The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a nostalgic, perfectly balanced slaw that hits all the right creamy, tangy, and crunchy notes, The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw is about to become your go-to recipe. This classic side dish brings together crisp cabbage and carrots tossed in a luxuriously smooth dressing, making it the ultimate companion for everything from backyard barbecues to cozy family dinners. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a bowl of coleslaw that’s delightfully fresh, satisfyingly creamy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw lies in its straightforward, easily accessible ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating that signature taste and irresistible texture, from the crunch of cabbage to the tangy-sweet zip of the dressing.
- Green cabbage: Freshly shredded, it offers a crisp, sturdy base that soaks up the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Carrots: Add a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy backbone of the dressing, binding everything together with richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Lends a bright, tangy kick that wakes up the flavors and keeps the slaw from feeling heavy.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch rounds out the acidity and brings harmony to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle depth and gentle heat that makes the flavors pop.
- Celery seed: This old-school seasoning gives the slaw its classic, unmistakable flavor.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings out the natural flavors in the veggies.
- Ground black pepper: A hint of spice for balance and a little extra kick.
How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by shredding your green cabbage and carrots as finely as possible. The finer the shred, the more the veggies can soak up that luscious dressing, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Place the cabbage and carrots in a large mixing bowl, and give them a quick toss to combine.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper. Take a moment to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step is where all the magic happens—the right balance of tang, sweetness, and creaminess is what makes The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw truly stand out.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the creamy dressing over your cabbage and carrot mixture. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything together thoroughly to coat every shred of veggie. You want the dressing to hug each piece for maximum flavor in every forkful.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. Letting the slaw chill gives the flavors time to meld, and the cabbage will soften just a bit, making the texture even more appealing. Trust me, this patience pays off in taste!
Step 5: Stir, Taste, and Serve
Right before serving, give your coleslaw a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust with a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar if you like it extra tangy. Now, you’re ready to serve The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw alongside your favorite mains or pile it high on a sandwich.
How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw
Garnishes
For a little flair, sprinkle the top of your coleslaw with extra celery seed or a handful of fresh chopped parsley. A dash of cracked black pepper or a few carrot ribbons can also make your slaw look as fabulous as it tastes.
Side Dishes
The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw is the ultimate sidekick for all things grilled—think juicy burgers, smoky pulled pork, fried chicken, or grilled fish. It’s also a welcome pop of freshness next to rich casseroles or hearty stews.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your coleslaw onto sandwiches, sliders, or hot dogs for a satisfying crunch. For parties, serve it in individual mason jars or lettuce cups for a fun, portable twist. You can even use it as a topping for tacos or as a base for a light lunch bowl with grilled chicken or tofu.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cabbage from drying out. Be sure to stir it before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
Freezing
Coleslaw made with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing doesn’t freeze well, as the texture can become watery and separate after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this slaw fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.
Reheating
Since The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw is meant to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat it. If you want to revive the flavor or texture after a day or two, simply toss it with a splash of extra vinegar or a spoonful of fresh mayo before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own cabbage and carrots?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded mixes are a huge time-saver, and they work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to check for freshness and adjust the quantity to match the recipe amounts.
How can I make this slaw lighter or healthier?
If you want to cut down on calories, swap part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This still gives you a creamy texture but with a tangy twist and added protein.
Is there a way to make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw vegan?
Yes! Simply use your favorite vegan mayonnaise, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based. The flavors stay just as classic and delicious.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to this slaw?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in thinly sliced red cabbage, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped apples or raisins for added crunch and sweetness. Make it your own signature version!
What if my coleslaw tastes too tangy or too sweet after chilling?
No worries! If it’s too tangy, add a bit more mayo or a pinch of sugar to mellow it out. If it’s too sweet, a splash more vinegar or a sprinkle of salt will balance things beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a bowl of The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw at the table—it brings back memories and makes every meal feel a little more joyful. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
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The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, creamy old-fashioned coleslaw featuring finely shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats or classic American sandwiches.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the finely shredded green cabbage and shredded carrots to ensure even distribution of the vegetables.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, tossing thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir and taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar according to preference.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar slightly.
- This coleslaw is an excellent topping for pulled pork sandwiches or as a traditional side dish at cookouts and barbecues.
- For a lighter version, replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
