If you have a craving for a crisp, creamy, and refreshingly tangy side dish, you’ve got to try this Homemade Coleslaw Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy cabbage and sweet carrots, all tossed in a luscious dressing that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re grilling up burgers, hosting a picnic, or just want a wholesome snack that feels like a hug in a bowl, this coleslaw is guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to. It’s simple to make, wonderfully customizable, and will add that perfect pop of color and texture to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Homemade Coleslaw Recipe is super straightforward, but every single one plays an important role in achieving that ideal balance of creaminess and crunch. From fresh vegetables to the tangy dressing components, each element shines through beautifully.
- Green cabbage: The star of the show, shredded finely to provide that satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
- Carrots: Grated for sweetness and bright orange hue, they add a lovely contrast to the cabbage.
- Full-fat mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess that binds everything together perfectly.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a gentle tang that wakes up the flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to round out the acidity and bring harmony to the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the veggies.
- Celery seeds (optional): A small pinch adds an extra layer of subtle, savory depth to the dressing.
How to Make Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start off by shredding the green cabbage and grating the carrots. You can do this easily with a box grater or pop them into a food processor if you want a faster option. The key is to get the cabbage thin enough so each bite is tender but still has that wonderful crunch.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the full-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and perfectly balanced between creamy and tangy. If you decide to use celery seeds, this is the moment to add them for that subtle flavor boost.
Step 3: Toss Vegetables with Dressing
Now, add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots into the bowl with your dressing. Mix everything thoroughly so each strand of cabbage and carrot is coated in that luscious sauce. This is where the magic happens and your Homemade Coleslaw Recipe really starts to come alive.
Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and the cabbage to soften slightly while retaining its crunch.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Before serving, give your coleslaw a taste test and add a touch more salt, pepper, or vinegar if you want to brighten it up further. Then get ready to enjoy that fresh, tangy, creamy goodness!
How to Serve Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Homemade Coleslaw Recipe with some simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crushed toasted nuts for a bit of extra texture. A dash of smoked paprika on top adds a smoky warmth that’s surprisingly addictive. Getting creative here can turn your coleslaw into a star salad on its own.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is a natural companion to hearty mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or even a juicy veggie burger. Its refreshing crunch and tang cut through rich, smoky flavors and add a perfect balance to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, you can serve your Homemade Coleslaw Recipe in individual cups with a toothpick, making it a fun finger food at parties. Or layer it in a mason jar with other salad ingredients for a grab-and-go lunch that’s both wholesome and colorful. Presentation is a joyful way to share this classic recipe with friends and family!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover coleslaw can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, but the cabbage will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later for maximum crunch.
Freezing
Freezing coleslaw is generally not recommended since the texture of cabbage and mayonnaise-based dressing can become watery and mushy when thawed. It’s best to make just enough to enjoy fresh or save it for up to a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
Coleslaw is a cold side dish and is always best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to bring it to room temperature, just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving and give it a good stir to freshen it up.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will give your Homemade Coleslaw Recipe a beautiful pop of color and a slightly earthier flavor. Feel free to substitute or even mix both cabbages for extra visual appeal and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can swap the full-fat mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative or vegan mayo to make the coleslaw vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so it’s an easy switch.
How long should I let the coleslaw chill before serving?
At least 30 minutes in the fridge is ideal to let all the flavors meld. If you have more time, chilling for a couple of hours enhances the taste and texture even more.
Can I add other vegetables to the coleslaw?
Definitely! Ingredients like thinly sliced red onion, bell peppers, or even shredded apple can add tasty twists to your Homemade Coleslaw Recipe. Just make sure to keep the proportions balanced to maintain that classic creamy crunch.
What if my coleslaw seems too dry or too wet?
If the coleslaw is too dry, a splash more apple cider vinegar or mayonnaise will help loosen it up. If it’s too wet, try draining any excess liquid before mixing or add a bit more shredded cabbage to absorb the moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Coleslaw Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser with its fresh crunch, creamy tang, and effortless charm. It’s one of those timeless classics that never goes out of style and always manages to brighten up any meal. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch, share it with your loved ones, and make it a staple in your recipe box just like I have.
Print
Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade coleslaw recipe is a classic and easy-to-make side dish featuring shredded green cabbage and grated carrots tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with full-fat mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar. Perfectly balanced with a touch of salt and pepper, and optional celery seeds for extra flavor, this coleslaw is chilled before serving to meld the flavors and deliver a refreshing crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
- 2 medium carrots, grated
Dressing
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp celery seeds
Instructions
- Shred and Grate: Shred the cabbage and grate the carrots using a box grater or food processor to prepare the vegetables for the coleslaw.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots to the bowl with the dressing. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the coleslaw and adjust the salt and pepper if needed before serving. Optionally sprinkle celery seeds on top for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, shred the cabbage finely to ensure a tender, well-coated slaw.
- Chilling the coleslaw not only develops flavor but also softens the cabbage to the perfect texture.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice for a different tang.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Adding celery seeds is optional but adds a nice herbal note that complements the slaw well.
