Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

5 from 1 vote

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

It’s finally BBQ season and coleslaw makes for the perfect side dish. It is colorful, tasty and you can whip it up in a flash. I love coleslaw because it’s only takes a few minutes to make, it has super simple ingredients, and it’s just so good!

crispy deep fried snacks and a lemon with a dish of coleslaw as the center
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Everyone needs a classic coleslaw in your recipe arsenal and this is just the one. It is made with red and green cabbage, carrots, green onions and all tossed together with a simple homemade dressing. To make this recipe come together even faster, you can use a coleslaw mix from the store.

Coleslaw is a great side dish with hamburgers, fried fish, and pulled pork sandwiches (I like to put it ON the sandwich!) – the list can go on and on. If you need to stretch a meal for a gathering, then coleslaw is an easy way to do that too.

clear bowl with coleslaw dressing ingredients un-mixed and all of the raw veggies around it including carrot - white and purple cabbage - and green onion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is so easy to make, even with the chopping.
  • It has a delicious, tangy dressing.
  • It’s the perfect fresh side dish.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise
  • Apple Cider or White vinegar: cider vinegar will add a slightly fruitier flavor while white vinegar will add a little stronger sharpness. Pick the one you like best!
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Sugar
  • Celery Seeds: they add a distinctive flavor to the dressing
  • Green Cabbage
  • Red Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Green Onions: use both the green and the white parts

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities 

close up of coleslaw ingredients before it is tossed
  • I know many folks don’t like mayonnaise (I don’t get it, but hey…) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt would be good substitutions for it in this recipe. 
  • You can use a 14 ounce bag of coleslaw mix in place of chopping your own veggies for this recipe if you’d like.
  • If you like a little sweet with your coleslaw feel free to add 1 grated apple to this recipe, I do that often and we love it.

How to Make Coleslaw

clear bowl with coleslaw dressing and a spoon with all of the raw veggies around it including carrot - white and purple cabbage - and green onion

Step #1. Add the mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl. Whisk to combine and set aside.

coleslaw ingredients in wedge sections in a white bowl with a POV of a hand pouring in the coleslaw dressing on the top

Step #3. Just before serving add the salad dressing and stir to combine.

coleslaw ingredients in wedge sections

Step #2. In a large serving bowl add the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, and green onions. Toss to combine.

bowl of coleslaw that is dressed with cutlary

Step #4. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and serve.

How do you store coleslaw?

Make sure that you store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be best used within 1-3 days. Coleslaw starts to get runny and the cabbage gets soft after a night in the fridge which I don’t prefer. I try to make as much coleslaw we’ll eat and not have too many leftovers.

Do you need to wash cabbage before using it?

I like to remove the outer layer of the cabbage and then give the inside a quick rinse for good measure. Wait to wash the cabbage until you are ready to use it. It has really tight leaves though so you are more washing off the bottom where it’s root used to be attached.

Why is it called coleslaw?

Fun fact: coleslaw originated in the Netherlands was called “koosla” which means cabbage salad.

bowl of coleslaw that is dressed with cutlery

Expert Tips

  • To cut the cabbage, start by cutting the cabbage in quarters and then cut the core of the cabbage out. Next, slice each quarter into thin shreds. To do this you can use a knife, use a mandolin, or some other type of food shredder. If you are in a rush, just grab a bag of coleslaw mix from the store and you are good to go.
  • Coleslaw dressing is a great place to try out different kinds of vinegar (red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, etc) and see which one you love best.

What to Serve Coleslaw With

Coleslaw is a great side to serve with Fried Fish and Hush Puppies, Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and pretty much anything you cook on the grill like Hamburger Tin Foil Dinners or Grilled Chicken Kabobs!

More Side Dishes to Consider

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ rating below and share it on InstagramFacebook, and Pinterest!

crispy deep fried snacks and a lemon with a dish of coleslaw as the center
5 from 1 vote

Coleslaw Recipe

Make this quick and easy cole slaw recipe with a homemade dressing, shredded cabbage and carrots, and some green onions. It’s simple to make and perfect as a side to any meal.
Prep: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 12 (Serves 12+)

Ingredients 

  • 3/4 cups mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoons celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 cups thinly chopped green cabbage
  • 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
  • 1.5 cups grated carrot, (about 2 large)
  • 5 green onions chopped, (use white and green parts)

Instructions 

  • Add the mayo, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl.
  • Whisk to combine and set aside.
  • In a large serving bowl add the green cabbage, red cabbage, grated carrot, and green onions. Toss to combine.
  • Just before serving add the salad dressing and stir to combine.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • If you are traveling or wanting to make this ahead of time, don’t add the dressing to the veggies. Prep the veggies and put them in a bowl and make the dressing and put it in a separate container. Mix them together just before serving.
  • If you like a little sweet with your coleslaw feel free to add 1 grated apple to this recipe, I do that often and we love it.
  • You can use a 14 ounce bag of coleslaw mix in place of chopping your own veggies for this recipe if you’d like.
  • I know many folks don’t like mayonnaise (I don’t get it, but hey…) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt would be good substitutions for it in this recipe. 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup, Calories: 126kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 310mg, Potassium: 170mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 2933IU, Vitamin C: 23mg, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Melissa

You May Also Like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating