Classic coleslaw is a delightful dish that brings the crunch and creaminess of fresh vegetables together in a satisfying mix. With its finely shredded green cabbage and crisp, grated carrots, this salad is not just visually appealing but also a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors. When you whip up this classic coleslaw recipe, you’ll appreciate how the sweetness of sugar and the tanginess of apple cider vinegar enhance the veggies, making every bite a little party in your mouth!

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

When I first discovered the joy of making classic coleslaw at home, I was amazed at how simple and budget-friendly it is. Unlike those store-bought versions laden with preservatives and artificial flavors, this homemade recipe uses real, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. It’s an absolute must-have for summer barbecues, potlucks, and even weeknight dinners. I can assure you, once you try this recipe, you’ll be as excited as I am to make it time and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: It only takes about 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute dish.
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of sweetness and tang creates a refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of green cabbage and orange carrots add a lovely pop to your plate.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a side dish at outdoor gatherings, or have a scoop on top of your favorite pulled pork sandwich.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily customizable to be vegetarian and gluten-free, this coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser for everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded: Using green cabbage delivers that classic coleslaw flavor. Look for a firm head with crisp leaves.
2 large carrots, grated: Freshly grated carrots impart a natural sweetness and bright color. Pre-packaged shredded carrots work, but they won’t have the same crunch.
½ cup high-quality mayonnaise: A good mayo elevates the creaminess of the dressing. For lighter options, you could use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This adds the perfect tang. If you prefer a stronger flavor, white wine vinegar is a great substitute.
2 tablespoons sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Honey or agave syrup can also work in a pinch.
1 teaspoon celery seed: This ingredient rounds out the dressing beautifully and adds that signature flavor so necessary for the dish!
Salt and pepper, to taste: These basic seasonings bring all the flavors together, adding depth.

How to Make Classic coleslaw recipes

Prepare the cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the small head of green cabbage and finely shred the rest. Aim for thin strips for that classic texture everyone loves.

Grate the carrots: Peel and grate the two large carrots. Their crunchy sweetness will complement the cabbage beautifully. Combine them both in a large bowl for mixing.

Mix the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of high-quality mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of celery seed, and a little salt and pepper until you achieve a completely smooth consistency. This is where the magic happens as the flavors blend together!

Taste test: Before adding the dressing to the cabbage and carrots, taste it! Adjust the seasoning if you like—add a sprinkle more of sugar for sweetness or an extra teaspoon of vinegar if you crave a touch more brightness.

Combine: Pour that luscious dressing over the cabbage and carrots mixture, tossing thoroughly until every shred is lightly coated. This step ensures that each bite is tantalizingly flavored.

Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting period is crucial—it allows those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully, creating a coleslaw that’s even more delicious than when it’s freshly made.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy this dish later, feel free to freeze it for up to 3 months—just remember that the texture may change slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. When you’re ready to eat, simply take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If you wish to revive some of the original creaminess, mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure not to over-salt the veggies; it can draw out excess moisture, making your coleslaw watery.
If preparing in advance, keep the dressing and veggies separate until serving to maintain crunchiness.
Enhance the flavors by adding chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for a fresher taste.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness or acidity to suit your palate—after all, it’s your coleslaw!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

It’s best to make coleslaw at least 1 hour before serving to allow its flavors to meld, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance if you keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

How long will coleslaw last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, classic coleslaw will stay fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Note that it may start to lose its crunch the longer it sits.

What can I add to coleslaw for more flavor?

You can kick up the flavor by adding diced apples, raisins, or even nuts like almonds or walnuts for a nice crunch. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Is coleslaw healthy?

Classic coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots is a nutritious choice. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy side dish. Just be mindful of the mayo content if you’re watching your dietary intake.

Taking the time to prepare classic coleslaw is well worth it—it’s not just another side dish; it’s a delightful addition to meals that invites conversation and compliments. You’ll appreciate how it suits various occasions, from summer picnics to holiday feasts. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and make this recipe your own! Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!

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Classic coleslaw recipes

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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

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Description

This classic coleslaw combines crunchy cabbage and sweet carrots in a creamy dressing, making it an ideal side for barbecues and quick dinners. It’s easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious!

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
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Remove tough outer leaves from the cabbage and finely shred the inner leaves.
Peel and grate the carrots before combining them with the cabbage in a large bowl.