Crisp and Creamy Cabbage Delight

Coleslaw, a classic and refreshing side dish, is celebrated for its perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and crisp textures. This recipe unveils the absolute best homemade coleslaw dressing, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant culinary delight that’s incredibly easy to make.

This versatile coleslaw is an ideal accompaniment to virtually any meal. It shines brightly atop a savory BBQ Chicken Sandwich, perfectly complements a rich BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, or serves as a delightful BBQ side dish. Its refreshing crunch and tangy flavor cut through the richness of grilled meats, making it an indispensable part of your summer spread and a true crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Discovering The Best Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Crafting “The Best Coleslaw” has been a journey of extensive testing and refinement, culminating in a recipe that consistently impresses. This isn’t just any coleslaw; it’s a meticulously balanced creation designed to be a standout at any meal or gathering. The core of its appeal lies in a dynamic blend of textures and flavors: crisp, thinly shredded green and red cabbage, sweet, finely grated carrots, and a unique, tart crunch from Granny Smith apple matchsticks.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its homemade creamy dressing. Moving beyond a basic mayonnaise blend, our dressing incorporates rich, full-fat sour cream and a precise measure of apple cider vinegar. This combination creates a velvety smooth texture with an exquisite tangy depth that enhances rather than overwhelms the fresh vegetables. Carefully selected additional ingredients are then folded in, culminating in a dressing that perfectly coats every strand, ensuring each bite delivers a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious experience. It’s a simple yet sophisticated side dish, guaranteed to impress with its superior taste and texture that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Essential Ingredients for an Irresistible Coleslaw

The quality and precise preparation of your ingredients are paramount to achieving the best coleslaw. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips for optimal results:

• Cabbage (Green & Red): A blend of green and red cabbage is key for both visual appeal and a more complex flavor profile. Green cabbage offers classic crispness and a slightly peppery note, while red cabbage provides a firmer texture and a milder, sweeter taste. For uniform and tender shreds, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. Aim for very thin slices (about 1/8 inch) to ensure the cabbage softens nicely and absorbs the dressing well. If using a knife, strive for consistent, fine shreds to maintain an appealing texture.
• Carrots: Sweet, earthy carrots add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a pleasant crunch. Grate them on the small side of a box grater for a finer texture that integrates seamlessly with the cabbage without overpowering it. This fine shred also aids in better dressing absorption.
• Granny Smith Apple: This optional, but highly recommended, addition is a true game-changer. When cut into small matchsticks, it introduces a delightful tartness and an extra layer of crispness. This acidity perfectly balances the richness of the creamy dressing, preventing the coleslaw from tasting too heavy and adding a refreshing burst of flavor. Don’t skip it if you want to elevate your coleslaw to new heights!
• Mayonnaise: The cornerstone of any creamy coleslaw dressing. Opt for a high-quality, smooth mayonnaise, such as Hellman’s or Best Foods, for the best flavor and consistent emulsification. Its rich, savory base provides the essential creaminess.
• Sour Cream (Full-Fat): This is where our dressing truly shines. Full-fat sour cream adds an incredible tang and velvety texture that mayonnaise alone cannot provide. It lightens the dressing, imparting a delightful zing and making it feel less heavy and more refreshing on the palate.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Essential for that signature coleslaw tang. Apple cider vinegar contributes a fruity acidity that brightens the dressing and expertly balances the richness of the mayo and sour cream. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste for more or less pucker.
• Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, enhancing the tanginess without making the dressing taste overtly mustardy. It also acts as a crucial emulsifier, helping to bind all the dressing ingredients together into a smooth consistency.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness is vital to balance the tartness and savory notes in the dressing. Honey offers a more complex, natural sweetness, while granulated sugar provides a clean, straightforward sweetness. Choose based on your preference for flavor depth.
• Celery Seed: This tiny but mighty ingredient is what gives classic coleslaw its distinctive, nostalgic flavor. Just a pinch adds a warm, slightly bitter, and aromatic note that ties all the other flavors together beautifully, creating that familiar, comforting taste.
• Lemon Juice (Freshly Squeezed): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is added at the end, just before serving, to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the dressing. It adds a final fresh flourish and can be adjusted to your personal preference for acidity, providing a lovely zest.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Coleslaw

Creating your perfect batch of coleslaw is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few key details will ensure the best possible outcome. Follow these steps for a perfectly crisp and flavorful side dish:

