Name: Classic coleslaw recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small head cabbage, finely shredded; 2 large carrots, grated; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon celery seed; to taste salt and pepper

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Classic coleslaw is a quintessential American dish that brings a delightful crunch and a creamy flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This salad, with its vibrant mix of finely shredded cabbage and freshly grated carrots, is the perfect sidekick for barbecues, picnics, or simply a cozy dinner at home. The creamy dressing, enriched with apple cider vinegar and sugar, pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables, creating an irresistible combination that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic coleslaw recipes

I remember the first time I made classic coleslaw—it was for a family gathering, and I was nervous about how it would turn out. But as soon as I saw my relatives coming back for seconds, I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe. This dish is not just easy to prepare, it’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this timeless classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise and tangy apple cider vinegar creates a delightful balance.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix of green cabbage and orange carrots makes for a beautiful dish that adds charm to your table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a side dish with grilled meats, a topping for sandwiches, or even on its own as a light snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets by swapping mayo with a plant-based alternative!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 small head cabbage, finely shredded: Green cabbage offers a classic taste that’s both crunchy and fresh.
2 large carrots, grated: Freshly grated carrots add sweetness and texture, making your coleslaw vibrant.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best creamy consistency and flavor.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds a tangy depth; you can substitute with white wine vinegar for a sharper taste.
2 tablespoons sugar: Adjust to taste—this balances the vinegar’s acidity.
1 teaspoon celery seed: Essential for that true coleslaw flavor, enhancing the overall dressing profile.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season as needed to elevate the dish’s flavors.

How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes

Prepare the Cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the small head of green cabbage. Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or a mandoline for precision; this ensures even size for better texture.

Grate the Carrots: Peel and then grate the 2 large carrots. The fresh, sweet flavor of the carrots complements the cabbage and adds an appealing pop of color. Combine the grated carrots and shredded cabbage in a large bowl, making sure they are well-mixed.

Make the Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of high-quality mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, and salt and pepper until the mixture is completely smooth. This dressing is where the magic happens—let the ingredients mingle for a moment to boost their flavor.

Taste & Adjust: Before you proceed, taste your dressing. If you’d like it sweeter, add a little more sugar. For a tangier kick, toss in an extra teaspoon of vinegar. This is the moment to make it your own!

Combine & Toss: Pour the creamy dressing over the bowl of cabbage and carrots. Toss everything together thoroughly so that every piece is lightly coated with the dressing. This step is crucial as it ensures a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

Chill Out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This waiting time is important as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the coleslaw to become even more delicious.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly as it sits, but the flavors deepen, providing a wonderful taste experience. For longer storage, you can freeze coleslaw for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the cabbage might become softer upon thawing. Refresh it with a little extra dressing before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid browning carrots by grating them just before mixing with the cabbage.
Use a sharp knife or mandoline for finely shredding cabbage to achieve the best texture.
If your coleslaw is too watery, drain excess liquid before serving; this helps keep everything crunchy.
Experiment with add-ins like diced apples, raisins, or nuts for added flavor and crunch.
Make your coleslaw the night before your gathering; it allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

Classic coleslaw is a straightforward yet delightful dish that can add freshness and crunch to any meal, whether you’re enjoying a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and a little prep, you can create something truly special that is bound to please every palate. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—adding different spices or other crunchy vegetables can elevate it to new heights.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making coleslaw a day ahead allows the flavors to blend naturally, enhancing its taste. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option?

You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It gives creaminess while also adding probiotics. For vegan alternatives, you could opt for avocado or a commercial vegan mayo.

Can I add fruits to my coleslaw?

Yes! Chopped apples, pineapple, or even raisins can add a lovely sweetness that complements the savory notes of the cabbage and carrots. This is perfect for those looking to change things up a bit!

How long does coleslaw last in the fridge?

Coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh within the first couple of days to keep the cabbage crunchy. If you notice any excess liquid, you can simply drain it before serving.

More Desserts & Appetizers Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Classic coleslaw recipes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salads
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This classic coleslaw recipe offers a delightful blend of shredded cabbage and carrots, enhanced by a creamy dressing that balances flavor and texture. Perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners, this easy recipe is sure to impress with its freshness and simplicity.

Ingredients

Scale

1 small head cabbage, finely shredded
2 large carrots, grated
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed
to taste salt and pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage and finely shred the remaining cabbage.
Peel and grate the carrots, then mix them with the shredded cabbage in a large bowl.