Mom's Classic Coleslaw

I think coleslaw is seriously underrated! This tasty slaw is a side dish staple in our house. It’s the perfect complement to any summer barbecue or grilled meat dish. Who doesn’t love the freshness, perfect crunch, and tang from this classic side?

If you love this crunchy coleslaw, you’ll love our Chinese Chicken Salad.

Why Our Recipe

The perfect coleslaw with a creamy sauce that has a little tang.
Made with shredded purple and green cabbage and a little carrot and onion.
Easy to throw together with a quick prep time of 15 minutes!

Coleslaw is ridiculously easy to make and is a great side dish or topping for sandwiches. This is a recipe that can easily be changed up to suit your own personal taste preferences. It can be sweeter or saltier, and you can basically tailor it to the food it’s going with. We’ve included some suggestions for substitutions and add-ins if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredient Notes

Cabbage: Red and green cabbage are used for color and variation. Thinly slice.
Shredded Carrots: For a sweet, earthy taste.
White Onion: Thinly slice for added texture and flavor. You can also substitute with a sweet onion.
Mayonnaise: Substitute with plain Greek yogurt, low-fat mayo, or Miracle Whip.
Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute in the same amount.
Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a bit of heat. Use whole grain mustard for a little texture.

Variations

Spice it Up: Looking for a little more heat? You can easily add sliced (or diced) fresh jalapeños to this coleslaw. You can also add a dash of hot sauce, too.

Lighten it Up: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo if you’re looking for a lighter option that’s still deliciously creamy. Or, leave out the creamy sauce completely and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for a vinaigrette coleslaw.

Mix-Ins: Some great additions to any coleslaw are green onion, cilantro, or your favorite nuts or seeds (we love pumpkin and sunflower seeds).

Time-Saving Hack: While we prefer freshly chopped cabbage, using a bag of pre-shredded cabbage and carrots is a great time saver if you’re short on time.

Serving Suggestions

Coleslaw is a great complement to many dishes. Here are some of our go-to dishes that pair well with this tasty slaw!

Mains: Classic pairings include fried chicken, some country-style ribs, or BBQ chicken.

Tacos: Make this recipe, and then use the leftovers to make fish tacos the next day. This coleslaw goes perfectly with fish tacos and even shrimp tacos!

Wraps: Add a little crunch and a little tang to a chicken wrap. Grab a tortilla, coleslaw, and some chicken, and you’re good to go—no need to add dressing!

Sandwiches: Top your sandwiches, sliders, and even burgers with this tasty coleslaw. We especially love a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw. A classic combo!