1. Prepare Your Vegetables with Precision

1. Cabbage Preparation: Begin by selecting firm, fresh heads of green and red cabbage. Remove any bruised or discolored outer leaves. Cut the green cabbage precisely in half, then quarter each half. Carefully remove the tough core from each quarter. Using a mandoline slicer (set to a thin setting, about 1/8 inch or 3mm), slice each cabbage quarter into very thin, uniform shreds. If you don’t have a mandoline, use a sharp chef’s knife to slice as thinly as possible. If the shreds are excessively long, cut them in half to make them easier to eat. Repeat this meticulous process with the red cabbage.
2. Wash and Dry Cabbage Thoroughly: Transfer all the shredded cabbage to a large salad spinner. Wash it thoroughly again under cold water to ensure it’s clean and crisp. Spin it vigorously in batches until the cabbage is completely dry. This step is critical as any excess moisture will dilute your dressing and make the coleslaw watery and less appealing.
3. Carrot Preparation: Peel your carrots. Using the small side of a box grater, finely grate the carrots. This fine texture allows them to blend seamlessly with the cabbage and absorb the dressing’s flavors, providing a delicate sweetness and color.
4. Granny Smith Apple Preparation (Optional, but recommended): Wash and core the Granny Smith apple. Cut it into thin slices, then stack the slices and cut them into small matchsticks (julienne). The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll integrate into the coleslaw, providing delightful bursts of tart crunch without being overwhelming.
5. Combine Vegetables: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrots, and apple matchsticks. Ensure there’s enough room in the bowl to allow for easy and thorough tossing once the dressing is added.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

The dressing is the heart and soul of this coleslaw, transforming simple vegetables into a symphony of flavors. It takes mere minutes to prepare and adds an incredible depth that will distinguish your coleslaw from all others. Here’s how to make it:

1. Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, full-fat sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or granulated sugar), celery seed, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk Until Smooth: Using a whisk or a spoon, mix all the ingredients vigorously until the dressing is completely smooth and uniform in consistency. There should be no lumps, and all ingredients should be fully incorporated, creating a luxurious base.
3. Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step for perfecting your coleslaw. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your personal preference. If you prefer more tang, add a little more apple cider vinegar. For extra sweetness, add a touch more honey or sugar. For a brighter, fresher note, gradually add fresh lemon juice, tasting after each addition until you reach your desired balance of flavors. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
4. Refrigerate the Dressing: Once you’re satisfied with the flavor profile, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing while you finish preparing the coleslaw ingredients. This chilling time is essential as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious dressing. Cold dressing also helps keep the coleslaw crisp and refreshing.

Expert Tips for the Best Coleslaw You’ll Ever Make

To ensure your coleslaw is always a hit, elevating it from good to absolutely amazing, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Embrace the Chill Time for Enhanced Flavor: This recipe truly benefits from resting in the refrigerator. After mixing, let your coleslaw chill for at least 2 hours, and ideally up to a full day (24 hours), before serving. This crucial period allows the cabbage to soften slightly, improving its texture, and more importantly, gives the flavors of the dressing and vegetables ample time to meld and deepen together beautifully. The longer it sits, the more integrated and delicious it becomes. Always give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.
• Ensure Vegetables are Thoroughly Dry: This cannot be stressed enough. After washing your shredded cabbage and carrots, it is absolutely paramount that they are as dry as possible. Any residual water will inevitably thin out your perfectly crafted dressing, leading to a watery, soggy, and ultimately less flavorful coleslaw. Use a salad spinner vigorously and, if necessary, pat them dry with paper towels.
• Avoid Over-Dressing Your Coleslaw: When it comes to dressing, less is often more. Start by adding about three-quarters of your prepared dressing to the vegetables. Toss everything thoroughly and then assess the consistency and coating. It’s much easier to add more dressing if needed than to correct an over-dressed coleslaw, which can quickly become soggy and lose its desirable crispness. You want the vegetables to be well-coated but not swimming in liquid.
• Customize Your Mix for Variety: While our recipe calls for the perfect blend of green and red cabbage, feel free to experiment and make it your own! Try incorporating some pre-packaged broccoli slaw for an extra nutritional boost and a different textural dimension. Other delightful additions include thinly sliced bell peppers for crunch and color, radishes for a peppery kick, or even some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for an aromatic lift.
• Brighten with Fresh Lemon Juice: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving is a small step with a big impact. It adds a wonderfully bright, zesty note that beautifully cuts through the richness of the creamy dressing, waking up all the flavors and leaving a refreshing finish. Add it gradually and taste as you go to hit your preferred level of tangy brightness.
• Consistent Shredding Matters: The consistency of your shredded vegetables profoundly impacts the final texture and mouthfeel of the coleslaw. Aim for thin, uniform shreds. A mandoline slicer is excellent for this purpose, ensuring every piece is perfectly sized for optimal dressing absorption and a pleasant bite.
• Serving Temperature is Key: Coleslaw is always best served cold. Ensure it has ample time to chill in the refrigerator, especially after the dressing has been added, to achieve that refreshing, cool crunch.

