Name: The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups finely shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp celery seed; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

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If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that never goes out of style, The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw is about to become your new go-to! Crisp cabbage and sweet carrots mingle in a luscious, tangy-sweet dressing that hugs every bite. Whether it’s topping barbecue sandwiches or packed into picnic baskets, this classic slaw delivers cool crunch and nostalgic comfort every single time.

The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple doesn’t mean boring—each ingredient in The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw brings something special to the bowl. From vibrant veggies to the irresistibly creamy dressing, it all works together for that signature balance of flavor and texture.

Green Cabbage: The crunchy base, shredded fine for the perfect slaw texture and classic flavor.
Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color that makes every serving beautiful.
Mayonnaise: The heart of the creamy dressing, it coats every shred for richness and body.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances out the mayonnaise with a gentle tang and brightness.
Sugar: Just a hint, this brings the perfect sweet note that makes the flavors sing.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle, zippy depth for a more flavorful dressing.
Celery Seed: A little traditional magic that gives that unmistakable old-fashioned taste.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the vegetables and dressing.
Black Pepper: For gentle heat and a savory finish in every forkful.

How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw

Step 1: Shred Your Veggies

Let’s kick off with the backbone of slaw—prepping our cabbage and carrots. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to finely shred your green cabbage and carrots, aiming for delicate, thin pieces that will soak up every drop of creamy dressing. The finer the shred, the better the texture, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, bring together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Give it a brisk whisk until everything is completely smooth and creamy. You’re looking for a dressing that’s glossy, perky, and totally irresistible—taste and adjust seasoning if you like it tangier or sweeter!

Step 3: Combine and Coat

In a large mixing bowl, pile in your freshly shredded cabbage and carrots. Pour the silky dressing right on top. Now comes the fun part: toss with tongs or clean hands until every single strand is coated and there are no dry spots left. A thorough toss ensures every bite delivers true old-school comfort.

Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors

Cover your bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This mellow resting period is where the magic happens—the cabbage softens ever so slightly while the flavors meld together, producing The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw you know and love.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Just before serving, give the slaw a quick stir to freshen it up. Dive in with enthusiasm—each forkful should be crunchy, creamy, tangy, and a touch sweet! Serve chilled for maximum refreshment, especially on hot summer days.

How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw

Garnishes

Don’t be afraid to have a little fun with the finishing touches! Sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for fresh color, or add a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for restaurant-worthy flair. A few shreds of red cabbage also make it extra festive.

Side Dishes

The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw shines next to almost any dish at the table. Think smoky barbecue ribs, crispy fried chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or even a classic deli sub. It’s also fantastic as a potluck companion because it travels and serves so easily.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the slaw onto sliders, spooning it onto tacos for a crunchy twist, or tucking it into wraps. For something extra playful, serve in individual mason jars, hollowed-out bell peppers, or mini lettuce cups for a delightful picnic or party presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your first servings, keep any remaining slaw covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors improve as it sits, but for that peak fresh crunch, enjoy within two to three days.

Freezing

While it’s tempting to make a huge batch, freezing The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw is not recommended. The veggies will lose their crunch and the creamy dressing may separate once thawed, changing the texture dramatically. It’s best made fresh or just a day or two ahead.

Reheating

No need for reheating—this dish is always served cold! If your coleslaw has been chilled for a while and seems a bit stiff, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir well before serving so the dressing loosens up beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Using bagged coleslaw mix is a fantastic shortcut when time is tight. The flavor will still shine, though shredding your own cabbage and carrots does add unbeatable freshness and crunch.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Yes! The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw already skips yogurt and sour cream, so just use your favorite dairy-free mayonnaise for a version that’s just as creamy and delicious.

How can I make it a little lighter?

For a lighter twist, swap some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or a light mayo. It will slightly change the taste and texture but still give you plenty of creamy goodness.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, this classic recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are made without any hidden gluten ingredients or cross-contamination.

Can I add other vegetables or mix-ins?

Definitely! Try tossing in thinly sliced green onions, red bell peppers, a mix of green and red cabbage, or even a handful of raisins or sunflower seeds for fun flavor and texture changes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw around the table—it’s nostalgic, refreshing, and totally irresistible. If you haven’t made your own slaw yet, now is the time. Whip up a batch and discover just how easy and delicious this timeless side can be!

The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw recipe is a classic side dish that is perfect for summer barbecues or picnics. The creamy dressing pairs perfectly with the crisp cabbage and carrots, creating a refreshing and flavorful slaw that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Coleslaw:

6 cups finely shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage and carrots.
Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the vegetables, toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve: Stir well before serving.