If you’re looking for that crisp, creamy side that steals the show at every gathering, The Best Coleslaw Recipe is your go-to! This colorful blend of cabbage and carrots, tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing, will instantly brighten up barbecues or everyday dinners. It’s easy to make, naturally refreshing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, even when the main dish is drool-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Coleslaw Recipe lies in its simple, no-fuss ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor, color, or bite to the bowl, and together, they achieve that unforgettable fresh crunch and zippy taste. Here’s what makes this classic shine:
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, shredded for the perfect base and irresistible crunch.
- Purple cabbage (optional): Adds eye-popping color and a slightly deeper, earthy flavor.
- Carrots: Brings subtle sweetness and bright orange streaks for a gorgeous contrast.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy heart of the dressing that holds it all together.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides a gentle tang that cuts through creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Kicks up the depth with its zesty, peppery punch.
- Honey or sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the acidity—choose your favorite.
- Celery seed: The secret spice that brings classic coleslaw’s signature aroma and zest.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus and enhancing the crunch.
- Black pepper: A finishing touch of bite and warmth for balance.
How to Make The Best Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Shred and Mix the Veggies
Start by grabbing a big bowl and tossing in the shredded green cabbage, the optional purple cabbage for a pop of color, and the carrots. Mix them up with your hands (or tongs!) so every forkful will have a little of each crunchy veggie. Don’t hold back—this is where the vibrant foundation of The Best Coleslaw Recipe starts coming together.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or sugar, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until you have a silky-smooth dressing. This creamy and tangy combo is what makes The Best Coleslaw Recipe unforgettable, draping every shred of cabbage in flavor.
Step 3: Toss to Coat
Pour that gorgeous dressing right over the shredded veggies in the large bowl. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything together until the dressing is evenly distributed. Make sure every bite is coated but not swimming—now’s when you’ll see the classic creamy slaw emerge!
Step 4: Chill and Meld
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This little rest allows the flavors to mingle and the cabbage to soak up just the right amount of creamy goodness. Trust me, The Best Coleslaw Recipe is at its finest when it’s served cold and the flavors are perfectly balanced.
How to Serve The Best Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, I like to sprinkle a little extra celery seed or a bit of fresh cracked pepper right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a fresh, summery vibe to the bowl. These little extras make The Best Coleslaw Recipe feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This vibrant slaw is the ultimate partner for BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, or grilled chicken. But don’t stop there—it’s also amazing alongside spicy tacos or piled onto a hearty baked potato. The crispness and tangy flavor cut through rich mains beautifully, making every plate more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try tucking The Best Coleslaw Recipe into sandwiches or sliders for extra crunch, or serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter, party-ready bite. Scoop it into mason jars for a picnic, or go classic and mound it high in a big, colorful bowl as the centerpiece of your summer table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a bit of rest, so don’t be afraid to make extra for quick lunches or spontaneous snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well once dressed—cabbage tends to lose its crunch and the creamy dressing separates when thawed. If you’re prepping ahead, freeze the shredded veggies in a zip-top bag and whip up a fresh batch of dressing when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
The Best Coleslaw Recipe is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you’d like to take the chill off, give it just a few minutes at room temperature—no reheating needed, and the flavors stay bright and zesty!
FAQs
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix for The Best Coleslaw Recipe?
Absolutely! Using bagged coleslaw mix will save you time and still deliver fantastic results. Just pour the mix into your bowl and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, for a lighter version of The Best Coleslaw Recipe, substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. You’ll get that same creamy texture with a little extra tang and protein.
Can I make The Best Coleslaw Recipe dairy-free?
Definitely! The classic recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as your mayo is dairy-free. Just double-check your ingredient labels and you’re all set for guests with dairy sensitivities.
How far in advance should I make coleslaw?
It’s ideal to prepare The Best Coleslaw Recipe at least 30 minutes to one hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld, but don’t let it sit for more than a day or two if you want the cabbage to stay crisp.
Will the coleslaw get watery overnight?
As it sits, the cabbage releases some water, so you might see a bit of liquid in the bottom of your container. Just give it a quick toss before serving and it’ll taste fresh and delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that truly showstopping side, give The Best Coleslaw Recipe a spot at your next meal. With its bright crunch and creamy tang, it never fails to brighten a table or bring smiles to a crowd. Whip up a fresh batch and see for yourself—this classic is a keeper!
Print
The Best Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This coleslaw recipe is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s easy to make and pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile side for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the coleslaw:
- 6 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional for color)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
For the dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- ½ tsp celery seed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the green and purple cabbage with the shredded carrots.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and chill: Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and toss until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a side dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo.
- This slaw pairs perfectly with BBQ, burgers, or pulled pork.
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