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Creamy classic coleslaw with shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and homemade tangy dressing in a bowl

Creamy Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This creamy classic coleslaw is crisp, fresh, and lightly tangy with shredded cabbage, carrots, purple cabbage, and a smooth homemade dressing. It is the kind of easy side dish that works with BBQ chicken, burgers, pulled pork, fried fish, sandwiches, or a simple summer dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dressings & Sauces, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American / Canadian-American, Canadian, North American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 243 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for the creamy coleslaw dressing
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Sharp knife or mandoline for slicing cabbage
  • Cutting board
  • Box grater or food processor for carrots
  • Tongs or salad spoons
  • Airtight container for storing leftover coleslaw

Ingredients
  

For the Coleslaw

  • 6 cups green cabbage finely shredded
  • 1 cup purple cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 2 tablespoons red onion finely diced and optional
  • 1 tablespoon parsley optional, chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1½ tablespoons honey or sugar
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed optional but very good
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the cabbage.

  • Add the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together so the colours are evenly mixed.

Make the dressing.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Dress the coleslaw.

  • Pour most of the creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss well with tongs until the cabbage is coated. Add the remaining dressing only if needed. Sometimes cabbage releases liquid as it sits, so it is better not to overdo it right away.

Chill before serving.

  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cabbage soften just slightly and lets the creamy tangy dressing settle into the slaw.

Serve cold.

  • Give the coleslaw one more toss before serving. Taste and add a little extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
    • For the best creamy classic coleslaw, don’t pour in all the homemade coleslaw dressing at once. Cabbage releases moisture as it chills, so start with most of the dressing, toss well, then let it sit for about 30 minutes before adding more. This keeps the coleslaw creamy, crunchy, and fresh instead of watery.

Notes

  • For the best creamy classic coleslaw, slice the cabbage thinly so the homemade coleslaw dressing coats every piece evenly.
  • Bagged coleslaw mix works well for this easy coleslaw recipe if you want a quick shortcut for BBQ dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
  • Let the coleslaw chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. The cabbage softens slightly, the dressing settles in, and the flavour gets better.
  • Do not add all the dressing at once. Cabbage releases moisture as it sits, so start with most of the dressing, toss, then add more if needed.
  • If the coleslaw looks a little dry right after mixing, wait a few minutes before adding extra dressing. It usually loosens up as the cabbage sits.
  • Purple cabbage adds beautiful colour to this homemade cabbage slaw, but too much can tint the creamy dressing slightly pink.
  • Celery seed is optional, but it gives the coleslaw that familiar old-fashioned deli-style coleslaw flavour.
  • For a sweeter creamy coleslaw dressing, add an extra teaspoon or two of honey or sugar.
  • For a tangier BBQ side dish coleslaw, add a little more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
  • This coleslaw is best served cold with pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, grilled chicken, fried fish, fish tacos, and summer picnic meals.
  • Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving because the dressing may settle at the bottom.
  • Do not freeze creamy coleslaw. The cabbage becomes watery and the mayonnaise dressing can separate.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 432mgPotassium: 254mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 3875IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1mg
Keyword cabbage coleslaw, classic coleslaw, creamy classic coleslaw, creamy coleslaw recipe, easy coleslaw recipe, green cabbage coleslaw, homemade coleslaw, homemade coleslaw dressing, purple cabbage coleslaw, recipe
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