Easy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe: A Classic Side Dish Made Simple

Coleslaw is one of those timeless side dishes that transcends trends and seasons. Whether it’s served alongside barbecue at a summer picnic, tucked into a pulled pork sandwich, or offered as a crisp companion to fried chicken, coleslaw has carved out its place on dinner tables and buffet lines across the world. Its signature crunch and creamy tang make it a beloved favorite, offering both texture and flavor that complements a variety of main dishes.

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While coleslaw is readily available pre-made at most grocery stores, nothing quite compares to the freshness and customizability of homemade coleslaw. Making it at home allows you to control every element — from the level of sweetness and tanginess to the texture and color. It also provides the opportunity to use fresher ingredients, avoid preservatives, and cater to specific dietary preferences.

This guide will walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process for crafting your own easy homemade coleslaw. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook looking for the perfect slaw recipe, this article will cover everything you need to know. From choosing the right cabbage and preparing a balanced dressing to exploring variations for different tastes and occasions, we’ve got it all covered.

In the sections that follow, we’ll delve into the history of coleslaw, the essential ingredients that give it its unique flavor, and various preparation techniques. We’ll also share tips for storing coleslaw, ideas for using leftovers, and optional add-ins that can elevate your slaw from simple to sensational.

Let’s get started with this crisp, creamy, and delightfully easy homemade coleslaw recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients Overview

Before diving into the actual process, it’s important to understand the role each ingredient plays in the final taste and texture of your coleslaw. While there are countless variations, a classic homemade coleslaw typically consists of a fresh vegetable base, a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, and a few optional add-ins for enhanced flavor.

Here’s a breakdown of the traditional ingredients used in a classic coleslaw:

For the Coleslaw Base:

1. Green Cabbage – The star of most coleslaw recipes. Green cabbage offers a satisfying crunch and a neutral flavor that absorbs the dressing beautifully.

2. Red (Purple) Cabbage – Often added for color contrast and a slightly bolder flavor.

3. Carrots – Provide a natural sweetness and vibrant color, adding balance to the tangy dressing.

Optional Vegetables/Add-ins:

• Red Onion – Adds a sharp bite and complexity.

• Green Onion or Scallions – Milder than red onion, good for subtle onion flavor.

• Bell Peppers – Adds sweetness and color.

• Parsley or Celery Seeds – For added herbaceous notes or a mild celery flavor.

For the Dressing:

1. Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives coleslaw its signature texture.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds tanginess and cuts through the richness of the mayo.

3. Sugar or Honey – Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.

4. Dijon Mustard – Optional, but adds depth and a gentle kick.

5. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavor.

Optional Additions to the Dressing:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – For a tangier, lighter twist.

• Buttermilk – Traditional in Southern-style coleslaw for a richer tang.

• Lemon Juice – Extra acidity for brightness.

• Celery Seed – Adds a distinct coleslaw flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Easy Homemade Coleslaw

This section walks you through the full process of making coleslaw, from prepping the vegetables to assembling the dressing and mixing it all together.

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Time estimate: 10–15 minutes

You will need:

• 1 medium head of green cabbage

• ½ head of red cabbage (optional for color)

• 2–3 medium carrots

• ½ small red onion (optional)

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1–2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• (Optional) 1 teaspoon celery seed or chopped parsley

Preparation Tips:

• Make sure your vegetables are fresh, firm, and free of any wilted or browned leaves.

• You can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store in a pinch, but fresh cabbage will provide better texture and flavor.

Step 2: Shred the Cabbage and Carrots

Time estimate: 10 minutes

Instructions:

1. Remove the outer leaves of the green and red cabbage and cut the head into quarters.

2. Cut out the core from each quarter using a sharp knife.

3. Shred the cabbage:

   • For a traditional, thin slaw: Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the cabbage as thinly as possible.

   • For an even shred: Use a mandoline slicer, food processor with slicing attachment, or a box grater.

4. Peel and grate the carrots:

   • Use a box grater or food processor with a shredding blade.

   • Alternatively, julienne the carrots for a more rustic look.

Pro Tip:
If you’re preparing the slaw in advance, consider salting the cabbage (see the tip in the next section) to draw out excess moisture and enhance crunchiness.

Step 3: Optional – Salt and Drain the Cabbage for Crunch

Time estimate: 30 minutes (passive)

Why this matters:
Cabbage naturally contains a lot of water. If you prefer a crisp, less watery slaw that holds up better in the fridge, pre-salting is a great technique.

Instructions:

1. Place the shredded cabbage in a large colander over a bowl or sink.

2. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of cabbage.

3. Toss to combine and let it sit for 20–30 minutes.

4. After resting, rinse the cabbage under cold water to remove excess salt.

5. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels or spin in a salad spinner.

This step is optional but highly recommended if you’re serving coleslaw at a gathering or preparing it a day in advance.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Time estimate: 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine:

   • 1 cup mayonnaise

   • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

   • 1–2 tablespoons sugar (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste)

   • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   • (Optional) 1 teaspoon celery seed or a tablespoon of chopped parsley

2. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Tips:

• Taste the dressing and adjust as needed. More vinegar for extra tang, more sugar for added sweetness.

• If you’re using Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute, use a 50/50 mix with mayo for best results.

Step 5: Combine the Cabbage, Carrots, and Dressing

Time estimate: 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and any optional ingredients like red onion or bell pepper.

2. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.

3. Toss everything together using tongs or clean hands until well-coated.

Pro Tip:
Make sure to coat all the vegetables evenly, working from the bottom of the bowl to the top. The dressing may look like too much at first, but as the cabbage sits, it will absorb it and reduce in volume.

Step 6: Let It Chill

Time estimate: 30 minutes to overnight (recommended)

Coleslaw is best served cold, and the flavor improves as it rests. This step allows the dressing to soak into the cabbage and blend with the natural juices.

Instructions:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, ideally 1–2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Before Serving

Once chilled, give the coleslaw a taste. If needed:

• Add a splash more vinegar for brightness.

• Stir in extra salt or pepper if under-seasoned.

• Mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise if it seems a little dry.

Serving Suggestions

Coleslaw is incredibly versatile. Here are some common ways to serve it:

• As a side for BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken

• On top of tacos, burgers, or sandwiches

• Alongside fried fish or fish and chips

• As a topping for baked potatoes

• As part of a picnic or potluck spread