This quick and easy Coleslaw is made with freshly shredded cabbage and carrots and is tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. It’s perfect for picnics and barbecues! Recipe includes a how-to video.
The Best Homemade Coleslaw
If I’m being honest, I actually hesitated to share this coleslaw because it’s just so easy and basic. However, it’s definitely a staple and a must-have addition to any BBQ or cookout, and since I’m having a BBQ-themed week (BBQ sauce earlier in the week & pulled pork coming next), I felt it was worth sharing. I hope you’ll agree!
What You Need
I like my coleslaw a tad creamier and sweeter than other versions. If you prefer your coleslaw more tangy, less sweet, or less creamy, you can always adjust the ingredients to your liking. Here are a few worth highlighting:
- Cabbage. A mix of freshly shredded red and green cabbage adds a colorful crunch.
- Carrots. I recommend peeling your carrots before shredding; this makes the coleslaw look brighter and nicer.
- Apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can use distilled, white wine, or red wine vinegar.
- Sugar. This may seem like an odd addition, but trust me! Just a little sweetness makes the creamy dressing super flavorful and balances the tang from the vinegar.
SAM’S TIP: If you’ve never shredded your own cabbage before, check out the video below where I demonstrate two easy methods.
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Coleslaw
- Shred your cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, combine your dressing ingredients.
- Drizzle your dressing over the cabbage mixture
- Toss until well combined, then cover and chill your coleslaw until ready to serve.
SAM’S TIP: For best results, let your coleslaw chill in the fridge for an hour before serving; this helps the flavors marry and allows the dressing to really coat the veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coleslaw is a great side at any potluck or picnic, but it’s especially popular with barbecue. Whether you’re enjoying BBQ chicken, pit beef, or pulled pork, coleslaw will be the perfect cool and crunchy accompaniment. It’s also great on sandwiches–particularly those made with homemade burger buns or potato buns!
Yes! I’ve included instructions below on how to substitute pre-shredded, store-bought coleslaw mix, in case you need to save a few seconds. When I use pre-shredded mix, I always throw in a few more shredded carrots for some extra color and crunch!
As it sits, the salt in the dressing will draw out the water in your coleslaw. This is perfectly normal and to be expected! If you don’t care for watery coleslaw, try eating it soon after preparing (within a day or so).
Stay tuned for my final installment of BBQ week: instant pot pulled pork!
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (160 g) mayonnaise
- 1 ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ Tablespoons apple cider vinegar may substitute distilled, white wine, or red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (240 g) shredded green cabbage (see note to use pre-shredded cabbage)
- 1 cup (75 g) shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup (100 g) peeled, shredded carrots
Recommended Equipment
- Sharp knife
Instructions
- In a small dish, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.⅔ cup (160 g) mayonnaise, 1 ½ Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 ½ Tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ¼ teaspoon table salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- In a large bowl, toss together green and purple cabbage and shredded carrots.3 cups (240 g) shredded green cabbage, 1 cup (75 g) shredded purple cabbage, 1 cup (100 g) peeled, shredded carrots
- Drizzle dressing over cabbage/carrot mixture and toss/stir until ingredient are thoroughly combined and all cabbage/carrots are coated with dressing. Taste-test and add more salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving (for best flavor).
Notes
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.Using pre-shredded cabbage mix
You may substitute a 14oz bag of shredded coleslaw mix for the cabbage and carrots listed in the recipe.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Andy
Delicious easy recipe!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Andy! 🙂
Codie
Delicious! A little on the sweet side for our family. Looking forward to making again.
Dan Simms
Cole Slaw recipe was easy, and the result very tasty. It was my first time with a cabbage, it had big outer leaves that Im glad you explained the need to get rid of them. The shredding instructions were appreciated as well. I’m glad I gave the completed slaw a few hours in the fridge as the taste & consistency really changed and improved. Thank you so much for this, I’m definitely going to figure out how to follow you.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so happy the recipe was helpful, Dan! Enjoy 🥰
Ruth Brueshaber
Easy and delicious.
Kamie
I had just picked cabbage from the garden and was looking for an easy and tasty cole slaw recipe and found this recipe. It’s so easy and so delicious! I took it to a neighborhood party and everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. This is my go-to cole slaw recipe from now on!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much, Kamie! 🙂
Mel
Thanks for the recipe – made it today and it was good!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
We’re so glad you gave it a try! Enjoy 😊
John W Pyles
how much do you use for a big group of people say about 25 or so every recipe always see is for a family how about some for large gatherings
Sam
Hi John! This recipe makes about 6 servings, so I would quadruple it to feed 24 people (about 1/2 cup of coleslaw per person). I hope that helps! 🙂
Kelly
First time making it and it came out delish!!!
Share
We love it.
Erica
Found it today and made it. Soooo delicious! Everyone loved it and I shared your recipes!! Thanks for sharing.
Sam
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it so much, Erica! 🙂
Allen Hilton
I used Stevia instead of sugar. Turned out great with less carbs!
Sam
Thank you for the feedback, Allen! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Lacey
Thank you so much for this simple recipe! I tried making coleslaw before and didn’t like it. I loved this recipe. the only thing I did differently was I ended up adding an extra Tbsp-ish of apple cider vinegar. My family loved it!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Yay! Thanks for giving our recipe a try, Lacey 😊
Rhonda
I made spaghetti, then made this coleslaw recipe,instead of sugar I used Maple syrup. I also put raisins in. thanks for sharing. Rhonda
Sam
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Rhonda! 🙂
Angela Sanchez
loved this recipe 😍 😋! Only thing I did was add a lil more vinegar n some lemon juice.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Thanks for giving it a try, Angela! Enjoy ☺️
Darlene Boudreaux Veuleman
Love these recipes five star plus