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Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

Easy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

Published: Feb 17, 2023 · Modified: May 6, 2023 by Chef Dennis Littley

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I love this homemade coleslaw recipe, the crunchy texture of the creamy coleslaw makes it my favorite anytime salad. I promise after tasting this American Classic this will be your go-to coleslaw.

coleslaw in a glass bowl


 
Table of Contents:
  • Audio Player
  • Ingredients for my Coleslaw Recipe
  • How do I prepare the cabbage?
  • How to make the dressing
  • How to make my Coleslaw Recipe
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Best Coleslaw Recipe

Audio Player

My Easy Coleslaw Recipe, can be made in 10- 15 minutes, and It’s the perfect side dish for all of your barbecue dishes.

I always serve it with BBQ Baby Back Ribs and my world-famous Buffalo Style Chicken Wings.

chunks of barbecue brisket topped with coleslaw and onion rings on a brioche bun

My homemade coleslaw goes great on sandwiches (or with sandwiches), and my BBQ Beef Brisket is a delicious example! It’s great with pulled pork and a topping for tacos.

Looking for a dish to bring to a summer potluck? You can’t go wrong with my cole slaw, it goes with everything!

Ingredients for my Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients to make recipe

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Coleslaw Recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”

Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

Basic Ingredients

  • green cabbage
  • carrot
  • mayonnaise
  • apple cider vinegar
  • sugar (I use raw cane sugar)
  • fresh lemon juice
  • salt and black pepper

You’ll find some recipes include celery seed or celery salt, but I’ve never enjoyed the flavor of that seasoning. If you want a more colorful coleslaw, add some shredded purple cabbage to the mixture.

How do I prepare the cabbage?

The first step is using a sharp knife carefully cut the head of the cabbage in half. Then remove the core and any of the thicker white parts of the cabbage

You can use a food processor with a shred attachment or slicing blade to cut make short work of the cabbage. If you slice the cabbage by hand or with the food processor it will still need to be chopped. How much is your decision. I like to chop it fairly small, but you can leave the pieces of cabbage up to about an inch if you like.

My favorite way to prepare the cabbage is with a box grater, making the pieces very small and tender.

How to make the dressing

See this post for more information on making my coleslaw dressing.

collage showing how to make dressing.
  • Add one cup of mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl.
  • Combine the ingredients mixing until smooth and creamy. *Refrigerate until needed.

This mayonnaise dressing can be made with light mayonnaise, and I have seen some recipes add sour cream to the dressing, but it’s not necessary.

How to make my Coleslaw Recipe

shredded carrots added to bowl of chopped cabbage.

Add the shredded carrots to a large bowl with the chopped cabbage.

*You can use precut cabbage or coleslaw mix at your grocery store, but fresh shredded cabbage is so much better.

cabbage and carrots mixed in bowl.

Mix the carrots into the chopped cabbage.

dressing added to cabbage mixture.

Add the coleslaw dressing to the cabbage mixture.

creamy coleslaw in a glass bowl.

Mix the slaw dressing into the cabbage mixture, making sure that all of the cabbage mixture is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

The cabbage can be a little tough, so marinating it in the slaw dressing overnight will help soften it and improve its overall flavor. The cole slaw can be made up to two days ahead of time.

After one bite, I’m sure you’ll agree this is the best coleslaw recipe, and you won’t be buying store-bought coleslaw anymore.

Store refrigerated in an airtight container or well-covered with plastic wrap for 4-5 days. It does not freeze well.

Recipe FAQ’s

Should I buy precut cabbage or coleslaw mix?

This is a personal decision. It takes all the work out of making cole slaw, but you will sacrifice a little flavor with any precut lettuce or cabbage. There are preservatives added and I can always notice the lingering flavor. But they do work well when you’re pressed for time and still a much better option than buying grocery store salads.

Do I have to let cole slaw sit before using?

The short answer is no, but it really needs time to marinate in the flavors and soften the cabbage. Letting cole slaw sit for 2-4 hours will help the flavor and texture. If you can make it the day before it will be even better.

How do I keep the dressing from getting watery?

Place the shredded cabbage in a colander, sprinkle the cabbage with a tablespoon of salt, mixing to distribute the salt. Let the salted cabbage sit for an hour or two, then rinse it with cold water to remove the salt and pat dry with paper towels. You may want to cut back on the salt in the recipe, as the cabbage will absorb some of the salt.

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shredded cabbage mixed with coleslaw dressing in a glass bowl.

Best Coleslaw Recipe

Chef Dennis Littley
My homemade coleslaw is the perfect side dish for grilled and barbecued dishes. The crunchy texture of the creamy cole slaw makes it my favorite anytime salad.
4.99 from 224 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Listen to the Post
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 246 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 small cabbage shredded and chopped (about 6 cups)
  • 1 large carrot shredded
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoon lemon juice fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon pepper more or less to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core from each side.
  • Using a sharp knife cut the cabbage in very thin slices, then chop the slices into small pieces. Place the prepared cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
    You can use a food processor to slice or shred the cabbage, or you can also use a box grater to shred the cabbage and carrot.
    Personally, I prefer the box grater method but my wife doesn't like it that fine.
  • In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the slaw dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Thoroughly mix to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
    Cole slaw is always better after sitting for a day, make sure to mix the slaw a few times as it sits in the fridge.

