Dreamy Creamy Coleslaw

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delectable and **Easy Creamy Coleslaw** – a timeless classic that effortlessly elevates any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a lively potluck, a casual backyard BBQ, or simply seeking a fresh and flavorful side for your weeknight dinner, this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe is your perfect companion. Forget bland, watery versions; our recipe promises a rich, tangy, and subtly sweet profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s so simple, yet so incredibly satisfying, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere.

There’s a reason why coleslaw remains one of the most beloved side dishes. Its crisp texture and refreshing creaminess provide a delightful contrast to heartier main courses. This particular **homemade creamy coleslaw** isn’t just easy; it’s designed to be a showstopper. We’ve perfected the balance of ingredients to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor, from the crispness of the cabbage to the nuanced tang of the dressing. It’s ideal for serving alongside favorites like Air Fryer Fried Chicken or tender Pulled Pork sandwiches. Pair it with comforting Baked Potatoes or a hearty Potato Salad for a complete and utterly delicious spread.

This recipe distinguishes itself with an unparalleled creaminess and a perfect blend of tang and sweetness. It’s the kind of side dish that brings a vibrant freshness to heavy meals, cutting through richness with its bright flavors. The beauty of this **creamy coleslaw recipe** lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can whip it up on the morning of your event or even prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors meld beautifully. The result is consistently a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy delight – truly all-around perfect. Beyond classic BBQ fare, I particularly enjoy it with air-fried or grilled chicken, and it’s absolutely essential as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches, adding a crucial layer of texture and taste.

Making your own coleslaw offers numerous advantages over store-bought versions. You control the quality of ingredients, adjust sweetness and tang to your preference, and avoid unnecessary preservatives. Our recipe focuses on fresh, readily available ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this amazing dish.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Coleslaw

The foundation of any great coleslaw lies in fresh, quality ingredients. For this **easy creamy coleslaw**, we focus on a harmonious blend of crisp vegetables and a rich, flavorful dressing.

• Shredded Green Cabbage: The star of the show. We recommend 6 cups, typically one small head. Freshly shredded cabbage offers the best crunch and flavor, but a good quality bagged mix can also work in a pinch.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and an extra layer of texture. About 1 cup, or two medium-sized carrots, is perfect.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our dressing. Using a good quality mayonnaise, such as one made with olive oil, can significantly enhance the flavor and richness.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to the dressing’s luxurious creaminess while adding a delightful tang that balances the sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Essential for that signature tangy kick. It brightens the flavors and helps tenderize the cabbage slightly.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to bring all the flavors together and enhance the overall taste.
• Onion Powder: Provides a subtle onion flavor without the sharpness or texture of raw onion, ensuring a smooth dressing.
• Yellow Mustard: A secret ingredient that adds a touch of pungent depth and a slight zing, rounding out the dressing’s complexity.
• Celery Salt or Fresh Celery Leaves: Celery salt offers a savory, umami note, while fresh chopped celery leaves contribute a fresh, herbaceous element and a mild celery crunch. Either works beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Creamy Coleslaw

Creating this **creamy coleslaw dressing** and assembling the salad is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.

• Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by finely chopping your green cabbage. Combine it in a large mixing bowl with the shredded carrots. Ensure the vegetables are well mixed, providing an even distribution of color and texture.
• Whisk the Dressing: In a separate, small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, onion powder, yellow mustard, and either celery salt or finely chopped fresh celery leaves. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well-emulsified. This step is crucial for achieving a consistently creamy dressing.
• Combine and Toss: Pour the freshly prepared creamy dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrots in the large bowl. Using tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together until every strand of cabbage and carrot is thoroughly coated with the rich dressing.
• Chill to Perfection: Once tossed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is vital as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and the cabbage to slightly tenderize, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious coleslaw. For best results, I often leave it for 4-6 hours, or even overnight.

The Art of the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

The dressing is truly the heart and soul of any great coleslaw, and our **creamy coleslaw dressing** recipe is no exception. It’s designed to be simple yet impactful, delivering that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors that define a classic coleslaw. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream provides a rich, velvety base that coats the vegetables beautifully without being too heavy. The addition of apple cider vinegar introduces a bright, acidic counterpoint, preventing the dressing from becoming cloying and enhancing the freshness of the cabbage. Yellow mustard and onion powder add depth and a hint of savoriness that makes the dressing incredibly addictive. When whisked together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that transforms humble cabbage and carrots into an extraordinary side dish.

Fresh Vegetables vs. Bagged Coleslaw Mix: A Deeper Look

When it comes to preparing this **easy creamy coleslaw**, you have two primary options for your vegetable base: fresh cabbage and carrots, or a convenient pre-packaged coleslaw mix. While both will yield a delicious result, there are nuanced differences worth considering.

Using Fresh Vegetables (Recommended): If time permits, opting for fresh cabbage and carrots is highly recommended. Freshly chopped cabbage offers a superior crispness and a more vibrant, natural flavor. Shredding your own carrots also ensures maximum freshness and sweetness. Simply chop one small head of green cabbage (yielding approximately 6 cups) and shred two medium carrots (about 1 cup). The process is quick, and the difference in texture and taste is often noticeable. For an added visual appeal, consider using a mix of green and purple cabbage; the contrasting colors will make your coleslaw pop even more on the plate.

Using Coleslaw Mix in a Bag: For those busy days, a 16oz bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix is an excellent time-saver. It typically contains a blend of green cabbage and carrots, sometimes with a bit of red cabbage. While convenient, bagged mixes can sometimes lack the crispness of freshly prepared vegetables. If using a bagged mix, ensure it is fresh and not close to its expiration date to avoid any loss of crunch. A quick rinse and thorough drying of the mix before adding the dressing can also help improve its texture.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for convenience versus optimal freshness and texture. Rest assured, this dressing recipe is so robust that it will make any cabbage and carrot base sing!

