Coleslaw With Creamy Dressing

Standing in my grandmother's kitchen, I watched her transform a heap of shredded cabbage into something magical with nothing more than a fork and a well-seasoned dressing. That simple act of tossing vegetables together taught me that coleslaw isn't just a side dish—it's the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess that makes everything else taste better.

Last summer at our neighborhood block party, three different people asked for this recipe before the burgers even hit the grill. Something about that perfect tangy sweetness cutting through rich barbecue food makes people come back for seconds every single time.

Ingredients

• 6 cups green cabbage: The backbone of your slaw providing that satisfying crunch we all love
• 1 cup red cabbage: Adds gorgeous purple color and a slightly peppery bite that keeps things interesting
• 1 cup carrots: Bring natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to the mix
• 2 tablespoons red onion: Optional but gives a lovely sharp contrast to the creamy dressing
• ¾ cup mayonnaise: Creates that rich velvety base that holds everything together
• 2 tablespoons sour cream: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: The secret ingredient that makes your mouth wake up
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides depth and a gentle spicy warmth
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar: Just enough to balance the tang and round out the flavors
• ½ teaspoon celery seed: Gives that classic coleslaw flavor you remember from cookouts
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to make all the flavors pop
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that lingers

Instructions

Mix your vegetables:

Combine both cabbages carrots and onion in your largest bowl giving yourself plenty of room to toss everything later

Whisk the dressing:

Stir mayonnaise sour cream vinegar mustard sugar celery seed salt and pepper until completely smooth and creamy

Bring it together:

Pour that gorgeous dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until every single piece is coated

Let it rest:

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the vegetables soften slightly and absorb all that flavor

Final toss and serve:

Give it one more mix before serving and adjust salt or pepper if it needs a little something extra

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My sister who swore she hated coleslaw for years tried this at a family dinner and proceeded to eat three servings. Sometimes the simplest dishes prepared with a little extra care are the ones that win people over completely.

Make It Your Own

I have discovered that coleslaw is incredibly forgiving and welcomes all sorts of personal tweaks. Try swapping the cabbage for thinly sliced Brussels sprouts or adding some chopped fresh apples for unexpected sweetness.

Perfect Pairings

This recipe shines alongside anything coming off the grill but it is also spectacular on top of pulled pork sandwiches or fish tacos. The cool creaminess balances beautifully with spicy or smoky main dishes.

Storage Secrets

Properly stored in an airtight container this coleslaw stays fresh for up to three days though the texture becomes softer as time passes. The flavors continue to develop making it an excellent make ahead option for busy weeks.

• Give it a quick stir before serving leftovers as dressing tends to settle
• If it seems a bit watery after refrigeration just drain off any excess liquid
• Never freeze coleslaw as the texture will become unpleasantly mushy

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There is something deeply satisfying about a bowl of homemade coleslaw sitting next to a plate of summer food. Hope this becomes your go to recipe for all the gatherings ahead.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should this coleslaw chill before serving?

For the best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time is essential for the dressing to fully meld with the vegetables, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

→ Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Yes, you can absolutely make the creamy dressing ahead of time. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Toss it with the fresh vegetables just before serving.

→ Are there any substitutions for sour cream in the dressing?

For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Ensure it's plain, unsweetened yogurt. This will maintain a similar creamy texture and tangy profile while reducing fat content.

→ How can I adjust the tanginess or sweetness of the coleslaw?

To increase the tang, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If you prefer a sweeter slaw, you can increase the granulated sugar amount by an additional teaspoon or two, tasting as you go.

→ What vegetables work well for customization in this slaw?

Beyond the classic cabbage and carrots, you can add finely sliced green onions, chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, or even some thinly sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch. Broccoli slaw mix can also be used.

→ How long does homemade coleslaw typically last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade coleslaw is best consumed within 1-2 days. The cabbage can start to soften and release water if kept much longer.