A fresh and crunchy creamy coleslaw recipe made with shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a smooth homemade mayonnaise dressing. This easy side dish is perfect for BBQs, sandwiches, burgers, and family dinners.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Coleslaw Mix
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1½ cups carrots, shredded
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Method
1. Prepare Vegetables
Wash and finely shred:
- Green cabbage
- Purple cabbage
- Carrots
Add them to a large bowl with sliced green onions.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
Toss gently until all vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
This allows the flavors to blend and makes the coleslaw taste even better.
5. Serve
Mix once before serving and enjoy chilled.
Cooking Tips
- Slice cabbage very thin for the best texture.
- Letting coleslaw rest improves the flavor.
- Add dressing gradually if you prefer a lighter coating.
- For extra crunch, add chopped apples or nuts.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of some mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect with:
- Burgers
- BBQ chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Fish tacos
- Grilled meats
Storage
Store in an airtight container:
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
The cabbage may release water over time, so stir before serving.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
| Calcium | 45 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on dressing ingredients and portion size.
FAQs
1. Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes. It tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
2. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Yes. A pre-shredded cabbage mix works perfectly for a quick version.
3. How do I stop coleslaw from becoming watery?
Salt the cabbage lightly, let it sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid before adding dressing.
4. Can I make it healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or reduce the sugar.
5. Can I add extra ingredients?
Yes. Try raisins, apples, celery, sunflower seeds, or chopped nuts.
Final Result: A creamy, crunchy, colorful coleslaw with the perfect balance of sweetness and tang—an easy side dish that goes with almost any meal.
