{"id":5383,"date":"2020-09-23T01:18:37","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T01:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/?p=5383"},"modified":"2026-03-23T02:47:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T02:47:08","slug":"classic-coleslaw-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.howtocook.recipes\/classic-coleslaw-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Coleslaw Recipe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In our family, we can\u2019t have a backyard barbecue or a picnic without a traditional coleslaw recipe<\/strong>! It goes with everything from burgers to ribs to grilled chicken. My kids love making  coleslaw for pulled pork sandwiches. This Southern coleslaw recipe is going to be your new go-to recipe with simple and fresh ingredients that literally take less than 10 minutes to put together and puts that grocery store coleslaw to shame!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Best Coleslaw Recipe<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you still buy pre-made coleslaw from the store? Stop! This is the best coleslaw recipe you\u2019ll find, and it\u2019s made with just 4 simple ingredients. No weird preservatives or anything like that. You can celebrate with a clear conscience, knowing you\u2019re giving the people you love something wholesome that tastes great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Easy Coleslaw Recipe<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did I mention this simple coleslaw recipe has just 4 ingredients? 6 if you count the optional ones. But still! And it takes 8 minutes to make. That means you can throw it together right before friends and family come!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Coleslaw Ingredients
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  • Cabbage<\/strong> \u2013 Coleslaw can be made with green or purple cabbage, though it looks prettiest with both.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Carrots<\/strong> \u2013 These add more color (and nutrition!) in your coleslaw.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Mayonnaise<\/strong> \u2013 This condiment is what lends that creamy coleslaw dressing texture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Apple cider vinegar<\/strong> \u2013 A known probiotic, apple cider vinegar adds flavor to the coleslaw dressing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Honey<\/strong> \u2013 Use this to tame the acidity of the apple cider vinegar for balance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    How do You Make Coleslaw from Scratch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Coleslaw is generally a mixture of both red and green cabbage and carrots with a mayonnaise-based dressing. You can cut up whole heads of cabbage yourself, or you can grab a bag of coleslaw mix ready to go. All you have to do is make the coleslaw dressing recipe and mix it up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What is coleslaw sauce made of?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Coleslaw sauce or dressing is made of mayo, vinegar, and honey in its most basic form. Some seasonings give it more dimension. You can also make a dressing without mayonnaise for a non-creamy version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Coleslaw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Opt for vinegar<\/strong> – Some recipes for coleslaw will call for lemon. While I adore lemons and think they add great flavor to many things, vinegar is best for coleslaw. It adds that perfect tartness without throwing everything off balance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Salt & pepper works wonders<\/strong> – Don\u2019t skip the salt either, though you can use less if you want to watch your sodium. It helps to let the coleslaw sit in your fridge a bit after making it and then give it a taste-test to see if it needs more salt and pepper or if it\u2019s just right!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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      The most universal summer side dish!
      Megan<\/cite><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      How to Cut Cabbage for Coleslaw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      A mandolin will help you slice cabbage into those nice thin ribbons that are perfect for coleslaw. If you don\u2019t have one though and you\u2019re slicing whole heads of cabbage to make your coleslaw, core the cabbage. Then stack the leaves and start slicing thinly in a diagonal way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Dressing for Coleslaw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      In the world of Southern coleslaw, you\u2019re either a creamy person or a vinaigrette person. This recipe uses the traditional creamy version with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey for a homemade coleslaw dressing. You can also shake things up and use an Asian dressing to complement any exotic meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you are vegan or are having vegan guests, you should use a vinaigrette dressing instead. Or a vegan friendly mayonnaise if you really want to maintain the creamy coleslaw recipe flavor. Or if you are just wanting a healthy coleslaw recipe with less calories you can opt for a vegan friendly or light mayo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      How do you keep homemade coleslaw from being watery?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Watery coleslaw will ruin any picnic or barbecue. You can keep that from happening by adding your shredded cabbage to a strainer or colander atop a big bowl. Then you\u2019ll add salt. It\u2019s recommended you use one teaspoon per pound of cabbage used. Shake it so it distributes evenly. It will draw out excess water and then you can proceed with the rest of the homemade coleslaw recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      What is coleslaw mix made of?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Coleslaw is a type of side salad dish that is made with fine shreds of raw cabbage and topped with a dressing. The dressing is usually made from a base of mayonnaise though some versions use a vinaigrette dressing instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How can I make my coleslaw better?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      With coleslaw, you need more than just mayonnaise for the creamy dressing. Adding apple cider vinegar gives it that tang it needs. Honey balances that with a bit of sweetness. You can also add salt to taste as well as onion powder which will fully round out the flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What is the difference between salad and coleslaw?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      While they are similar, there are key differences between salad and coleslaw. Salad uses raw or chilled vegetables, usually with a base of lettuce, spinach, kale, or mixed greens. Other accoutrements are often added to it including tomatoes, lettuce, beans, seeds, cheeses, cucumbers, and plenty more. It can be topped with any variety of dressing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Meanwhile coleslaw uses finely-shredded raw green cabbage or red cabbage and while not always, often contains shredded carrots too. Coleslaw usually is dressed with a mayonnaise-based dressing though there are variants with a vinaigrette dressing which is best for anyone following a vegan lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What is the difference between slaw and coleslaw?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      There\u2019s absolutely no difference between slaw and coleslaw except in your chosen preference on what to call this shredded cabbage side!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      How long before serving should you put dressing on coleslaw?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      You should never mix your dressing onto your coleslaw too far in advance or the veggies will lose their crunchiness. I\u2019d say 20 minutes in advance of serving is the longest, though once you add the dressing, try to serve it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Can I substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar in coleslaw?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      I think that apple cider vinegar is even better than white vinegar in coleslaw. Either way, you can choose either vinegar to add the tanginess in your coleslaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      How to Store Coleslaw<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Coleslaw must be refrigerated when you store it. Keep it in an airtight container in there where it should last between 3 to 5 days. If you\u2019re keeping it out for a party, consider putting it on ice. Coleslaw can spoil and you certainly don\u2019t want sick guests!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Watch How To Make Coleslaw (Video)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n