This Best Coleslaw recipe is sunshine in a bowl: ultra-crisp, creamy, and tangy all at once! It’s one of those feel-good classics that every summer gathering and cozy winter dinner absolutely craves, but it’s also simple enough for a Tuesday night. The creamy homemade dressing, crunchy cabbage blend, and perfect balance of sweet and savory make this the side dish you’ll reach for again, and again. If you’ve been searching for a coleslaw that everyone will ask for the recipe, this one’s about to become your new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this coleslaw is how humble each ingredient is, yet together they work culinary magic. Every scoop of the Best Coleslaw owes its flavor, texture, and creamy coating to these key players—each is essential in making every bite sing!

Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, giving richness and a classic, satisfying finish.
Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and luxuriously silky texture to the dressing, making it extra luscious.
White Vinegar: Brings the necessary acidic brightness to cut through the creaminess for perfect balance.
Dijon Mustard: Just a touch packs in zingy flavor and depth, setting your Best Coleslaw apart from ordinary versions.
Granulated Sugar: Rounds out the flavors with the ideal amount of sweetness, taming the tartness every so slightly.
Celery Salt: Delivers that elusive savory flavor, giving a layer of herbaceous, almost peppery seasoning you’ll crave.
Onion Powder: Adds subtle depth without overwhelming, bringing gently savory undertones.
Pepper: Lends a little warmth and bite to the blend; add to taste for your perfect kick.
Coleslaw Mix: The star of the show—shredded cabbage and carrots add crunch, color, and fresh veggie sweetness. Pre-shredded makes life easy!

How to Make Best Coleslaw

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, celery salt, onion powder, and a good crank of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and irresistibly silky. Take a quick taste—feel free to tweak the salt, sugar, or acidity to perfectly suit your taste buds.

Step 2: Toss the Crisp Slaw

Pour your ready coleslaw mix into a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the veggies (you may not want to use all of it at first if you like a lighter coating) and gently toss with tongs or two big forks. Add as much dressing as you like to reach your ideal level of creaminess. The cabbage and carrots should be evenly coated and glistening.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Mingle

This step is worth the (short) wait! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let your Best Coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least an hour or two. The flavors will develop beautifully, and the cabbage will soak up just the right amount of tangy, sweet creaminess. If you’re in a pinch, you can serve it right away, but a little time works wonders.

How to Serve Best Coleslaw

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make this slaw pop both visually and flavor-wise! Sprinkle over a handful of chopped fresh parsley for lightness, or a pinch of extra black pepper for tiny speckles of interest. For a playful crunch, try toasted sunflower seeds or a scattering of sliced green onions right before serving.

Side Dishes

The Best Coleslaw is the ultimate companion to all your favorites—think juicy pulled pork sandwiches, crispy fried chicken, or piled alongside smoky BBQ ribs. It’s brilliant beside grilled fish or tacos, and even livens up a humble burger and fries meal. The cool, creamy texture balances out spicy or rich mains every time.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this classic into mini sliders by piling Best Coleslaw onto barbeque chicken sliders. Or, serve it in mason jars for picnics and potlucks—layered with extra cabbage for a rainbow look! You can also toss in a handful of dried cranberries or apple matchsticks for a festive twist that adds even more color and excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Best Coleslaw in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually gets even better after a day as the flavors blend! Just make sure you use it within 3 days for the freshest taste and texture, and always give it a quick stir before serving in case some dressing has settled at the bottom.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Best Coleslaw, since the creamy dressing can separate and the cabbage will lose its crunch after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated, but you can prepare the dressing ahead and freeze just the dry mix if needed.

Reheating

Coleslaw is meant to be enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If your slaw has sat out and needs a little refresh, a quick chill in the fridge or a brief sit in an ice bath will bring back that crisp, cool crunch you love.

FAQs

Can I use homemade shredded cabbage instead of a coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! Just shred about 5 to 6 cups of green and purple cabbage, and toss in a carrot or two, julienned or grated. Homemade slaw mix makes your Best Coleslaw super fresh, and you can control the texture and size of your shreds, too.

How can I make this Best Coleslaw a bit lighter?

For a lighter version, swap in light mayo and Greek yogurt for the full-fat mayo and sour cream. You’ll still get creamy deliciousness, but with a fresher, tangier note and fewer calories.

Is Best Coleslaw gluten-free?

It is! All the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on store-bought mayo or mustard just in case. This makes Best Coleslaw perfect for most picnics and potlucks where food sensitivities are a concern.

How far in advance can I make Best Coleslaw?

You can make it up to a full day ahead—just keep it tightly covered in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully after a few hours, making it ideal for prepping before a party or gathering.

What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Try stirring in some shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or chickpeas for a protein boost. You could even toss cooked shrimp or salmon on top for a super satisfying, summery salad meal!

Final Thoughts

Once you taste this Best Coleslaw, you’ll see why it’s raved about at every table it graces! With its creamy texture, zippy flavor, and unbeatable crunch, it’ll quickly become a signature dish you make on repeat. I can’t wait for you to whip it up and share the simple joy of homemade slaw with everyone you love!