Classic coleslaw is a timeless staple that perfectly complements summer barbecues, picnics, or any gathering where friends and family come together to share a meal. It’s creamy, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying, with a delightful blend of textures that bring life to any plate. The freshness of finely shredded cabbage mixed with the sweetness of carrots, all enveloped in a luscious dressing, makes each bite a delightful experience. The beauty of this dish is that it’s incredibly customizable, yet there’s nothing quite like a classic coleslaw recipe that sticks to the simple and essential ingredients.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic coleslaw recipes

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted homemade coleslaw at a friend’s family dinner. The vibrant colors and the refreshing crunch made it stand out from the typical side dishes. It immediately became a favorite, and I soon began making it for my gatherings! What I love most about this classic coleslaw recipe is its ease and accessibility. With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick mixing method, you can create a dish that feels both nostalgic and comforting. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving this delightful salad again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, making it a breeze to whip up!
Irresistible Flavor: The combo of creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables delivers a mouthwatering taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those vibrant colors make it an attractive addition to any spread.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, sandwiches, or even a light lunch on its own.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded: Green cabbage offers that classic taste, crispness, and bright color that define coleslaw. Feel free to swap it with purple cabbage for a different visual twist.
2 large carrots, grated: Freshly grated carrots add sweetness and vibrant color to the mix. You can also use pre-grated carrots if you’re short on time, but fresh is best!
1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise: A rich mayonnaise creates a creaminess that ties everything together. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds tanginess to balance the sweetness. If you prefer a sharper taste, substitute with white wine vinegar.
2 tablespoons sugar: Sugar provides necessary sweetness to enhance the flavors. Adjust to taste to find the perfect balance for your palate.
1 teaspoon celery seed: This unique seed is essential for that classic coleslaw flavor. You can omit it if you don’t have it, but it does add a special touch.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your coleslaw.

How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes

Prepare the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the green cabbage. Take the remaining cabbage and finely shred it using a sharp knife or a food processor for speed and efficiency.

Grate the Carrots: Peel the large carrots and grate them using the large holes of a box grater. A food processor can also do this job quickly, saving you time while providing that lovely texture.

Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of high-quality mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, along with salt and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth. This vibrant dressing is where the magic happens.

Taste and Adjust: Before you mix your dressing with the veggies, give it a taste. You might find you need a bit more sugar for sweetness or an extra teaspoon of vinegar for that zesty sharpness.

Combine the Vegetables and Dressing: Now, pour the dressing over your finely shredded cabbage and grated carrots in a large bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly until the vegetables are well coated in the creamy dressing.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more flavorful coleslaw.

Storing & Reheating

This coleslaw is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While it may not be suitable for room temperature storage, it keeps well in the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture will suffer. If the coleslaw seems too watery after sitting, simply give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Adjust the sugar and vinegar according to your taste. Everyone’s palate is different!
Make sure to finely shred the cabbage for a more delicate and enjoyable texture.
For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped apples or nuts. These additions bring an unexpected twist that is delicious.
If making ahead, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the cabbage and carrots.

Classic coleslaw recipes are truly a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. With a handful of quality ingredients, you can create a side dish that everyone will love and remember. Experiment with different veggies or additional spices to make this recipe your own. Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or even lunch on a warm afternoon, classic coleslaw is a recipe you’ll cherish and come back to again and again.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make classic coleslaw in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the coleslaw a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving so the dressing is evenly distributed.

What type of cabbage is best for coleslaw?

While green cabbage is the traditional choice, you can experiment with red or Napa cabbage for different flavors and colors. Each type brings something unique to the dish!

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It will result in a slightly tangy flavor while keeping the creaminess you expect.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my coleslaw?

If your coleslaw tastes too tangy, simply add a little more sugar until you achieve the preferred sweetness. Remember, tasting as you mix is critical for a perfectly balanced flavor.

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Classic coleslaw recipes

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 1x
Category: Salads
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

This classic coleslaw features a delightful blend of finely shredded cabbage and freshly grated carrots, tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s an easy-to-make side dish that brings delicious crunch and flavor to any meal. Perfect for picnics and barbecues, everyone will love this homemade coleslaw!

Ingredients

Scale

1 small head cabbage, finely shredded
2 large carrots, grated
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed
to taste salt and pepper

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Instructions

Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage and finely shred the rest.
Peel and grate the carrots, then combine them with the cabbage in a large bowl.

Notes

For added flavor, chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for one hour before serving.
Feel free to adjust the sugar in the dressing according to your taste preferences.