A homemade coleslaw recipe is a must-have at any barbecue, but I like to enjoy my easy coleslaw recipe all year round. It’s a crispy, creamy slaw recipe packed full of flavor – and so easy to make.

There might be no easier way to eat your veggies than in a recipe for coleslaw. With just a handful of coleslaw ingredients, you get a creamy recipe packed with vitamins that makes the perfect side dish or topping. It’s believed that the earliest iteration of what we know as coleslaw salad – or, sometimes, cold slaw – came from 18th century Holland. It’s also from the Dutch that it takes its name – “koolsla”, which means “cabbage salad”.

My vinegar coleslaw recipe is so quick and easy to make and perfect for when you want a crunchy, sweet something to add to dinner, lunch, or to bring to summer potlucks or cookouts.

What Is Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a cabbage-based side dish, usually served cold, that originated in the Netherlands in the 1700s. Mixed with other vegetables, a traditional coleslaw dressing is sweet and tangy in flavor, with a mayonnaise-based sauce. A quick coleslaw is easy to make and can be easily adapted with different flavors and ingredients, depending on your tastes.

Is Coleslaw Good For You

A cole slaw recipe has many benefits when made fresh and from scratch. My slaw dressing recipe is based around cabbage, which is at its healthiest when eaten raw. Cabbage is high in fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamins C and B. It also helps to reduce inflammation and can keep your heart healthy by reducing bad levels of cholesterol.

What Is Coleslaw Made Of

For my coleslaw mix, you’ll need:

• Cabbage: For the best coleslaw recipe, use green cabbage. Optionally, you can add just a handful of red cabbage among the white for some extra color. You only need a little or the color will leak and stain the coleslaw sauce.
• Carrots: Go for full-size, organic carrots if you can.
• Creamy coleslaw dressing: For the slaw dressing, you’ll need mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, celery seeds, sea salt, and black pepper.
• Sugar: Optional. It’s the easiest way how to make coleslaw sweeter, though you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup.

How To Chop Cabbage For Slaw

To get this cabbage slaw recipe’s star ingredient thin enough to eat, you’ll want to use a mandoline, shredder, or box grater to finely shred your cabbage. You can also make thin slices with a knife, then chop them into smaller, thin vertical slices to mix well with the other ingredients in this homemade coleslaw. If you’re using a knife, be sure to use a sharp one for ease and precision of cutting.

Then, grate or shred the carrots so they are similar in size and shape to the shredded cabbage. This will make stirring the coleslaw salad easier.

How To Make Coleslaw Dressing

To make the coleslaw dressing, mix the spices with the mayo, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Whisk this creamy recipe well so it creates an emulsion and doesn’t split.

How To Make The Best Homemade Coleslaw

To assemble this easy coleslaw recipe, mix the cabbage with the carrots in a large bowl until combined. Pour the vinegar dressing into the cabbage mixture and incorporate it well.

If you wish, add a small handful of shredded red cabbage and stir until just combined. You can even add it right before serving. Otherwise, the color will bleed into the classic coleslaw recipe.

Cover and place in the fridge before serving.

Chef’s Tip: This cabbage slaw recipe should sit before serving for at least two hours. This enhances the slaw recipe’s flavor. But, be aware, the longer the cabbage sits in the slaw dressing, the softer it will become.

What To Serve With Coleslaw

How to improve the best coleslaw recipe? Serve it with these:

• Serve alongside chicken drumsticks or pulled pork for an authentic barbecue feel any time of the year.
• Top your burgers with coleslaw salad – I love it with this Sweet Potato Burger or piled high on a Crispy Chicken Sandwich.
• Serve it with fries as either a slaw dressing or dip. Try it with Baked Fries, Home Fries, or Sweet Potato Fries. You could even try it as a dip for Tortilla Chips.
• Add this coleslaw recipe as a crunchy topping on your favorite sandwiches, like a juicy Reuben or a quick Turkey Sandwich.

Can You Make Coleslaw Ahead Of Time

Yes, but no more than 24 hours in advance. Any longer and this slaw dressing recipe will get soggy and the cabbage will lose its crunch. 

How To Store Coleslaw Dressing

Store your homemade coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-5 days.

More Easy Side Dishes

• Raising Cane’s Sauce Recipe (Copycat)
• Quick Pickled Cabbage
• Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
• Quick Pickled Red Onions

If you try this homemade coleslaw dressing recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!