Can I Make Creamy Coleslaw Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This **easy creamy coleslaw** is a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is one of its many appeals for potlucks and BBQ dinners. Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious salad. You can comfortably make this coleslaw one day ahead of time. Simply prepare it as instructed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. By dinner time the next day, the coleslaw will be perfectly chilled and infused with flavor.

However, there’s a common concern with make-ahead coleslaw: it can sometimes turn watery. This is due to the salt in the dressing drawing moisture out of the cabbage over time. But don’t worry, there’s a simple, effective trick to prevent this! Read the next tip to ensure your make-ahead coleslaw remains perfectly creamy and crisp.

How to Keep Your Coleslaw from Being Watery: The Salting Trick

Preventing watery coleslaw is crucial for enjoying its best texture, especially if you plan to make it ahead. The primary culprit behind soggy coleslaw is the release of water from the cabbage when it comes into contact with salt in the dressing. This simple, chef-approved technique will ensure your **homemade creamy coleslaw** stays wonderfully crisp and creamy, even after a day in the fridge.

If you know you won’t be serving the coleslaw on the same day you prepare it, or if you simply prefer an extra-crisp texture, follow this easy step:

1. Salt the Cabbage: After you have finely chopped your cabbage (whether fresh or from a bagged mix), place it in a colander. Sprinkle it evenly with about 1 teaspoon of salt.
2. Draw Out Liquid: Let the salted cabbage sit in the colander for at least 1 hour. If possible, you can let it sit longer, up to 2-3 hours. The salt will work its magic, drawing out excess moisture from the cabbage leaves. You’ll visibly see liquid accumulating at the bottom of the colander.
3. Squeeze and Dry: Once the resting time is up, firmly squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the cabbage. You can do this by pressing it against the sides of the colander or by gathering it in a clean kitchen towel and wringing it out. Then, pat the cabbage dry with paper towels to remove any remaining surface moisture.
4. Proceed with the Recipe (Adjust Salt): Now, your cabbage is perfectly prepped! Follow the coleslaw recipe below as written, but remember to skip adding the ½ teaspoon of salt to the dressing. The initial salting of the cabbage will have provided sufficient seasoning. This simple step makes a world of difference in maintaining the crispness and preventing a watery bottom in your coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Creamy Coleslaw

This **easy creamy coleslaw** is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a vast array of main dishes and other sides. Its crisp texture and tangy-sweet flavor profile make it a refreshing counterpoint to rich or savory meals.

Classic BBQ Pairings:

• Fried or Grilled Chicken: A match made in heaven! The cool, creamy coleslaw is the perfect complement to crispy, hot chicken.
• Pulled Pork: Essential for pulled pork sandwiches. Pile it high on top of your smoky pork for an explosion of flavor and texture.
• Ribs: Whether beef or pork, a side of coleslaw cuts through the richness of sticky, tender ribs.
• Hamburgers and Hot Dogs: Elevate your backyard burger or hot dog with a generous dollop of this vibrant coleslaw.

Delicious Side Companions:

• Baked Potatoes: A simple baked potato and coleslaw create a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Potato Salad: While both are potato-based, the creamy coolness of coleslaw offers a nice contrast to a classic potato salad.
• Baked Beans: Pair it with a savory bowl of Instant Pot Baked Beans for a complete comfort food experience.
• Corn on the Cob: A summertime staple that always goes well with coleslaw.

Beyond BBQ:

• Fish and Chips: A fantastic side for any fried fish dish, providing a light, tangy balance.
• Tacos and Burritos: Add a fresh crunch to your Mexican-inspired meals.
• Picnic Spreads: An indispensable item for any picnic basket, offering coolness and flavor.

This creamy coleslaw is more than just a side; it’s a versatile component that enhances a wide range of dishes, making it perfect for almost any gathering or meal.

More Easy Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for other fantastic side dishes to complement your meals or expand your potluck repertoire, we’ve got you covered. These recipes are just as easy and delicious as our creamy coleslaw:

• Instant Pot Baked Beans: A quick and flavorful way to make a classic BBQ staple.
• German Potato Salad: A vinegar-based potato salad offering a delicious alternative to creamy versions.
• Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad: Two favorites combined into one incredibly satisfying dish.
• Easy Broccoli Salad: A crunchy, vibrant salad packed with flavor and texture.

For even more culinary inspiration, feel free to browse our extensive Side Dish Category, where you’ll find a wealth of recipes to suit every taste and occasion.

We hope you enjoy making and sharing this **easy creamy coleslaw** as much as we do. Its blend of fresh ingredients and a perfectly balanced dressing ensures it will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. This coleslaw isn’t just a side dish; it’s an experience, bringing a touch of homemade goodness to every meal. Happy cooking!

If you create this delicious recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Don’t forget to tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out! Your culinary creations inspire us!

Easy Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Author: Anna

This Easy Creamy Coleslaw is perfect for potlucks and BBQ dinners! The creamy coleslaw dressing is simple and delicious! Use fresh shredded cabbage and carrots or one bag of coleslaw mix.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 219 kcal

Ingredients

For the coleslaw:

• 6 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots

For the coleslaw dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (I used olive oil mayo)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh celery leaves, chopped (see note)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour over coleslaw. Toss to coat.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• You can use a 16oz. bag of coleslaw mix for this recipe.
• If you don’t have fresh celery leaves, use ¼ teaspoon of celery salt for a similar flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 429mg | Potassium: 241mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4470IU | Vitamin C: 32.4mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 0.7mg