Silky, Smooth, and Zingy Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots come together in this irresistible coleslaw recipe that promises creamy, tangy perfection.

Summer picnics and backyard barbecues demand a stellar coleslaw that steals the spotlight.

This classic side dish blends cool, crunchy vegetables with a smooth, zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds.

The secret lies in choosing fresh ingredients and mixing them with just the right amount of mayo and seasoning.

Chopped cabbage provides a satisfying crunch while the creamy dressing adds rich, velvety texture.

A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate this simple salad from good to unforgettable.

Serve this crowd-pleasing coleslaw alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing standalone dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tossing Together Your Best Coleslaw Yet

• Chop Fresh Produce

Slice crispy cabbage and grate bright orange carrots into a roomy mixing bowl. Tumble the veggies together until they’re beautifully mingled.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, blend smooth mayo, tangy vinegar, zesty mustard, a sprinkle of sugar, and a dash of spices. Whisk until the mixture looks silky and uniform.

• Marry Vegetables and Dressing

Pour the luscious dressing over the chopped vegetables. Toss gently with a large spoon, ensuring every strand gets a delicious coating.

• Chill and Enhance Flavors

Cover the coleslaw and slide into the refrigerator. Let it rest for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle. Give it a quick stir right before serving to wake up those delightful tastes.

Tips for Flavor That Pops in Every Bite

• Crunch Control: For extra crisp coleslaw, salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
• Creamy or Tangy Twist: Adjust the mayonnaise-to-vinegar ratio to create a creamier or more acidic dressing according to your taste preferences.
• Allergy-Friendly Option: Swap traditional mayonnaise with vegan or olive oil-based mayo to make the coleslaw suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Flavor Boosters: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or mix in toasted nuts for extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Hack: Replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or use a small amount of honey for a healthier alternative.

Serving Slaw with BBQ, Sandwiches & More

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this coleslaw alongside classic summer barbecue dishes like grilled burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches for a crisp, refreshing side.
• Tangy Taco Companion: Spoon this coleslaw into fish tacos or as a zesty topping for pulled chicken to add crunch and bright flavor that complements Mexican-inspired meals.
• Gourmet Sandwich Boost: Use this coleslaw as a flavorful condiment inside deli sandwiches or as a topping for roasted chicken or turkey subs to elevate your lunch experience.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this coleslaw a day in advance to let the flavors develop, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep throughout the week.

Keeping Your Slaw Crisp in the Fridge

• Freshness First: Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Make the coleslaw a day before your event to let the flavors develop and deepen, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Crunch Protection: Add dressing just before serving if you want to maintain maximum vegetable crispness, preventing soggy results during longer storage periods.
• Temperature Control: Keep coleslaw chilled below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety, especially during outdoor gatherings or picnics.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 8

What You’ll Use for a Crunchy-Sweet Coleslaw

• Green Cabbage: Crisp base providing a fresh, crunchy texture that absorbs the tangy dressing beautifully.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant orange color for visual appeal and extra nutrition.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that binds all ingredients together with rich, smooth consistency.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness and adds zesty flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that enhances overall taste with subtle spicy undertone.

• Sugar: Balances vinegar's acidity and rounds out the dressing's complex flavor.
• Celery Seed: Optional aromatic spice that introduces a delicate, herbaceous note to the coleslaw.
• Salt: Essential mineral that amplifies and harmonizes all other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and warmth, complementing the creamy dressing.

Kitchen Basics for Slaw Success

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining and tossing cabbage and carrots.
• Small bowl: Essential for whisking together creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending dressing smoothly and eliminating lumps.
• Grater: Helps shred carrots quickly and evenly.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for slicing cabbage into thin, uniform shreds.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing proportions.

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Zesty German coleslaw brings together crisp cabbage, tangy dressing, and fresh herbs in a classic recipe from Deutschland. Creamy yet light, this side dish delights palates with its balanced flavors and simple preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (300 g/10.6 oz) green cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 cups (150 g/5.3 oz) red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup (100 g/3.5 oz) carrots, grated or julienned
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp celery seed

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Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables: Finely shred green and purple cabbage into uniform strands, creating a colorful and textural foundation for the coleslaw.
2. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, celery seeds, salt, and black pepper into a smooth, balanced sauce that will infuse the vegetables with vibrant flavor.
3. Combine and Marinate: Gently fold the creamy dressing over the shredded cabbage and grated carrots, ensuring complete and even coating. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Final Touch: Before serving, give the coleslaw a gentle toss to revive its crisp texture and redistribute the dressing, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned and refreshing.

Notes

• Maintain Cabbage Crispness: Avoid oversaturating the vegetables with dressing to prevent soggy texture; add dressing gradually and mix lightly.
• Balance Flavor Intensity: Adjust sugar and vinegar proportions to personal taste preference, tasting and tweaking the dressing before final mixing.
• Enhance Texture Variation: Consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch and nutritional complexity.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise for lighter, health-conscious versions that maintain creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg