add a tiny splash more vinegar or lemon juice. Then taste it again. Balancing flavors matters. It makes your cooking confident and your food sing.
Is the texture not quite right? Cut your cabbage thinly and evenly. A sharp knife or mandoline works best. Uniform pieces coat evenly in dressing. This matters for the perfect bite every time. For a different textured cabbage dish, baking is wonderful. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best dressing for slaw?
The best dressing is a creamy, balanced one. Our sweet and tangy coleslaw recipe uses mayo, vinegar, lemon juice, and sugar. This mix gives you rich creaminess and a bright zip. It clings perfectly to the cabbage and carrots. It is the classic coleslaw dressing many people love. It is simple to whisk together in your bowl.
What makes coleslaw dressing tangy?
The tang comes from acids like vinegar and lemon juice. Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity sharpness. Fresh lemon juice gives a sunny, bright note. Together, they cut through the richness of the mayonnaise. This balance is key for a flavorful homemade coleslaw dressing. It prevents the salad from tasting too heavy or sweet.
Why does restaurant coleslaw taste better?
Restaurants often let their coleslaw chill for hours. This resting time allows the flavors to blend deeply. The sugar dissolves fully, and the cabbage softens slightly. Making your coleslaw ahead is the secret. This make ahead coleslaw trick makes a huge difference. Your easy coleslaw recipe will taste just as good, maybe better!
How do you make Gordon Ramsay coleslaw dressing?
Chef Ramsay’s dressing often includes Greek yogurt for lightness. He uses mustard and lemon for big flavor. While our recipe is a classic coleslaw, his is a tasty twist. The goal is always balance between creamy, sweet, and sharp. Experimenting with ingredients like yogurt can create new favorite potluck side dishes.
What dressing do you put with coleslaw?
You put on a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing. Our recipe is a perfect example. It uses simple pantry staples. The dressing should coat the cabbage salad thoroughly. It should pool a little at the bottom of the bowl. This ensures every bite of your creamy coleslaw is full of flavor.
Can I use other types of cabbage?
Absolutely! Green and red cabbage are standard in this coleslaw recipe. But you can use savoy or napa cabbage too. Each type brings a slightly different texture. *Fun fact: red cabbage can turn your dressing a lovely pink color!* For a hot cabbage recipe, a stir-fry is fantastic. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this sweet and tangy coleslaw. It has been a favorite in my family for years. Nothing makes me happier than sharing these simple, joyful recipes. Food is about love and making memories around the table.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Tell me how it turned out for you. Did your friends and family enjoy it at your BBQ? Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a comment below and let me know. You can find more cozy ideas, like this hearty soup, on my blog.
Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.
Crisp Sweet and Tangy Cabbage Slaw
Description
Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare: Ensure onion, parsley, cabbages and carrots are chopped/sliced/shredded. Gather a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: To the large mixing bowl, add mayo, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Whisk until smooth and combined.
- Toss and combine: To the bowl, add onion, parsley, green cabbage, red cabbage and shredded carrots. Toss until well combined and coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or longer if you prefer a softer coleslaw.
- Serve: Before serving, toss/stir coleslaw once more to redistribute dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl. Then serve chilled, with a sprinkle of extra pepper if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill for the full 2 hours before serving. The slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.