The Best Coleslaw Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Crispy cabbage dances delightfully in this best coleslaw recipe that redefines summer side dishes.

Fresh ingredients mingle together, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Crunchy vegetables peek through a creamy dressing, promising pure delight in every bite.

Tangy notes complement the cool crispness, making this slaw stand out from ordinary versions.

Picnics and barbecues deserve something special that sparks conversation and excitement.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive dish.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing slaw and watch smiles spread around the table.

Great Mains to Serve Coleslaw With

• Grilled barbecue ribs or pulled pork complement the crisp, tangy coleslaw perfectly, creating a balanced meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
• Serve alongside classic hamburgers or hot dogs, where the cool, creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to grilled meats and adds a crunchy element to the plate.
• Enjoy an ice-cold beer like a light lager or wheat beer that cuts through the coleslaw's richness, or opt for a citrusy white wine like sauvignon blanc that enhances the dish's bright, acidic notes.
• Use as a side for fried chicken sandwiches or pulled chicken, where the coleslaw's creamy texture and tangy flavor create a delightful balance with crispy, savory proteins.

Slaw Variations for Every Season

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo or cashew cream. Add extra crunch by mixing in diced bell peppers and sliced almonds for protein and texture.
• Low-Carb Herb Garden: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Include fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to boost flavor without adding carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Slaw: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. Mix in a pinch of cumin and chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Greek-Inspired Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano for Mediterranean flair.

FAQ for Coleslaw Perfection

• Can I use pre-shredded cabbage from the store?

You can use pre-shredded cabbage, but freshly shredded cabbage provides better texture and crunchiness. Store-bought mixes might be slightly drier and less crisp.

• Is there a low-fat version of this coleslaw?

Replace regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise to reduce calories. You can also use a vinegar-based dressing instead of a creamy one for a lighter option.

• How do I prevent my coleslaw from getting watery?

After shredding cabbage, sprinkle a little salt and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then drain excess water and pat dry with paper towels before mixing with other ingredients. This helps maintain crispness and prevents liquid separation.

• Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can include thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or even shredded radishes for additional crunch and flavor variety. Just keep the proportions similar to maintain the original recipe’s balance.

Why This Coleslaw Earns a Spot at Every BBQ

• Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetable texture that makes this coleslaw universally appealing.
• Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, this recipe adapts to any casual gathering or meal setting.
• Prepare this coleslaw up to a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious time during meal preparation.

What You’ll Need for a Fresh and Tangy Slaw

• Cabbage, Carrots: Crisp and fresh base for coleslaw, providing a crunchy texture and natural sweetness. Green cabbage works best, and fresh carrots add bright color and flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the coleslaw together. Full-fat mayonnaise gives the best rich flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the richness. Opt for high-quality, unfiltered vinegar for deeper taste.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle sharp kick and helps emulsify the dressing. Smooth Dijon works better than whole grain.

• Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Celery Seed: Essential for creating balanced flavor profile. Use fine granulated sugar, freshly ground black pepper, and whole celery seeds for maximum taste. Optional celery seed adds a subtle herbal note.

How to Toss Coleslaw for Perfect Crunch

Step 1: Chop Veggie Medley

Grab a sharp knife and slice crisp cabbage into delicate ribbons. Peel carrots and grate them into vibrant orange strands using a box grater or food processor. Transfer these colorful ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy apple cider vinegar
• Smooth Dijon mustard
• Granulated sugar
• Celery seeds
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky, harmonious mixture.

Step 3: Marry Veggies and Dressing

Pour the luscious dressing over the cabbage and carrot blend. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat every single veggie strand. Ensure each piece is beautifully glazed with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the coleslaw with plastic wrap and slide it into the refrigerator. Let it rest and mingle for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to dance and develop a more complex taste profile.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. Scoop into a beautiful serving dish and watch your guests delight in this classic side dish.

Tips That Help Avoid a Watery Mix

• Crunch Preservation Technique: Add shredded cabbage just before serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Let coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex taste.
• Customize Your Slaw: Experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped green onions, diced apple, or sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Lightening the Dressing: Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Diet-Friendly Adaptation: Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of regular mayo and sugar to create a plant-based version suitable for different dietary needs.

How to Keep It Crisp After Chilling

• Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Before storing, gently drain any accumulated liquid to prevent soggy coleslaw. Use a slotted spoon or colander to help remove extra moisture.
• After refrigeration, give the coleslaw a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and revive its crisp texture. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of green onions can help refresh the flavor.
• Do not freeze coleslaw, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and vegetables will become watery and lose their crunch when thawed.

Best Coleslaw Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, zesty coleslaw brings summer picnic magic to life with crisp cabbage and tangy dressing. Refreshing flavors dance together, promising cool comfort that makes you crave another delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 4 cups (300 grams/10.6 ounces) green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 cups (150 grams/5.3 ounces) red cabbage, finely shredded (optional, for color)
• 1 cup (100 grams/3.5 ounces) carrots, grated or julienned

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters/4 fluid ounces) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or honey)

Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Shred green and purple cabbage into fine, uniform strands using a sharp knife or mandoline, creating a vibrant, textured base for the coleslaw.
2. Grate fresh carrots into thin, delicate ribbons that will intertwine seamlessly with the cabbage mixture.
3. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, tangy apple cider vinegar, and zesty Dijon mustard in a separate mixing vessel, creating a harmonious dressing foundation.
4. Incorporate granulated sugar to balance the acidity, then sprinkle in celery seeds for an aromatic depth that elevates the traditional flavor profile.
5. Season the dressing with a precise pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, whisking until the ingredients meld into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
6. Gently fold the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, ensuring each strand is thoroughly and evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Cover the coleslaw and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to mingle and intensify.
8. Before serving, give the coleslaw a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and revive its fresh, crisp texture.

Notes

• Customize the cabbage mix by adding red or purple cabbage for vibrant color and extra crunch.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for lighter, dietary-friendly versions that maintain creamy texture.
• Toast celery seeds briefly before adding to enhance their nutty, aromatic flavor and release more intense essence.
• Let coleslaw rest longer than 30 minutes for deeper flavor development, with optimal taste achieved after 2-3 hours of chilling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg