Best Cabbage Coleslaw

Last summer my neighbor invited me over for burgers and brought this incredible coleslaw that stole the entire show. She laughed when I asked for the recipe, saying it was just throwing things together until it tasted right. I went home that evening and started experimenting, and now I cannot imagine a barbecue without it.

I made this for my dads birthday party last month and watched my usually vegetablesceptical nephew go back for three helpings. Something about that crisp crunch against creamy dressing makes even cabbage haters pause and reconsider.

Ingredients

• 6 cups green cabbage, finely shredded: The backbone of any great slaw, providing that essential satisfying crunch
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded: Adds gorgeous color and slightly peppery notes that make the bowl pop
• 1 cup carrots, grated: Brings natural sweetness and another layer of texture
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced: Offers mild onion flavor without overpowering the fresh vegetables
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the rich creamy base that coats every shreds perfectly
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Cuts through the richness with bright tangy acidity
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a gentle spicy kick
• 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the vinegar and mustard just enough
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed: The secret ingredient that makes it taste like classic picnic slaw
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential to bring out all the vegetable flavors
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity

Instructions

Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

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Prep your vegetables:

Toss both cabbages, carrots, and green onions in a large bowl until evenly mixed

Whisk the dressing:

Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, honey, celery seed, salt, and pepper until completely smooth

Bring it together:

Pour dressing over vegetables and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated

Let it rest:

Refrigerate at least thirty minutes to let flavors meld and vegetables soften slightly

Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

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My sister texted me the day after our family reunion demanding this recipe because she kept thinking about it during her commute. There is something deeply satisfying about a simple dish that lingers in your memory like that.

Making It Lighter

Swapping half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt creates an equally creamy version with noticeably less guilt. I honestly prefer the slight tang that yogurt adds, and nobody at my table has ever noticed the difference.

Customizing Your Slaw

Sometimes I toss in chopped apples for sweetness or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. The beauty of this base recipe is how well it plays with whatever extras you have lurking in your crisper drawer.

Perfect Pairings

This slaw has become my go to topping for fish tacos and pulled pork sandwiches. The cool creaminess cuts through spice and richness like nothing else.

• Try it alongside spicy grilled chicken for the perfect contrast
• Pile it high on your next burger for extra texture
• Keep a batch in the fridge for easy lunch additions all week

Effortlessly chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients smoothly for everyday cooking and recipe preparation.

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Hope this becomes your most requested side dish too. Happy cooking.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should coleslaw chill before serving?

For best flavor, refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the vegetables to marinate in the dressing and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

→ Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, this coleslaw is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, though the cabbage will become softer the longer it sits in the dressing.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For a vegan option, use plant-based mayonnaise and replace honey with maple syrup.

→ How do I prevent watery coleslaw?

Salt the shredded cabbage lightly and let it sit for 15 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding the dressing. This keeps your coleslaw crisp and prevents it from becoming watery.

→ What variations can I add to this coleslaw?

Try adding chopped apples for sweetness, raisins for texture, or sunflower seeds for crunch. You can also add thinly sliced bell peppers or fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.

→ Is this coleslaw gluten-free?

Yes, this coleslaw is naturally gluten-free as written. Always check your mayonnaise and mustard labels to ensure they're certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.