Easy Coleslaw Recipe

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This Easy Coleslaw Recipe makes a classic coleslaw that compliments all sorts of summer meals. It’s creamy and fresh, and comes together in minutes. From weeknight dinners to picnics and potlucks with family and friends, you’ll fall in love with this simple slaw that will become your go-to side dish!

A Close-Up Shot of Homemade Coleslaw in a Bowl with Two Spoons

Why You’ll Love This Coleslaw Recipe

  • Cuisine Inspiration: American
  • Primary Cooking Method: No-cook
  • Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free option
  • Skill Level: Easy

If you’re looking for a simple, classic coleslaw that everyone will rave about, you’ve come to the right place. With shredded veggies and a creamy dressing, it has everything you could want, plus a little extra something that makes it extra tasty.

This well-loved side dish is a stellar choice for special occasions, but it also makes a great last-minute recipe to make thanks to how quick and easy it is! Here’s why you’ll love it…

  • Totally classic. This is a staple everyone should know how to make, and with it’s crave-worthy combination crunch and creaminess, is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a relaxed family dinner of Instant Pot Ribs or a mid-summer potluck, you’ll want to make some room at the table for this coleslaw.
  • But a little different. You’ll find all the ingredients you expect, but a smidge of Dijon mustard and lemon juice add a little zip and freshness that balance out the richness and brighten it up just enough.
  • So versatile. As I already said, it’s great for many occasions, but you can also add it to lots of different dishes. Pile it on top of BBQ Pulled Pork Fries, tuck it into some Fish Stick Tacos, or even pile it on Air Fryer Hamburgers or Air Fryer Hot Dogs. Keep reading for even more meal ideas if you just want to serve it as a side.
A Doubled-Up Bowl Filled with Coleslaw with the Rest of the Coleslaw in the Background

What You’ll Need

Here is an overview of the ingredients to make the dressing and the slaw itself. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.

Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise: This will be the base of your creamy dressing.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives it the classic tanginess.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh is best.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a little zip.
  • Milk: Helps add a little extra creaminess to the dressing. Use an unsweetened non-dairy milk if needed.
  • Granulated Sugar: Don’t worry, this won’t make your coleslaw taste sweet – it’s there to balance out the flavors so it’s not too bitter.
  • Salt: A little is always essential to amplify all of the flavors.

Slaw Components:

  • Cabbage: You’ll need about half a head, depending on the size, shredded.
  • Carrots: Shredded.
  • Onion: Finely diced.
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley: A little for tossing, plus extra to garnish the dish.

How to Make Classic Coleslaw

Making homemade coleslaw is as easy as a salad should be! You just have to combine the ingredients, make the dressing and mix it up.

  • Make Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, mustard, salt, mayonnaise and milk until well combined.
  • Make Salad: In a separate bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, onion and fresh parsley.
  • Toss: Once combined, pour over the mayonnaise mixture and toss together.
  • Garnish & Serve: Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Success

This straightforward recipe couldn’t be more beginner-friendly.

Here’s some extra advice to make the best coleslaw ever:

  • Use a Supermarket Shortcut: If you need to save time, instead of shredding the cabbage and carrots, you can substitute one 14-16 oz. bag of coleslaw mix.
  • Chill Before Serving: If you keep your coleslaw in the fridge for about an hour before you serve it, the flavors will intensify, the texture will be just right, and every bite will feel even more cool and refreshing!
  • Shred & Dice Veggies Finely: I find that the smaller the pieces of vegetables are in the salad, the more flavor you get in each bite. Shred and dice the veggies to the size that works for you.
  • Adjust to Taste: If you try your coleslaw and it seems too bitter, add a bit more sugar to taste. If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice. Play around with the seasonings until it tastes just right!
  • Make Additions: Want to incorporate more flavors and textures into your coleslaw? Try adding sliced nuts, seeds, different herbs or more diced veggies!
  • Use the Right Tools: A handheld citrus juicer is the easiest way to squeeze those lemons fast. I use mine all the time. A good pair of tongs is perfect for tossing and serving that slaw.

A Plate of Coleslaw on the Counter with a Bottle of Water Behind It

Proper Storage

Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 2 days. The dressing itself can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated on its own, then added to a fresh salad – an easy meal prep idea! Do not freeze coleslaw – it will be watery and mushy once it thaws.

coleslaw in a small dish with a white napkin and the big serving bowl behind it

Make it a Meal

If you don’t already have a lineup of potential main dishes in mind for this coleslaw, be sure to check out the delicious pairing ideas below.

More Coleslaw Recipes

If you enjoy the classic version, then you’ll love changing up the flavors with these ideas:

A Close-Up Shot of Homemade Coleslaw in a Bowl with Two Spoons
5 from 1 vote

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

This Easy Coleslaw Recipe makes a classic, creamy coleslaw that compliments all sorts of summer dishes! It's a fresh and healthy 15-minute side you'll fall in love with.
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • juice of half a lemon
  • 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • about 4-5 cups shredded cabbage (about 3/4 lb, or about half a head)
  • 3-4 carrots, shredded (about 1-2 cups)
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, and salt, until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, onion and fresh parsley.
  • Once combined, pour over the mayonnaise mixture and toss together.
  • Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley and enjoy! 
Nutrition Facts
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 serivng)
Calories 243 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 13g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 530mg22%
Potassium 307mg9%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 4g16%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 4.118IU0%
Vitamin C 46mg56%
Calcium 70mg7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.

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