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The Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (Quick & Easy)

The Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (Quick & Easy)

A classic creamy coleslaw made with fresh cabbage, carrots, optional red onion, and a sweet-tangy mayonnaise dressing. Chill it before serving so the flavors blend and the cabbage softens slightly while keeping its crunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Slaw
  • 1 medium head, about 2 pounds Green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 medium Carrots, shredded
  • 1/2 small onion, optional Red onion, thinly sliced or finely chopped
Creamy Dressing
  • 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Celery seed or celery salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1-2 tablespoons, optional Sour cream

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Remove the tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Quarter the cabbage, cut out the core, and finely shred it with a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor.
  2. Shred the carrots and thinly slice or finely chop the red onion. For less moisture, lightly salt the shredded cabbage, let it stand for 10 to 20 minutes, then drain and pat it dry.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed or celery salt, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk in the sour cream if using.
  4. Place the cabbage, carrots, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for the best flavor and texture. Toss once more before serving and adjust the salt, vinegar, or sugar if needed.

Notes

For a shortcut, replace the fresh cabbage and carrots with one 14-16 ounce bag of prepared coleslaw mix. Keep refrigerated and serve chilled; if the vegetables absorb too much dressing, add a small spoonful of extra dressing just before serving.