Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
If you have been searching for a reliably fresh and flavorful side to brighten up your BBQs or family dinners, this Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully balances crisp cabbage and crunchy carrots with a luscious, tangy dressing that clings to every bite. The vibrant mix of green and purple cabbage alongside just the right touch of sweetness and acidity makes this coleslaw irresistibly refreshing yet comforting. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen whenever you want a classic, creamy, and colorful salad that elevates any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the heart of any great coleslaw, and these simple components work harmoniously to deliver flavor, texture, and color that pop in every forkful.
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage: The crunchy base that offers freshness and a slight peppery crunch.
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional): Adds a gorgeous splash of color and extra nutrients to the salad.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: For natural sweetness and a satisfying bite.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, luscious coating that makes coleslaw feel indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a bright, tangy note that cuts through the creaminess.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey): Balances the acidity, creating a perfectly harmonious dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional): Imparts a delicate, savory hint that’s classic in traditional coleslaw recipes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
How to Make Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding your green cabbage, purple cabbage if you’re using it, and carrots. The key here is to aim for a fine yet not too thin shred so you get the ideal crunch and mouthfeel. Toss these colorful veggies together in a large mixing bowl, which sets the stage for our creamy magic to come later.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, your choice of sugar or honey, celery seed if desired, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until it’s perfectly smooth and well combined. This step is where the creamy, tangy flavor base comes alive, making it the heart of your Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour your flavorful dressing over the shredded vegetables. Now, toss everything gently but thoroughly until each strand of cabbage and carrot is luxuriously coated. This ensures every bite offers that perfect balance of crisp and creamy texture that makes coleslaw so comforting.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the coleslaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This extra downtime is key because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften slightly without losing its crunch. When you come back to serve it, you’ll find that the taste has deepened to perfection.
How to Serve Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill can add an inviting burst of color and aroma. A light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top right before serving also enhances the dish’s flavor profile without overwhelming it.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe pairs beautifully with classic BBQ fares such as smoky pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, or juicy burgers. Its crisp freshness cuts through rich, meaty dishes, making it a perfect companion on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve your coleslaw in individual mini mason jars or alongside sliders on small plates with skewers. You can even use it as a vibrant taco topping to add crunch and creaminess to your favorite Mexican dishes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this cool, creamy delight even after your first meal.
Freezing
This coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, but freezing is not recommended since the texture of the cabbage and the creamy dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing.
Reheating
Since coleslaw is a cold dish, reheating is not necessary or advisable. Simply give it a gentle stir and enjoy straight from the fridge for that perfect refreshing crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative like vegan mayo or a cashew cream. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making it easy to accommodate vegan diets without sacrificing flavor.
How long should I let the coleslaw chill?
At least 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors meld, but if you can prepare it a few hours ahead or even overnight, the taste becomes even richer and more harmonious.
What can I do if I want a lighter coleslaw?
Great question! You can use half mayonnaise and substitute the other half with Greek yogurt. This change lightens the dish while keeping the creamy texture you love in the Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe.
Is it better to shred cabbage finely or coarsely?
Shredding cabbage finely ensures a softer texture that blends nicely with the dressing. However, some prefer a coarser shred for extra crunch. It all comes down to your personal preference.
Can I add other vegetables or fruits?
Definitely! You can add finely sliced green onions, bell peppers, or even diced apples for a twist of sweetness and crunch. Just keep the overall balance of flavors in mind to complement the classic creamy dressing.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fresh, creamy, and colorful side dish that’s easy to make but full of bold, tangy flavor, don’t hesitate to try this Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal and never fails to bring a smile. Once you taste this classic recipe, I bet it will become your go-to coleslaw for every occasion.
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Homemade Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Homemade Coleslaw recipe features a crisp mix of shredded green and purple cabbage with fresh carrots, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Perfectly chilled to let the flavors meld, this easy-to-make side dish is ideal for BBQs, burgers, fried chicken, or pulled pork.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional for color)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage if using, and shredded carrots, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar (or honey), celery seed if using, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded vegetables. Toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the ingredients to chill before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This coleslaw pairs excellently with BBQ dishes, burgers, fried chicken, or pulled pork.
- Allowing the coleslaw to chill enhances the flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
