🥗 The Best Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

This creamy coleslaw is fresh, crunchy, and perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet. Made with crisp green cabbage, carrots, and a smooth mayo-based dressing, it’s the ultimate side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, and summer gatherings. It gets even better after chilling!

⏱ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

For the Slaw:

• 6 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

• 1 cup red cabbage, shredded (optional but adds color)

• 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded

• 2 tablespoons red onion, finely sliced (optional)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional but classic)

• 1–2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk (to thin, if needed)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables

• Finely shred the cabbage for the best texture.

• Shred carrots and thinly slice onion.

• Place everything in a large mixing bowl.

2️⃣ Make the Dressing

• In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed.

• Add milk or buttermilk gradually until the dressing is smooth and pourable.

3️⃣ Combine

• Pour dressing over the cabbage mixture.

• Toss thoroughly until evenly coated.

4️⃣ Chill

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

• Stir again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

💡 Pro Tips

• For extra crunch: Salt the cabbage lightly and let it sit 20 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.

• Sweeter slaw: Add an extra teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey.

• More tangy: Increase vinegar slightly.

• BBQ-style: Add a splash of pickle juice.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually better after a few hours in the fridge. Best within 24 hours.

2. How long does it last?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Absolutely. Use about 7–8 cups of pre-shredded mix for convenience.

4. How do I keep coleslaw from getting watery?

Salt the cabbage first and drain excess liquid before adding dressing.

5. Can I make it lighter?

Yes! Substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.