This deliciously creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for your barbecue, picnic and summer potluck!
It’s hard to imagine a barbecue, picnic or summer potluck without coleslaw! And we’ve got the perfect creamy coleslaw recipe for you to try!
This classic side dish is an American staple. It features crispy cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy and seasoned mayonnaise dressing. It’s the classic dish to bring to picnics, potlucks, cookouts and barbecues.
The name coleslaw arose from the Dutch word koolsla which means “cabbage salad.” Shredded cabbage salads exist around the world in different variations, most commonly with a base of oil and vinegar. But when mayonnaise was invented by a French chef in the mid-18th century its popularity took off in America and soon the classic creamy coleslaw was born.
Quick and easy to make, this recipe provides the perfect balance of flavors and rivals your favorite restaurant or deli version!
What to Serve With Coleslaw
It’s the quintessential classic summer side dish along with things like potato salad, pasta salad and corn on the cob.
It’s enjoyed as a side dish and is also phenomenal heaped on pulled pork sandwiches, wraps, hot dots, burgers and tacos!
Can I Freeze Coleslaw?
The mayonnaise makes it unsuitable for freezing because it tends to separate after being frozen and becomes very watery. Raw cabbage likewise does not freeze very well. For a delicious variation that can be frozen, try our Freezer Slaw.
How to Make the BEST Coleslaw
Let’s get started!
A key to making the best coleslaw is eliminating excess water so the end result isn’t watery which will dilute the flavor and prevent that great creamy consistency we’re after. To do that we need to draw out the water from the vegetables before adding the dressing.
Place the veggies in a bowl and sprinkle with a teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine. Let this sit for at least an hour to draw out excess water. Rinse and drain.
Combine the dressing ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Be sure to use a good quality mayonnaise, it makes all the difference. Pour the dressing over the veggies and stir to coat. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
This dish is naturally gluten-free and for a vegan coleslaw simply use vegan mayonnaise.
Enjoy!
PIN ME!
For another delicious variation be sure to try our Freezer Slaw!
Perfect Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 16 ounces shredded cabbage/carrot blend (classic is green cabbage but you can add some red cabbage for color)
- For the Coleslaw Dressing:
- 1 cup quality mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl and sprinkle a teaspoon of salt over them. Toss to combine. Let this sit for at least an hour to draw out excess water. Rinse and drain.
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Pour it over the cabbage mixture and stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Landa Mohr says
First time I’ve made coleslaw and I love this recipe! I took it to a neighborhood bbq and it was a huge hit. I doubled the recipe and sadly there was none to bring home.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad it was a hit, Landa, thank you!
Cheryl Keeney says
Isn’t the cabbage going to be soggy when you rinse it?
VALERIE E ARMSTEAD says
I’ve heard the best coleslaw is made with sour cream so I searched for a 5 star one.
Made this for hubby’s 65 birthday. The best we’ve ever tasted. Had to make another batch the next day. Sugar’s not a problem for us so everything was on point. I used my immersion blender to mix.
I’ve already sent the recipe to my husband on demand in case I go before him. ;)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
That’s wonderful, Valerie, I’m absolutely thrilled you both enjoyed it, thank you! :)
Angie says
Made this yesterday for Memorial Day bbq with family and it was so good! I made just a couple tweaks-1/2 tsp celery salt instead of seeds (didn’t have seeds) no additional salt, out of mustard so that was out but will add (Dijon) next time. I also added green onion to it. Everyone loved it. I made the dressing in the morning and then mixed it up maybe an hour before we ate. I only used maybe 3/4 of the dressing so I can make a small bowl for me later this week :)
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Angie, I’m so glad it was a hit, thank you!
Anonymous says
So refreshing to see OAG instead of OMG!
Janet says
I am not fond of celery seed. Is there some way to substitute celery salt for the seed. Like maybe 1/4 tsp celery salt and 1/2 tsp regular salt in place of /3/4 tsp of salt.? I do like the flavor of celery.
Thanks for your help.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Janet, sure you can definitely do that. Just tweak it according to your personal preferences.
Tanya says
Seriously BeSt coleslaw dressing recipe and we’ve been trying out different ones for a while. First made this 4/19 and it continues to wow our tastebuds every time we make it! It is also just as tasty w/out any added sugar if your eating plan calls for that.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Wonderful, Tanya, I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!
Sandy says
Just made this! Oh Amazing Grace (OAG), this is the BEST coleslaw I’ve ever made. ThanQ
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m thrilled to hear that, thank you Sandy!
