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.

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Ingredients

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

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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.

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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

โ†’ 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.

โ†’ What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

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

โ†’ 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.

โ†’ Is coleslaw gluten-free?

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

โ†’ How do I shred the cabbage and carrots?

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

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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.

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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

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