If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, crunchy, and utterly delicious side dish, look no further than this Best Coleslaw Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors wrapped up in crisp cabbage and vibrant carrot shreds. This classic coleslaw can brighten any meal, from BBQs to weeknight dinners, and once you try it, you won’t want to go back to store-bought versions ever again. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl filled with finely shredded light green cabbage sits to the left on a white marbled surface. To the right, there are six small clear glass bowls arranged neatly, containing various ingredients: a creamy white mixture with a soft texture at the top left, a light beige powder at the top right, bright orange shredded carrots in the middle left, a light golden liquid in the middle right, a mix of black pepper and white salt at the bottom left, and a clear liquid at the bottom right. The setup is clean and organized, showing all the separate fresh ingredients before mixing, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward, each playing a vital role in creating that signature texture and taste that makes the Best Coleslaw Recipe so irresistible. From creamy mayo to crisp cabbage, every element adds a layer of flavor or crunch.

1 small cabbage (shredded and chopped, about 6 cups): The star of the show, providing a satisfying crunch and fresh base.
1 large carrot (shredded): Adds a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
1 cup mayonnaise: Gives the slaw its creamy, luscious texture that holds everything together.
⅓ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dressing just enough to counter the vinegar’s tartness.
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and a gentle acidity that lifts the entire dish.
1 ½ tsp fresh lemon juice: Adds fresh citrus zing that enhances all the other flavors.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning, which brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
⅛ tsp pepper: Just a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the sweetness and acidity.

How to Make Best Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots

Start by cutting your cabbage in half and removing the core from each piece. Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the cabbage and then chop the slices into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl. You can make this easier by using a food processor or a box grater for shredding—experiment to find your preferred texture. Don’t forget to shred your carrot finely and add it to the bowl for that extra crunch and sweet color.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic behind the Best Coleslaw Recipe, perfectly balancing creaminess with sweet and tangy notes.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour the dressing over your shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix everything thoroughly so each shred is coated in that luscious dressing. For the best flavor, cover the coleslaw and refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving. The slaw tastes even better after it’s had time to chill and mingle; give it a gentle stir a few times while it’s chilling to keep the dressing evenly distributed.

How to Serve Best Coleslaw Recipe

A large clear glass bowl filled with a fresh mix of shredded cabbage and thin carrot strips, showing mostly pale green and white cabbage pieces with bright orange carrot bits scattered throughout, sitting on a white marbled surface. The texture appears crisp and slightly wet, with the vegetables loosely piled to fill the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over your coleslaw for a hit of color and a fresh herbal note. If you want a little extra crunch, toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds also make delightful toppings that bring a different texture to this creamy classic.

Side Dishes

Best Coleslaw Recipe is a fantastic companion to grilled meats like barbecue ribs, juicy burgers, or crispy fried chicken. It also pairs beautifully with seafood dishes such as fish tacos or grilled shrimp, adding refreshing contrast to rich and savory mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your coleslaw beyond the bowl by using it as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches or as a crunchy filling inside crunchy lettuce wraps. It also shines served inside a hollowed-out bell pepper or atop baked potatoes for a colorful and tasty twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover coleslaw keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remember to give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

Freezing

Since coleslaw contains fresh vegetables with a high water content and mayonnaise, freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture and make the dressing separate upon thawing.

Reheating

Coleslaw is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Keep it chilled for the best texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! While green cabbage is traditional and offers a crisp texture, you can try red cabbage for a sweeter taste and vibrant color that makes the Best Coleslaw Recipe visually stunning.

Is it possible to make this coleslaw dairy-free?

Yes, simply switch out the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan mayo alternative. The tang and texture will remain delightful without any dairy ingredients.

Can I prepare this coleslaw ahead of time?

Definitely. In fact, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors and softens the cabbage just enough while keeping that satisfying crunch.

How can I make the dressing less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a more tangy or savory coleslaw. The great thing about the Best Coleslaw Recipe is its versatility, allowing you to tweak sweetness to match your taste.

What’s the best way to shred cabbage without a grater?

Using a very sharp knife to thinly slice the cabbage is a fantastic manual method. Just be sure to cut very fine strips for the best texture. A mandoline slicer works beautifully too if you have one on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Best Coleslaw Recipe is truly a keeper—simple to throw together, vibrant in flavor, and wonderfully versatile as a side or topping. Give it a try for your next meal or gathering, and watch it become a beloved staple just like it has in my kitchen. You won’t regret adding this classic with a personal twist to your recipe collection!