There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of homemade coleslaw, isn’t there? It’s that perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and tangy that just hits the spot every time. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, making a delicious side dish for dinner, or just craving something fresh and zesty, this coleslaw is the ultimate go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never reach for that store-bought stuff again!
Why You’ll Love The Best Homemade Coleslaw
This coleslaw is more than just a side dish—it’s a showstopper. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it’s super easy to make! Here’s why you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation:
Versatile: You can serve this coleslaw with practically anything! It’s great alongside grilled meats, in sandwiches, or even as a topping for tacos. You can even toss it into a salad for some extra crunch.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this coleslaw is easy on the wallet while delivering big flavor.
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ve got a creamy, tangy coleslaw ready to serve. No long hours in the kitchen—just quick, simple prep and you’re done.
Customizable: You can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Add more mayo if you love it creamy, or toss in some apples or raisins for a sweet twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This coleslaw has the perfect balance of flavor and crunch, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to bring this homemade coleslaw to life:
Cabbage: The backbone of this recipe. Green cabbage is the classic choice, but you can add purple cabbage for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Carrots: Fresh, crunchy carrots add a sweet note and a beautiful orange color.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together. Use a good-quality mayo for the best texture.
Vinegar: A dash of vinegar adds the tanginess that balances the creamy mayo and makes the flavors pop.
Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar to cut through the tang and balance the flavors.
Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course! These are essential for bringing out the flavors and making everything sing.
Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of celery seed, or a few tablespoons of sour cream for extra richness!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: There’s no need for heat in this recipe, but make sure your prep area is ready for some chopping and mixing.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and any other veggies or ingredients you like. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy, making sure the sugar dissolves completely.
Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the shredded veggies and toss everything together. Make sure the cabbage and carrots are all coated in that creamy goodness.
Let it Chill: Cover the coleslaw and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the cabbage time to soften slightly.
Serve and Enjoy: Once it’s nice and chilled, give it one last toss, and it’s ready to serve! Pair it with your favorite dishes or enjoy it all on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve The Best Homemade Coleslaw
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve alongside BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Top off a grilled chicken breast with a scoop of coleslaw for a fresh and crunchy bite.
- Pair it with your favorite summer dishes like grilled corn, baked beans, or potato salad for a full spread.
- For a lighter option, serve it as a side dish with a grilled fish fillet or a veggie burger.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make sure to chop your cabbage finely for the best texture. You want it to be crunchy, but not too big that it’s difficult to eat.
- Let the coleslaw chill for a bit before serving. This allows the flavors to really come together and makes it even more delicious!
- For a tangier kick, you can add a little more vinegar or a dash of mustard to the dressing.
FAQ’s
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! In fact, coleslaw tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage? Absolutely! You can use purple cabbage for a colorful twist or even napa cabbage for a more delicate texture.
- How do I make it spicier? If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some finely chopped jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo or a creamy dairy-free yogurt.
- How long does coleslaw last in the fridge? Coleslaw can stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s kept in an airtight container.
- Can I add fruit to the coleslaw? Yes! Apples, raisins, or pineapple work wonderfully in coleslaw if you like a touch of sweetness.
- Can I use a food processor to shred the cabbage? Definitely! A food processor will save you time, but make sure to use the shredder attachment for the right texture.
- What can I serve this with? Coleslaw goes great with BBQ, fried chicken, burgers, or even as a topping for tacos.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
- Can I adjust the sweetness? Absolutely! You can add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you like your coleslaw.
Conclusion
There you have it—The Best Homemade Coleslaw that’s creamy, tangy, and the perfect addition to any meal! It’s so easy to make and even easier to love. Give it a try at your next gathering or whenever you need a delicious, fresh side dish. I promise, it’ll be a crowd favorite!
Print
The Best Homemade Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, tangy, and crunchy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful dressing. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and celery seed.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss until evenly coated.
- If desired, add lemon juice for extra tang and toss again.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a spicier version, you can add a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños.
- To make it vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo alternative.
- This coleslaw can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg