The Best Coleslaw Recipe - Easy & Delicious

September 2024 · 7 minute read
2 image collage of coleslaw top down in bowl shown and bite of coleslaw on fork with center color block and text overlay.

This easy Coleslaw recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics and more. With just 7 ingredients, this easy coleslaw comes together so fast and will be enjoyed by all! The perfect side dish for any occasion!

Speaking of side dishes that are perfect for summertime barbecues, be sure to check out my Baked Beans, Broccoli Salad and KFC Coleslaw!

Summertime is here, and that means it’s time to whip up some delicious homemade Coleslaw! After all, what backyard barbecue would be complete without this classic side dish?

What Is Coleslaw?

Too often, coleslaw is the forgotten about side dish that gets picked up last minute from the store. While you’re busy grilling the burgers and baking the beans, it can be easy to forget about the coleslaw! However, once you make this easy and delicious recipe, that forgetfulness will be a thing of the past.

This classic coleslaw recipe is creamy and equal parts sweet and tangy, while also being unforgettably good. You only need seven simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand, and ten minutes of your time to make this coleslaw recipe!

You’re going to love how easily it comes together and how classically delicious it is… It’s even better than grandma’s. But don’t worry, we won’t tell her that!

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What To Serve With This Coleslaw Recipe

I can’t imagine going through all of summer without at least one big backyard barbecue party! Whether you’re celebrating the 4th of July or a casual Saturday evening with friends and family, you’ll need everything from cocktails, desserts, entrees and side dishes to host an unforgettable backyard bash. 

Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve with coleslaw:

  • Chicken Marinade – for the juiciest most flavorful chicken EVER!
  • Steak Marinade – turns any cut of steak into a work of art.
  • Pineapple Punch – so delicious on a hot day!
  • Steak Seasoning – for grilled steak perfection.
  • Grilled Corn – if you’ve got the grill going, might as well make some corn!
  • Chipotle Honey Barbecue Chicken
  • Mini Strawberry Pies – the perfect dessert for a summer day.
  • Pina Colada Fluff – part dessert, part salad, this easy recipe is always a hit!
  • Coleslaw Ingredients

    With only seven inexpensive ingredients, side dish recipes don’t get much better than this! Truly, you’ll spend less money on these ingredients that serve 8 to 10 people than you would on a family sized portion of coleslaw from a restaurant. Not to mention, this homemade recipe is definitely better!

    Let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need to make this coleslaw recipe:

    Looking for a shortcut? Buy pre-shredded cabbage and carrots!

    Coleslaw Dressing

    Here’s what you’ll need to make homemade coleslaw dressing:

    How to Make this Easy Colelsaw Recipe

    Do you have a large bowl, a small bowl, salad tossers, and ten minutes of your time? Perfect! Then you have everything you need to make this incredibly easy, yet simple coleslaw. 

    Consider using a mandoline. It saves a ton of time and can really thinly slice the cabbage.

  • Shred the cabbage and carrots. You’ll need about 8 cups of shredded cabbage for this recipe, give or take a cup.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the green cabbage mix and purple cabbage until combined. Set aside while you prepare the dressing.
  • How To Make Coleslaw Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper and celery seeds if using. 
  • Next, pour the coleslaw dressing over the cabbage and toss it until well combined. 
  • Refrigerate the coleslaw for a good 30 minutes before serving – if you have time. It’s delicious immediately but the flavors are best if it can chill for a bit. Enjoy!
  • FAQS

    How long will homemade coleslaw stay fresh?

    In an airtight container in the refrigerator, coleslaw will stay fresh for about 2 days. Once it gets past 2 days, the cabbage loses its appetizing crunch and the consistency of the mayonnaise might become slimy. Avoid old coleslaw by enjoying it within the first 2 days.

    Can I add anything else to this coleslaw recipe?

    Yes, you most certainly can! While classic coleslaw is my personal favorite, there are plenty of additions you can toss into the mix to shake things up and make it your own. Diced pieces of apple, dried cranberries, fresh lemon juice, and sunflower seeds are all tasty additions to an already perfect side dish. 

    How do you make coleslaw for a large crowd?

    This creamy coleslaw recipe can be doubled, tripled, whatever you need.

    Trish’s Tips for the Best Homemade Coleslaw

    More Side Dish Recipes

    Do you love fresh, simple side dishes? Me too! Here are just a few of my other favorite side dishes. 

  • Easy Grape Salad
  • Watermelon Pizza
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Pea Salad
  • KFC Coleslaw
  • Broccoli Salad
  • Baked Beans
  • Ambrosia Salad
  • How To Make Coleslaw

    Coleslaw Recipe

    This easy Coleslaw recipe is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics and more. With just 7 ingredients, this easy coleslaw comes together so fast and will be enjoyed by all! The perfect side dish for any occasion!

    Course Side Dish Cuisine American Keyword cole slaw, coleslaw dressing, coleslaw recipe, copycat kfc coleslaw Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 0 minutes Total Time 10 minutes Servings 10 Calories 180kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    Coleslaw Dressing

    Instructions

    Prepare Coleslaw Dressing

    Nutrition

    Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2393IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg

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