Crunchy, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor, the Best Homemade Coleslaw brings everything you love about summertime picnics and backyard BBQs right to your table. Shredded cabbage and carrots get tossed in a tangy-yet-sweet dressing in this easy side dish, providing just the right balance of crispness and creaminess. Whether you’re pairing it with spicy wings, piling it onto a juicy pulled pork sandwich, or simply enjoying a crisp bite on the side of your favorite meal, this is one of those recipes everyone always requests. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called the Best Homemade Coleslaw!

Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how just a handful of simple staples come together to create such a crowd-pleasing classic! Each of these ingredients brings something special—crunch, color, tang, or just the right hint of sweetness—so don’t be shy about using the freshest you can find.

Green Cabbage: The crisp backbone of coleslaw, it adds that classic crunch and fresh flavor.
Purple Cabbage: This not only boosts the color but gives a hint of peppery flavor and extra nutrients.
Carrots: Their sweet, earthy notes round out the slaw and bring gorgeous color.
Mayonnaise: The creamy element that binds everything together and delivers that signature slaw texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a lively tang that makes all the flavors pop and balances the richness of the mayo.
Honey: Brings gentle sweetness and a glossy finish to the dressing.
Dijon Mustard: Offers a gentle kick and layers of flavor in every bite.
Celery Seed: That subtle, savory note which makes coleslaw taste truly homemade.
Salt: Just a pinch to brighten and enhance every flavor in the bowl.
Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and aromatics, rounding everything out.

How to Make Best Homemade Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by shredding the green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. You can use a sharp knife, a mandoline, or even a food processor for lightning-fast results. Toss all those vibrant veggies into a large mixing bowl. This base is what gives the Best Homemade Coleslaw its unbeatable crunch and lively color—take a moment to appreciate how pretty it looks already!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The dressing should taste slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness, so feel free to adjust the vinegar or honey if you crave a bolder flavor. This creamy blend will be the heart of your Best Homemade Coleslaw!

Step 3: Toss and Coat

Pour the luscious dressing over your bowl of shredded cabbage and carrots. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything thoroughly until every bit of veggie is coated. Be gentle—especially if you like your coleslaw extra crisp! This is the moment where everything comes together into one harmonious, irresistible side dish.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the slaw to an airtight container, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Don’t skip this step! The rest helps the veggies soak up the dressing, making your Best Homemade Coleslaw extra creamy while preserving its crunch. It’s the difference between “just okay” and “absolutely unforgettable.”

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Right before serving, give the coleslaw another gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Now it’s ready to shine—on its own, alongside your favorite BBQ mains, or even tucked into a sandwich. Watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve Best Homemade Coleslaw

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. For a finishing touch, you might also add a light dusting of extra celery seed or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but ups the flavor and feels a little fancy even on a casual table.

Side Dishes

The Best Homemade Coleslaw is an ideal companion for all things grilled: think juicy burgers, smoky ribs, or tangy BBQ chicken. It’s also fabulous alongside fried fish, hot dogs, or as a cooling counterpart to spicy wings. And don’t forget, it’s a classic sidekick for picnic sandwiches and summer cookouts!

Creative Ways to Present

For fun and unexpected serving ideas, try piling your Best Homemade Coleslaw onto sliders, tacos, or in lettuce cups for a colorful, crunchy twist. It also makes a fantastic topping for BBQ pulled pork or brisket sandwiches, and looks gorgeous served family-style in a rustic bowl or even mini individual cups at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover coleslaw to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep fresh for up to three days, though you’ll notice it might get a little softer over time as the veggies soak up more dressing. Still, it will taste delicious—perfect for late-night snacking or to brighten tomorrow’s lunch!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Best Homemade Coleslaw, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crisp snap and the creamy dressing can separate or turn watery. If you want to prep ahead, chop the veggies in advance and store them separately in the fridge, then mix with the dressing just before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled, creamy salad, reheating isn’t necessary. Just give your coleslaw a quick stir to bring the dressing back together, and serve straight from the fridge. If the mixture looks a bit watery, simply drain off any excess liquid and add a small spoonful of mayonnaise to restore that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make Best Homemade Coleslaw in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, coleslaw often tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors get a chance to blend. Just wait until serving to give it one last toss for the freshest taste and texture.

How can I lighten up the dressing?

For a lighter twist, swap out half of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. You’ll still achieve a creamy slaw, but with less fat and a boost of protein and tang.

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding my own cabbage?

Definitely! A good-quality bagged slaw mix is a great time saver and works well with this dressing. Just make sure to use six to eight cups so you get the perfect balance of dressing and crunch.

Is Best Homemade Coleslaw gluten-free?

Yes, this classic recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for anyone gathering friends or family with dietary restrictions. Just double-check your mayonnaise and mustard labels to be certain.

What can I add to customize the flavor?

Try tossing in chopped apples, raisins, or thinly sliced bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness. A sprinkle of toasted seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) can also take your Best Homemade Coleslaw to the next level!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy-sweet, give the Best Homemade Coleslaw a spot at your next meal. It’s a breeze to whip up, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd favorite. Your friends and family will keep coming back for seconds—just don’t forget to save yourself a serving!

Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make the best homemade coleslaw with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for BBQs, sandwiches, or as a side for fried foods.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Coleslaw:

6 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon celery seed
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. Mix well.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Make sure all the vegetables are well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This helps the coleslaw develop its taste.
Stir again just before serving. Enjoy your homemade coleslaw!