Notes

  • you can buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage, but I’m not fond of the taste that the preservative gives the cabbage.
  • you can also buy cole slaw dressing, but none will taste as good as my homemade slaw dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 246kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 1gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 485mgPotassium: 162mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 130IUVitamin C: 33mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 0.5mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    4.99 from 224 votes (85 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Rebecca says

    January 18, 2025 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 19, 2025 at 6:15 am

      You are very welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed my coleslaw recipe.

      Reply
  2. Randy Lander says

    January 18, 2025 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    Been making coleslaw for years. This recipe was easy and fast. Best coleslaw ever!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 18, 2025 at 5:32 pm

      Thank you, I love hearing that!

      Reply
  3. LindaT says

    January 17, 2025 at 3:43 pm

    5 stars
    With the exception of the lemon juice, this is exactly like my grandma did it. ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 17, 2025 at 5:44 pm

      I love hearing it was just like Grandmas!

      Reply
  4. Michele Ahuja says

    January 16, 2025 at 1:58 pm

    What is the serving size?

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 16, 2025 at 2:30 pm

      Depending on the size of the cabbage 3/4 – 1 cup

      Reply
  5. Faith Calvert says

    January 16, 2025 at 11:57 am

    I made this lastnight. Best yet. I did sprinkle with celery seeds , coworkers already wanting the recipe

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 16, 2025 at 11:58 am

      That’s what I love to hear! I hope you find more recipes on my website to try!

      Reply
  6. Debra says

    January 14, 2025 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    Simple recipe and one of the best coleslaw’s i have made. The favor is fabulous.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 14, 2025 at 1:52 pm

      That’s what I like to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed my coleslaw recipe.

      Reply
  7. Jean says

    January 05, 2025 at 6:56 pm

    5 stars
    This was delicious! Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      January 06, 2025 at 10:09 am

      You are very welcome!

      Reply
  8. Jim Nasium says

    December 29, 2024 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for my mother and wanted to say we both really enjoyed it. I made coleslaw on one other occasion using a recipe very similar to the one I use for macaroni salad. We both really like the macaroni salad but it was a little underwhelming for coleslaw. So happy I found this site. Tasted delicious after it was first made and only got better over time Thank you for taking the time to post the recipe for free. Will definitely be checking out your other recipes.

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      December 30, 2024 at 8:31 am

      Thanks for letting me know you and your mom enjoyed my coleslaw, I’ve been making that recipe for a very long time and its a family favorite in our house. I have a good macaroni salad recipe if you’d like to give that a try sometime.

      Reply
  9. Marlene says

    December 26, 2024 at 11:53 am

    5 stars
    Thank you it was delicious just the way I like it…you are the best

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      December 26, 2024 at 12:46 pm

      You’re welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed the coleslaw!

      Reply
  10. Country cook says

    December 24, 2024 at 8:01 pm

    5 stars
    Just made it! Very tasty, might need more slaw dressing unless it liquefies a little, as it probably will. Was out of regular ap. cid. vinegar, had to use ‘organic unfiltered with the mother type’ that we use to deworm chickens….added bonus, we get dewormed! Thanks

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      December 25, 2024 at 12:03 pm

      It does break down a bit, so you should be okay. I know sometimes I get a larger cabbage and it doesn’t look like its enough, but usually turns out fine.

      Reply
  11. david a arnold says

    December 14, 2024 at 7:26 pm

    5 stars
    This cole slaw recipe is a huge hit in my house. My mother asks for it all the time.
    Thank you so much for sharing it with us

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      December 15, 2024 at 8:33 am

      You are very welcome and I’m happy to hear you’ve been enjoying my coleslaw recipe!

      Reply
  12. Lourdes Valencia says

    November 15, 2024 at 3:55 am

    5 stars
    Wow!! Absolutely delicious!! The BEST coleslaw dressing EVER, nice and sweet. It’s so tasty you don’t have to wait overnight to chill or anything. It’s that good. For the dressing I didn’t add salt or pepper until after I had whisked the other ingredients. It barely needed any because the mayonnaise has plenty, I suppose. If you are looking for the BESt coleslaw recipe, look no more, this one is it!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      November 15, 2024 at 9:57 am

      I’m happy to hear you enjoyed my coleslaw recipe, and thank you so much for the great comment and review, you really made my day!

      Reply
  13. Captain Ski says

    November 08, 2024 at 3:56 pm

    5 stars
    The dressing is the best!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      November 09, 2024 at 8:44 am

      Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.

      Reply
  14. Joan says

    October 30, 2024 at 12:53 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious. I will never buy jar dressing again!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      October 30, 2024 at 4:35 pm

      That’s what I like to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the dressing.

      Reply
  15. Amy says

    October 28, 2024 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    Best tasting slaw dressing. It was good immediately after mixing. I didn’t have to wait to enjoy it. Amazingly good!

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      October 29, 2024 at 9:44 am

      Thats what I like to hear! Thanks for the great review!

      Reply
      • Travis says

        November 25, 2024 at 5:58 pm

        5 stars
        Made this for a fish fry. Everyone absolutely loved it. I added a little dill weed to it and it was amazing!!

      • Chef Dennis Littley says

        November 26, 2024 at 7:08 am

        I do love coleslaw with fried fish, its a match made in heaven! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the coleslaw with the added dill weed, it was definitely a good addition.

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My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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