Creamy Coleslaw
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Looking for a simple and delicious coleslaw recipe? Look no further! This creamy coleslaw recipe only takes a few minutes to make and is sure to be a hit at any BBQ or potluck.

Creamy coleslaw is a staple for every backyard barbecue! Now you can make the best homemade coleslaw instead of using those store-bought pre-made packages. The dressing is way better, much more fresh, and the veggies are totally customizable too. Not a fan of purple cabbage? That’s ok, you can leave it out! Whereas with a package you would’ve had to pick around those purple pieces.
Whether you’re making loads of hot dogs and burgers, or you’re just craving that tangy flavor of a good coleslaw, you will love this easy recipe. It’s a go-to for us all the time, and I bring it to almost every party we attend. It’s too good not to make, that for sure!
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- You can prep this dish in just 20 minutes. Then pop it into the fridge to chill and you can remove it whenever you’re ready to serve.
- Coleslaw is a great source of veggies. If you’ve got picky eaters, then you need to give this delicious side a try!
- This is a crowd pleasing dish wherever you bring it. Coleslaw is needed for a good party spread!
Ingredients for Creamy Coleslaw
- Shredded green cabbage – When buying cabbage a the grocery store, make sure it hasn’t begun to brown in any spots. You can also use a cabbage mixture for coleslaw if you want!
- Shredded carrot – If you don’t want to buy a bag of pre-shredded carrots, you can use a mandoline to shred carrots instead.
- Shredded purple cabbage – Red cabbage and purple cabbage are the same thing, so look for either at the grocery store.
- Mayonnaise – Grab your favorite mayonnaise to make the most creamy coleslaw dressing for this super easy recipe.
- Sour cream – A little sour cream adds the perfect tangs to this easy coleslaw recipe.
- Sugar – Cut through the bite of sour cream and mayo with a touch of sugar. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this side dish so irresistable.
- Salt – Bring out all the flavors of this delicious recipe with a bit of salt.
- Black pepper – Black pepper adds great depth of flavor to this veggie side dish!
Helpful Tools
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw
There are only two very simple steps to make the best homemade coleslaw recipe ever. Make the delicious coleslaw dressing instead of using store-bought stuff, it’s so much better that way. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together until fully incorporated.
- Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the bowl of dressing and toss until evenly combined. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
How to Store Creamy Coleslaw
This tasty coleslaw won’t last too long in the refrigerator, but you can store it in an airtight container for about 3 days. However, it is best to refrigerate it before serving so feel free to make it a few hours in advance before serving so that the cabbage is still crisp, but all the ingredients are chilled.
What to Serve with Creamy Coleslaw
This is the best coleslaw to serve at cookouts, parties, and everything in between! Coleslaw is a classic side for burger and pulled pork sandwiches, and serving some potato salad alongside it is always delicious.
Slaw is also so tasty on fish tacos or alongside your favorite seafood dishes. It could even be the perfect easy side for Instant Pot crack chicken.
Some air fryer fried chicken would be so yummy with this creamy coleslaw recipe too.
Is it healthy to eat coleslaw?
In moderation, this dish is relatively healthy to eat! Cabbage is loaded with fiber and carrots are really good for you too. The sour cream and mayo adds a lot of fat, so eating a whole giant bowl may not be the healthiest decision. But it is still great in moderation!
What can I add to coleslaw?
Some people like to add very thinly sliced apples to their coleslaw, and onions would be tasty too. You could also garnish your coleslaw with some green onions or chopped nuts, like pecans.
If you want more veggies, then you can shred up some brussels sprouts, broccoli or kale
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Coleslaw
- Use a salad spinner to wash your cabbage and carrots well and make sure it is fully dry. Don’t leave water in your vegetables or it will make the coleslaw too watery.
- Don’t keep mixing and mixing after adding the veggies to the dressing or it can wilt the cabbage.
- If you’re adding extra things like fruit, fresh herbs and nuts then put them in after chilling and just before serving.
Once you learn how to make creamy coleslaw from scratch, you won’t go back to the packaged stuff! This recipe is just too good!
More Tasty Side Dishes You’ll Love!
- Make a crunchy and flavorful Broccoli Salad when you want to jazz up your vegetable game!
- If you’re more of a cooked veggie person, then you’ll love this recipe for Roasted Vegetables.
- Glazed Carrots are a yummy sweet and savory vegetable dish.
- If you’ve never tried Baked Zucchini Fries then you have to give this recipe a try!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 3 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups finely shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup finely shredded carrot
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a large bowl and whisk together.
- Add the Cabbage and Carrots to the bowl and toss until combined. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Tips
- Use a 14 oz bag of coleslaw mix instead of shredding your own cabbage and carrots.
- Store it in an airtight container for about 3 days. However, it is best to refrigerate it before serving so feel free to make it a few hours in advance before serving so that the cabbage is still crisp, but all the ingredients are chilled.
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