Classic Creamy Tangy Coleslaw

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This classic coleslaw blends finely shredded green and red cabbage with crunchy carrots, bringing a vibrant texture to every bite. The creamy dressing, featuring mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, a hint of sugar, and optional celery seed, delivers a tangy, fresh flavor. Easy to make and ready in just 15 minutes, it's a fantastic side for barbecue, fried chicken, or sandwiches. For best taste, chill before serving. Easily adjustable for lighter versions and suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free diets. With simple ingredients and quick steps, this coleslaw is ideal for gatherings or everyday meals.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:28:00 GMT
Crisp classic coleslaw bursting with fresh cabbage and creamy dressing on display.  Pin this
Crisp classic coleslaw bursting with fresh cabbage and creamy dressing on display. | recipeshood.com

A crisp, creamy, and tangy cabbage salad that pairs perfectly with barbecue, fried chicken, or sandwiches. Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling) Category: Salad / Side Dish Difficulty: Easy Cuisine: American Yield: 6 servings Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

I first created this coleslaw on a sunny weekend for a family barbecue and it was a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • Green cabbage: 4 cups, finely shredded
  • Red cabbage: 2 cups, finely shredded (optional for color)
  • Carrots: 1½ cups, julienned or grated
  • Red onion: 2 tablespoons, finely minced (optional)
  • Mayonnaise: ¾ cup
  • Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
  • Sugar: 1 tablespoon
  • Celery seed: ½ teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Mix vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbages, carrots, and red onion.
Prepare dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery seed (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and toss:
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well until fully coated.
Season and chill:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Delicious classic coleslaw, a vibrant mix of cabbage and carrots, ready to serve.  Pin this
Delicious classic coleslaw, a vibrant mix of cabbage and carrots, ready to serve. | recipeshood.com

One summer, my kids helped me shred the cabbage and we all agreed that homemade coleslaw tastes far fresher than store-bought.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small whisking bowl, whisk or fork, sharp knife or mandoline

Allergen Information

Contains eggs (in mayonnaise). Gluten-free if using certified ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 170 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 9 g Protein: 1 g (per serving)

Tangy classic coleslaw piled high, perfect alongside barbecue or fried chicken dishes. Pin this
Tangy classic coleslaw piled high, perfect alongside barbecue or fried chicken dishes. | recipeshood.com

This classic coleslaw is the perfect side for any gathering and stays crisp and delicious even after chilling.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

Can I prepare coleslaw in advance?

Yes, you can make it up to a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge and stir before serving for fresh texture.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Try substituting with half plain yogurt or low-fat mayo for a lighter version, maintaining creamy consistency.

How do I make the dressing tangier?

Add a splash of lemon juice or buttermilk to the dressing for extra tanginess and depth of flavor.

Is coleslaw gluten-free?

Yes, it's gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free ingredients in your dressing and seasonings.

How do I shred the cabbage and carrots?

Use a sharp knife, mandoline, or box grater for shredding cabbage and julienning or grating carrots.

Classic Creamy Tangy Coleslaw

Crisp cabbage tossed with creamy, tangy dressing. Great for summer meals or as a side dish.

Prep Duration
15 min
0
Overall Time
15 min
Created by Julia Harris

Meal Type Quick Family Meals

Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 6 Number of Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, Contains No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
02 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
03 1.5 cups carrots, julienned or grated
04 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced

Dressing

01 0.75 cup mayonnaise
02 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
03 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
04 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 0.5 teaspoon celery seed
06 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

Step 01

Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, and red onion.

Step 02

Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 03

Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 04

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.

Step 05

Chill and Serve: For optimal flavor and texture, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to serving.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisking bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Sharp knife or mandoline

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise).
  • Gluten-free when all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 170
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Proteins: 1 g