More Delicious Summer Side Dish Inspirations You’ll Love

If you’re looking to complete your summer meal spread or simply love refreshing side dishes, here are some other fantastic recipes from our collection that perfectly complement any occasion:

• Classic Creamy Potato Salad with eggs – a timeless, comforting staple perfect for picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Smoky Grilled Bacon Corn Salad – a vibrant, sweet, and savory salad bursting with the flavors of summer corn and crispy bacon.
• Refreshing Fruit Salad Recipe with a bright orange dressing – a light, sweet, and colorful addition that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Tangy Asian Pasta Salad with mandarin oranges and chicken – a unique and flavorful twist on pasta salad with an oriental-inspired dressing.
• Creamy Broccoli Avocado and Berry Salad – a wholesome, fresh, and surprisingly delicious salad that’s ideal for summer BBQs and healthy eating.

Classic Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

This easy, tangy Coleslaw is wonderfully crisp, refreshingly cool, and coated in the best homemade creamy dressing! It’s the perfect addition to BBQs, sandwiches, or as a quick, crowd-pleasing side dish.

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Chilling Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Servings: 8 as a side dish

Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Mandoline slicer (optional, for best results in shredding)
• Salad spinner (essential for drying vegetables)
• Whisk
• Box grater (for carrots)

Ingredients List

For the Vibrant Coleslaw Base:

• 6 cups shredded green cabbage (approximately half of one large head)
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage (approximately one-quarter of one medium head)
• 1.5 cups finely shredded carrots (from about 2 large carrots)
• 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into small matchsticks (optional, but highly recommended for tartness and crunch)

For the Rich & Tangy Homemade Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (e.g., Hellman’s/Best Foods for superior creaminess)
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (for an extra layer of tang and richness)
• 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (for bright acidity)
• 0.5 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard (find here)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or granulated sugar, adjust to your desired sweetness)
• 0.75 teaspoon celery seed (the secret ingredient for classic coleslaw flavor)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt (shop for salt)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (shop for pepper)
• 1 lemon, optional (for fresh juice to add at the end, if desired)

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Creamy Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or sugar), celery seed, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is completely smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. If you like a brighter, fresher tang, gradually add a tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice, tasting as you go. Cover and refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the vegetables; chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots: Begin by removing any bruised or discolored outer leaves from both green and red cabbage. Cut each cabbage head into quarters and carefully remove the tough inner core. Using a mandoline slicer (set to a thin shred, approximately 1/8 inch) or a very sharp chef’s knife, thinly shred both green and red cabbage. If the shreds are excessively long, cut them into more manageable lengths. Transfer the shredded cabbage to a large salad spinner, wash thoroughly under cold water, and spin dry completely. Peel the carrots and grate them finely using the small side of a box grater.
3. Prepare the Apple (Optional): Wash and core the Granny Smith apple. Slice it into thin pieces, then cut those slices into small, uniform matchsticks. This adds a wonderful tart crunch that brightens the entire dish.
4. Combine and Dress the Coleslaw: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly dried green cabbage, red cabbage, finely grated carrots, and apple matchsticks. Pour the chilled homemade dressing over the vegetables. Toss everything vigorously and thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated. It might seem a bit dry at first, but keep mixing; the dressing will distribute evenly.
5. Chill for Flavor Development: Cover the bowl securely with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate the coleslaw for a minimum of 20-30 minutes, and ideally for 2 hours or even overnight. This chilling period is essential for the cabbage to soften slightly and for all the vibrant flavors of the dressing to fully meld and infuse into the vegetables, resulting in a more harmonious dish. Give it another good toss just before serving.

Chef’s Notes & Storage

• Flavor Enhancement Tip: For the most robust and integrated flavor, prepare this coleslaw ahead of time. A minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator allows the cabbage to tenderize slightly and the dressing’s flavors to marry beautifully. Tossing again just before serving ensures even distribution and optimal taste.
• Storage Instructions: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. We do not recommend freezing coleslaw, as the high water content of the cabbage will result in a mushy texture, and the creamy dressing may separate upon thawing, significantly diminishing its quality and appeal.

Approximate Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Serving: 1 side dish

Calories: 183 kcal

Carbohydrates: 15g

Protein: 2g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g

Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

Trans Fat: 0.03g

Cholesterol: 14mg

Sodium: 137mg

Potassium: 274mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 11g

Vitamin A: 4421 IU

Vitamin C: 35mg

Calcium: 60mg

Iron: 1mg

Please note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredient choices and preparation.