Classic Coleslaw Recipe – Lauren’s Newest

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The traditional coleslaw is a fresh, made from scratch recipe that will have you never buying store-bought coleslaw again! Cabbage, carrots and onions topped with my homemade creamy coleslaw sauce – get ready for the coleslaw of your dreams! If coleslaw isn’t your summer salad, be sure to check out my Macaroni Salad, Cucumber Salad, Broccoli Salad, or Seafood Pasta Salad. All great side dishes for the hot summer months.

Why you will love this salad

Coleslaw is one of summer’s must-have salads and the unsung hero of many dishes! Coleslaw has so much more potential than a simple pre-made salad mix and tastes so much better when made fresh. While it can seem a little intimidating to make it entirely from scratch, I assure you that with the right ingredients, it’s the easiest thing in the world.

Tips for success with this coleslaw recipe

• cabbage – Get the kale pre-cut in the bags or buy a whole head and shred it yourself. Both work great! After all, both are cabbage.
• Yellow Onion – I love the flavor that onions add to coleslaw, and a small helping goes a long way. Don’t leave out the onion! You will thank me 🙂
• carrots – Either shred it yourself or buy the “coleslaw mix” at the store that includes the carrots. Whatever your preference.
• Coleslaw Dressing – I use my easy homemade coleslaw dressing to put this whole recipe together Mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Simply!

How to make classic coleslaw

Full recipe details, including required ingredients and measurements, are on the printable recipe card below. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect when preparing this recipe:

combine vegetables

Start with all the ingredients in a large bowl: Cabbage, carrots, onions and fresh chives if you have them

Make the dressing

Whisk them together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper together until mostly smooth.

Mix and refrigerate

Mix everything and store in the fridge. Don’t underestimate putting your coleslaw in the fridge for at least an hour. The dressing has a delicious onion flavor and is SO delicious. Serve cold!

Optional coleslaw mix-ins

To really spice it up, try adding some other, more unusual ingredients. Personally, I like my coleslaw the classic way, but it’s always fun to experiment.

You can try:

• chopped peppers
• Red onion
• slivers of almonds
• Poppy
• Dijon mustard in the sauce
• Cran Raisins

What to serve with the coleslaw

This coleslaw recipe is the perfect side for main course such as steak skewers, smoked pork fillet or juicy turkey burgers. Notice a trend? YES! They are all staples for BBQ or potluck. Because coleslaw is the perfect summer salad. Cold, refreshing, creamy and goes well with many other dishes.

Prepare storage + directions in advance

This coleslaw recipe can Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. I’d eat it sooner rather than later though, as the cabbage and carrot texture will become less crisp and softer after a few days.

Can this be done in advance?

Yes it can! In fact, I prefer it that way because the coleslaw dressing compliments the cabbage and carrots and sort of marinates them! You can prepare this recipe a day in advance. Any more, and the structure of the lettuce will begin to crumble.

Or you can Prepare the dressing separately than the salad and Mix everything together a few hours before serving and put in the fridge.

Can this coleslaw recipe be frozen?

When you added the mayonnaise to your dressing Do not freeze this recipe! Mayonnaise doesn’t freeze well, and thawing will result in a watery dressing at the end. Rough.

However, you can do it Freeze the cabbage mixture And Make the dressing fresh the day you serve. Make sure to freeze in an airtight container and thaw thoroughly before tossing in the dressing.

More side salad recipes!

Save, pin, bookmark or print this recipe because you will want to keep this one! SO much better than store bought! The printable recipe card is below. Have a nice day, friends!