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We have the best Coleslaw Recipe and it is better than anything store bought. It is so easy to make with the perfect blend of tang and creaminess.

Coleslaw in a white bowl
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I have never been a fan of store bought slaw. It never seemed that good to me or maybe I’m just picky. Either way, I have perfected the best coleslaw classic recipe that is easy to make at home.

Once you try this, you will know why we love it so much. Plus, it is so much cheaper than store-bought coleslaw mix. If you are looking for a coleslaw without mayonnaise, make Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe. Another delicious side dish is Broccoli Salad Recipe.

This coleslaw is amazing paired with our Crock Pot Hot Dog Recipe, BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and much more.

Why We Love Coleslaw

We love this delicious side dish or topping idea. We personally prefer ours less crunchy so I make it in advance. I like it to soften and the flavors to combine. If you prefer your slaw crunchy, don’t make it in advance and serve right away.

It is delicious either way and super easy to make work for how you like it best. This coleslaw recipe is budget friendly as those little containers are not cheap at the grocery store. This recipe makes a good amount for a fraction of the cost. Not to mention it tastes way better.

In less than 15 minutes, you can have this easy coleslaw recipe ready to enjoy!

Ingredients

Ingredients for the best coleslaw recipe are artfully arranged on a hexagonal tile surface: shredded carrots, red and green cabbage, mayonnaise, sliced green onions, mustard, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Every item is precisely measured in bowls and spoons.
  • Shredded Cabbage – I like using Green and Red for the appearance of the slaw. But you can make coleslaw with one color of cabbage or use a bag of coleslaw mix.
  • Carrots – This adds a hint of sweetness to the coleslaw mix
  • Mayonnaise – See The Best Mayonnaise Substitutes
  • Dijon Mustard – You can also use regular yellow mustard
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – If you are out, see The Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Type of Cabbage – Try using a mixture of cabbage. Not only is this pretty but tastes good too. We like to mix in red cabbage with the green cabbage.
  • Celery Seed – Add in ½ tsp of celery seed for a hint of savory and earthy flavors. It is a great addition and combines easily with the other dressing ingredients.
  • Lemon Juice – Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for the best hint of citrus flavor.
  • Additions – Feel free to add in your favorite spices or fresh herbs to his coleslaw mix. Mix in a tbsp of cilantro, dill or parsley right before serving gives it a delicious variation.

How to Make Homemade Coleslaw

Shredded red and white cabbage on a cutting board with a mandoline slicer beside it brings you one step closer to the best coleslaw recipe. Other cabbage pieces are placed in bowls, loosely arranged on a hexagonal-patterned countertop. A striped cloth is partially visible.

Step 1 – First, cut the cabbage and slice it. I prefer to use a mandolin slicer. There are several good mandolin slicers on sale. I use mine all the time and highly recommend it.

A partially peeled carrot on a white cutting board next to a peeler, hinting at the beginnings of the best coleslaw recipe. Shredded carrot pieces are scattered about, with a striped cloth draped at the bottom and bowls of shredded vegetables in the background.

Step 2 – Shred the large carrots or use pre-shredded carrots.

A glass bowl brimming with the best coleslaw recipe: shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, carrots, and sliced green onions adorn a hexagon-patterned surface. A green striped cloth and metal tongs rest beside the bowl.

Step 3 – Next, mix the veggies together in a large bowl.

A glass bowl filled with colorful coleslaw, hailed as the best coleslaw recipe, featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. The bowl is placed on a hexagon-tiled surface, with a green striped cloth and metal tongs nearby.

Step 4 – Lastly, add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Make sure everything is coated. Season with kosher salt and black pepper and serve.

Expert Tips

  • Coleslaw Mix – If you want to save even more time, you can buy the coleslaw mix at the grocery store with pre shredded cabbage (next to the salad bags) and then finish the recipe. However, those can be pricey so I would only recommend it if you are short on time or if they are on sale.
  • Crunchy Texture – If you prefer your coleslaw crunchy, serve this as soon as you make it.  I like my coleslaw made in advance an hour before serving so it is a little softer. Just do what you prefer.
  • Combining Ingredients – Whisk together the mayo, apple cider and the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing. This ensures that everything is coated for the best flavor.
Close-up of the best coleslaw recipe with colorful shredded green and purple cabbage, vibrant orange carrots, all perfectly mixed with a creamy dressing.

What to Serve with Coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe is not just for topping but a great side dish too. It is so delicious and really simple to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Homemade Coleslaw Last?

Classic Coleslaw Recipe will last 3-5 days in the fridge. Just make sure to use an airtight container with a good fitting lid.

How Far in Advance Should You Make Coleslaw?

We recommend preparing coleslaw up to 1 day in advance for serving. This will keep the coleslaw fresh and not mushy.

How to Prepare the Cabbage?

Start by cutting the cabbage in half with a sharp knife on a cutting board. Then remove the core and any damaged leaves. You can shred the cabbage with a food processor with the shredder attachments, knife, box grater or a mandolin slicer. We just recommend slicing into small pieces for the best results.

Two bowls of Homemade Coleslaw Mix

More Easy BBQ Side Dish Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Coleslaw Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Coleslaw Recipe

4.94 from 16 votes
This coleslaw recipe is easy to make and it is the best coleslaw recipe. You only need a few ingredients to make this easy side dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 95

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Remove any wilted leaves from the cabbage. Quarter the cabbage by cutting it in half and then cutting each half in half again. Remove the core of the cabbage from each quart.
  • Shred the carrots or use pre-shredded carrots.
  • Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper together in a large bowl.
  • Add in the cabbage, carrots and green onions. Stir thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the sauce.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Notes: If you like creamier coleslaw, you can double the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper for this recipe to create more sauce.  
Also, to save time, you can also use a prepackaged coleslaw mix.  
Refrigerate any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 95kcal, Carbohydrates 7g, Protein 1g, Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 3mg, Sodium 107mg, Potassium 248mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 4g, Vitamin A 4390IU, Vitamin C 43.6mg, Calcium 40mg, Iron 0.7mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.94 from 16 votes (15 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Gonzalo Nuguid says:

    5 stars
    Perfect recipe!!!

  2. Carrie says:

    That sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing!

  3. Anne W. Hodde says:

    I also use a bit of sugar and some vinegar. Plus all of your ingredients, Carrie.

  4. Carrie says:

    I used yellow mustard for this recipe.

  5. Cathy says:

    What kind of mustard???

  6. Carrie says:

    Thanks for sharing Susie!

  7. Susie turner says:

    I dont use mustard in mine
    But i use sugar just to make it a bit sweet
    About 1 to 2 tablespoons

  8. Minnie@thelady8home says:

    That looks fabulously Yummy!!!!