S. Spencer says
Wonderful recipe. I’d actually say ‘best ever’ coleslaw dressing. I substituted Swerve for the sugar and it was GREAT! Thanks so much!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, thanks so much!
Mary says
I followed the recipe but used Splenda sugar blend, it taste great. Recipe is in my favorites. Thank you!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Wonderful, Mary, thank you!
Tomi says
Very tasty, but more than twice as much dressing as it needed – I didn’t even use it all and it was absolutely swimming. I’d do half next time. But thank you for a yummy recipe!
BarbaraB says
Does this recipe hold up well if I double it? I don’t buy the package stuff and shred my own cabbage and carrot. I used a small cabbage and one carrot and the total weight was a little over two lbs. Sometimes when you double the recipe it doesn’t come out as good as the original. Holding back on the sugar a little and the celery seeds. Anything else???
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Barbara, yes, it doubles well.
Tweetybird says
I love this recipe was so delicious and not at all soggy. The perfect is right thanks for sharing
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, thanks so much!
Anonymous says
Very good I loved it
Lauren says
Just made it today, only thing I changed was I used broccoli & cabbage slaw mix & it is amazing except it came out a little watery :( hopefully next time it’s perfect! Love it, yummy!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Lauren, thank you! Try letting the salt and slaw mixture sit for a bit longer to draw out the water, that will help prevent it from being watery.
Julie says
Yummy.
Tanya Adkins says
Came across your recipe maybe 2 months ago and have made it 4 or 5 times now. It is great and I am pretty picky with coleslaw. I follow the recipe almost exact. The only thing I change is that I use about half the amount of mustard. This will be the only coleslaw I make from here on out ! Thank you !
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Tanya, I’m so happy to hear that, thank you!
grayslady says
Just made this last Friday for the weekend. It’s a great basic recipe except for the amount of sugar–2 tablespoons is plenty to counteract the acidity of the vinegar; 3 tablespoons left me having to add more mayo, vinegar and mustard to achieve the right balance. I used Dijon mustard, since I never have yellow mustard in the house, and it worked out fine. Finally, I made up the dressing and refrigerated it until 90 minutes before I was ready to dress the slaw. That kept the coleslaw from having any watery residue. Other than the adjustment for sugar, this will now be my go-to recipe for coleslaw. Thanks.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, grayslady, thanks so much for the feedback!
Jennifer says
Another hit! Mine came out a little watery but I guess I didn’t try the cabbage completely.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Awesome, Jennifer, thank you! Yes, a slotted spoon is always a good idea with coleslaw :)
Amy says
Made this for a large group at church. Many raved about how good it was. Will be my go to slaw recipe from now on. Thank you!!!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so happy to hear that, Amy, thanks so much for the feedback!
Krista says
This does look perfect! I love a good coleslaw!
GaryT says
Thanks for the reply, Kimberly. Of course such things are a matter of preference, but I do find most recipes for coleslaw cloyingly, unpalatably sweet. I don’t think they require tang-balancing any more than a well-made vinaigrette, the addition of sugar to which Julia Child rightly called “heresy.” On a less contentious note: I’m happy to be on your mailing list. Your recipes especially are models of precision and good sense and I use and have learned a great deal from them. Carry on!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Lol, Gary, well it is a little difficult to argue with Julia, isn’t it? :) Thanks so much for the compliment and have a terrific week! Kind regards, Kimberly
Dee says
Yummy! I love coleslaw this time of year!
GaryT says
Take out every bit of the sugar and you’ll have a great coleslaw.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Gary, no way, the sugar is a must for balancing the tang! Of course if you prefer it without sugar, feel free to omit it :)
P Byrd says
I was thinking about subbing the sugar and cider vinegar out for mirrin. I made this earlier, and it needs the sweetness..I love it the way it is, but I’m always thinking of ways to hack recipes. I think the next time i will try that.
Kirsten/Comfortably Domestic says
Cole slaw is practically a mandatory side dish with summer barbecue. Your recipe sounds delicious. I love the addition of celery seeds!
Nicole says
Your coleslaw looks delish! I love creany slaw but have never tried adding sour cream to it!
Dorothy at Shockinglydelish says
I love a good batch of coleslaw! It is the perfect side dish for so many meals.
I Heart Naptime says
Yum! Perfect for Summer BBQ’s!
Nutmeg Nanny says
Perfect for the summer! Saving!
Anna says
Creamy coleslaw is a must side dish for all the barbecue parties here! I love the addition of celery seeds. It makes it so tasty!