Jacy Coleslaw is the ultimate side dish: crunchy, creamy, and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, a bright addition to pulled pork sandwiches, or a refreshing side for weeknight dinners. However, many recipes are overly complicated or rely on heavy, store-bought dressings. The secret to a great slaw lies in its simplicity and a perfectly balanced, homemade coleslaw dressing. That’s why we’re sharing our go-to, fail-proof easy coleslaw recipe that comes together in minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything you can buy. Let’s get chopping!
Table of Contents
Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 8 cups)
- 2 large carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and red onion (if using). Toss gently to mix.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper until completely smooth and emulsified. This is your creamy, tangy coleslaw dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly and thoroughly coated.
4. For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, perfecting our easy coleslaw recipe.
5. Give it a final toss, adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed, and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For a tangier slaw, increase the apple cider vinegar to 3 tablespoons.
- Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or 1 diced apple for sweetness and texture.
- Swap the green cabbage for a mix of green and red cabbage for vibrant color.
- For a dairy-free version, use all mayonnaise and omit the sour cream.
Serving & Storage
Serve this classic slaw alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or fried fish. It’s also the perfect topping for pulled pork sandwiches. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The slaw will become softer over time, but it remains delicious.
Nutritional Benefits
Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, and is a great source of fiber, which supports digestive health. Carrots add a boost of Vitamin A for eye health. Using Greek yogurt in the dressing adds a protein punch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-dressing: Start with 3/4 of the dressing, toss, and add more only if needed. Too much dressing makes the slaw soggy.
- Not salting the cabbage: If your cabbage tastes bitter, toss the shredded cabbage with 1 tsp of salt and let it sit in a colander for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry before dressing.
- Skipping the chill time: Serving immediately results in a too-crunchy, separate-tasting slaw. The resting period is crucial for flavor harmony.
Final Conclusion
This Classic Creamy Coleslaw proves that a phenomenal side dish doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple, homemade coleslaw dressing and fresh ingredients, you can elevate any meal in no time. We hope this easy coleslaw recipe becomes your new go-to for potlucks, picnics, and family dinners. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with the fun variations!
FAQs
How far in advance can I make coleslaw?
You can prepare coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. For best texture, add the dressing no more than 4-6 hours before serving if you prefer a very crisp slaw.
Why is my coleslaw watery?
This usually happens when the dressed slaw sits for too long, as salt and dressing draw moisture out of the cabbage. To prevent this, you can salt the cabbage beforehand (as noted in “Common Mistakes”), rinse, and dry it, or simply dress the slaw closer to serving time.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely! A 14-ounce bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe. Just proceed with the dressing and steps as written.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in coleslaw dressing?
For a lighter dressing, you can use all Greek yogurt or sour cream. Vegan mayonnaise is also a great one-to-one substitute for a dairy-free/egg-free version.
Is coleslaw healthy?
Coleslaw can be very healthy! Cabbage and carrots are nutrient-dense vegetables. The health factor depends largely on the dressing. Using a mix of mayo and Greek yogurt, as in this recipe, reduces fat while adding protein.
