How long it takes: just over an hour, but most of that is chilling time. Equipment you’ll need: large bowl and spoon Servings: 6 Classic Southern style. While there are literally hundreds of recipes for coleslaw, some with a vinegar based dressing (vinegar cole slaw), others that use less mayonnaise (check out this reduced fat coleslaw recipe), or other variations, this recipe is more in the classic Southern creamy style, typical of what’s usually served in restaurants. Can be made ahead. Coleslaw is easy to prepare and it stays fresh for a few days in the fridge, unlike most salads. It’s easy to serve, too, with no last minute preparation. Simply give it a stir and put it into a serving bowl (if you want). Six easy ingredients. I love this easy creamy coleslaw recipe because it’s such a cinch to make with only 6 ingredients. Buy a bag of coleslaw mix from the grocery store, mix it with a mayonnaise based dressing, and refrigerate for an hour. What could be easier than that? I hope I’ve convinced you that you can make your own coleslaw to serve at home! This classic creamy coleslaw recipe is a favorite with my family and I’m sure it will become the same for yours.
What’s coleslaw mix?
Shredded cabbage (green cabbage and sometimes mixed with red cabbage) and shredded carrots. If you want to shred your own cabbage, that’s fine, too. I love freshly shredded cabbage for the flavor, but I confess that I usually buy a bag of already shredded cabbage for this recipe. It’s just so convenient. You can whip this coleslaw up in 5 minutes using a 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix. 5 minutes!
How to Make Coleslaw
Mix together a mayonnaise dressing, add the cabbage mix, and stir well until the cabbage is completely coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl, and put the coleslaw back in the fridge for an hour to marinate a bit. When you’re ready to eat, it’s ready to serve!
Recipe variations
This is a basic, Southern style coleslaw recipe, with a sweet creamy dressing. There are plenty of ways to personalize it. Here are a few suggestions:
Shred your own cabbage. If you would rather not buy a bag of coleslaw mix, you can simply shred your own cabbage and carrots. You’ll need about six cups. Add-ins: Feel free to add one (or more) of these: ¼ cup finely chopped onion, ¼ cup finely chopped parsley, ½ cup green or red bell pepper, or 1 cup shredded kale. Celery: Instead of the celery salt, substitute ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon celery seed. This will result in a slightly stronger celery flavor. I often add diced celery to my coleslaw, too, for even more celery delight. Make more: Since coleslaw keeps well for up to three days, feel free to double or even triple the recipe. Just make sure you have a big bowl to mix it in. Not crazy about cabbage? Try homemade creamy potato salad!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Coleslaw actually tastes better if you make it at least an hour before serving which makes it a perfect salad to serve if you’re in a rush or if you’re bringing it to a picnic or potluck. Coleslaw can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Stir well before serving. If refrigerated, coleslaw should last 3 to 5 days. Can you freeze coleslaw? Any creamy coleslaw recipe with a mayonnaise based dressing should not be frozen. You’ll end up with a watery mess. However, you can freeze coleslaw made with a vinegar based dressing. Put it in an airtight resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Make ahead dressing: If you’d like to make coleslaw dressing to keep in the fridge, try my easy coleslaw dressing recipe. It’s much more economical than purchased dressing, and healthier, too.
What goes with coleslaw?
Pretty much everything! I love coleslaw with a sandwich but I also love it on a sandwich. Creamy coleslaw goes great with main dishes and it’s an easy side dish. Try it with (or on):
Oven baked turkey sliders (Rachel sandwiches) — turkey’s answer to classic Reubens Pulled pork sandwiches: Instant Pot Pulled Pork, Slow Cooker Pulled Pork with Plum Bourbon Sauce, or Mango Bourbon Pulled Pork Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets or Chicken Nuggets with Parmesan Classic Meatloaf Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches or Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta Crockpot BBQ Chicken Instant Pot Ribs or Slow Cooker Ribs
