Hey there, food lover! You’re in for a treat today because I’m about to share with you the best homemade coleslaw recipe ever! It’s crunchy, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy—it’s the perfect side dish that goes with pretty much anything. Whether you’re having a BBQ, a weeknight dinner, or just want a refreshing bite, this coleslaw will definitely hit the spot. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
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Why You’ll Love The Best Homemade Coleslaw
This coleslaw isn’t just your average side—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy, happy, and totally satisfied. Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:
Versatile: Perfect for everything from casual dinners to family BBQs. Imagine biting into that crunch and creaminess after a long day or serving it at a gathering where everyone asks for the recipe!
Budget-Friendly: This one’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, so no need for expensive items. It’s simple but delicious, proving that comfort food can also be budget-friendly.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! If you’re new to cooking, this one’s for you. It’s so easy that you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
Customizable: Want to spice it up? Add a little kick with some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Want to make it milder? No problem! Adjust the flavors to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. Everyone loves that crispy texture with the creamy, tangy dressing. Seriously, who can resist?
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this coleslaw—just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something irresistible:
Cabbage: The main event! You’ll need some shredded green cabbage to give it that classic crunch.
Carrots: Freshly shredded for a pop of color and sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
Mayonnaise: For that creamy base that makes this coleslaw smooth and indulgent.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A little acidity to give the slaw a tangy bite that keeps it fresh.
Sugar: Just a touch to add a sweet contrast to the vinegar and mayo.
Dijon Mustard: For a bit of zing and complexity in the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: To season everything just right!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious coleslaw:
Prepare the Vegetables: Start by shredding the cabbage and carrots. You can do this by hand or use a food processor for a quicker result. Either way, you want those veggies nice and finely shredded for maximum crunch.
Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go—you might want to add a little more sugar for sweetness or more vinegar for extra tang.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and carrots with the dressing. Make sure everything is evenly coated. The veggies should be glistening with that creamy, tangy goodness.
Chill: For the best flavor, let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. The chill time really helps to develop that deliciously tangy, creamy bite.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve it chilled, and enjoy the perfect side dish with anything from fried chicken to grilled ribs. It’s that good!
How to Serve The Best Homemade Coleslaw
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and mains. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
Grilled Meats: Coleslaw is the perfect companion for BBQ ribs, burgers, or grilled chicken. It’s refreshing and balances the richness of the meat.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Serve it as a crunchy filling for pulled pork sandwiches, or pair it with your favorite deli meats for a satisfying meal.
Crispy Fried Foods: Think crispy chicken, onion rings, or fried fish. That creamy crunch is the ultimate complement to anything fried!
Vegetable Sides: Roasted or grilled vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or corn on the cob make great companions.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make this coleslaw recipe even better:
Make Ahead: This is one of those recipes that actually gets better as it sits, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Letting it chill in the fridge overnight only enhances the flavors!
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, try adding some finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but keep in mind the veggies will soften over time.
Swap Ingredients: If you’re not a fan of mayo, try using Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Or, add some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?
A1: Yes! You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can also try sour cream or even avocado for a unique twist.
Q2: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
A2: Definitely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead or even the day before allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Q4: Can I freeze this coleslaw?
A4: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage can become mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Absolutely! This coleslaw is perfect for feeding a crowd, so feel free to double or even triple the recipe for parties or gatherings.
Q6: Can I make this without sugar?
A6: Yes, you can omit the sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.
Q7: Can I use a pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
A7: Of course! If you’re short on time, a pre-shredded coleslaw mix will work just fine. Just be sure to mix it with the dressing and chill before serving.
Q8: Can I add other ingredients to this coleslaw?
A8: Absolutely! You can add ingredients like raisins, apples, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. Get creative!
Q9: How can I make it vegan?
A9: Simply swap the mayo for a vegan version (like avocado or cashew cream) and check the other ingredients to make sure they’re plant-based.
Q10: Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
A10: Definitely! Red cabbage will give your coleslaw a beautiful color and a slightly different flavor, but it’s just as delicious.
Conclusion
There you have it! The best homemade coleslaw, ready to add a fresh, crunchy, and creamy side dish to your meal. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a backyard BBQ or craving something tasty to pair with your dinner, this coleslaw will never disappoint. So, give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!
Print
The Best Homemade Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant homemade coleslaw combines crisp cabbage, carrots, radishes, and spring onions with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing flavored with garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and parsley. It’s the perfect refreshing side for barbecue, fried chicken, or grilled fish.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pointed cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 5 radishes, thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- 150 ml Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the julienned cabbage, carrot, sliced radishes, and spring onions.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, parsley, mustard, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, agave syrup, chili flakes, salt, and pepper until smooth and well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
- Give the coleslaw a final toss before serving, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture.
- For a tangier flavor, add more lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- This coleslaw can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Great as a topping for sandwiches or tacos as well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 109
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg