Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

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If there is one summer salad skill that you need, it’s how to make Classic Homemade Coleslaw. There’s nothing fancy here, no wine vinegar or crazy spices, this is just a homemade coleslaw like your Grandma used to make!

Table of Contents
  1. Traditional Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
  2. How do you make American coleslaw dressing?
  3. Can you make coleslaw ahead of time?
  4. How long can you store coleslaw?
  5. How to Cut up a Cabbage Video
  6. Low Carb Coleslaw Dressing
  7. Pin This Recipe to Your SALADS and BBQ Boards and Remember to FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST!
  8. Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe Recipe
Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (1)

Traditional Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

This really is as traditional as you can get – except I tell you that you can use bagged coleslaw instead of chopping fresh! Yes, a modern cheat for modern busy people. I find it a lot easier than cutting up half a purple cabbage and half a green cabbage. That said, I do have fresh cabbage in the house almost all the time -to make my Bacon Wrapped Cabbage Wedges of course- so I’ll use fresh or bagged cabbage mix when it comes down to it. The real treasure in this recipe is the dressing!

How do you make American coleslaw dressing?

This is the only part of making homemade coleslaw that people find intimidating – the coleslaw dressing! Now I call this American dressing because Mexican coleslaw has a tangy lime and oil-based dressing, nothing like the heavier mayonnaise-based American-style coleslaw dressing. The basic ingredients for a mayonnaise-based coleslaw dressing are:

  1. mayonnaise
  2. vinegar
  3. white sugar

That is really the basics. Now, you can add in yellow mustard, dill, celery seed, and pickle juice but the tried and true old-fashioned homemade coleslaw dressing is those three ingredients and you build on your own recipe from those three ingredients.

Want to try a lighter coleslaw recipe? Try my Mexican Coleslaw, it has lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, and more!

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (2)

Can you make coleslaw ahead of time?

While you can definitely prepare the vegetables ahead of time, I wouldn’t recommend combining the cabbage, etc. with the coleslaw dressing until the morning of the day you’re going to eat it or a few hours ahead. Coleslaw gets watery in the refrigerator if it’s kept in there too long. I would err on the side of caution if you are making this for an event and make it the morning of. I know, it’s not exactly the easiest but the hardest part is chopping the cabbage. Mix the dressing together and store it in a closed container until you need it, prep the cabbage and really, all you have left is 5 minutes of tossing the salad together!

How long can you store coleslaw?

While you can store coleslaw in the fridge, the quality does deteriorate as I mentioned above. The cabbage loses its crunch and the dressing goes watery. I have completely eaten coleslaw and enjoyed it a day or two later, don’t get me wrong, but it just isn’t as good as the day of. Try to make it close to the amount that you are going to eat. However, according to food safety standards, you are totally safe storing the coleslaw in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (3)

Now, cutting up the fresh cabbage! This is easily explained via video so here you guys go. If you are cutting up fresh cabbage this how-to video will help you out!

How to Cut up a Cabbage Video

Does it come as any surprise that this Ukrainian girl loves to add a bunch of dill to hers? It shouldn’t! Dill is much better than the usual parsley in my opinion, as parsley really doesn’t have a special taste like dill does. I don’t know, parsley to me seems like a good garnish for color and that’s about it, so go with dill for the flavor! Also: celery seed. My coleslaw has to have celery seeds! It really just brings together the flavors.

Low Carb Coleslaw Dressing

To make this low carb simply replace the white sugar with Splenda or other sweetener of choice.

Now, what ingredients do you add to your homemade coleslaw? What does your family traditionally add to your coleslaw? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!

Happy cooking!

Love,

Karlynn

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (4)

Pin This Recipe to Your SALADS and BBQ Boards and Remember to FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST!

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (5)

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

ThisClassic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe tastes just like Grandma used to make! The secret is always using celery seeds, I just can’t have coleslaw without them!

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (6)

Review

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Prep Time
20 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Course
Salad
Cuisine
American
Servings
8
Calories
121
Author
Karlynn Johnston

Ingredients

  • 8 cups thinly sliced cabbage (you can use bagged coleslaw for a fast trick!)
  • 1 carrot grated coarsely
  • 2 green onion, sliced into thin pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill OR parsley

Homemade Coleslaw Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard ( more to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons white vinegar or apple cider vinegar ( more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar (more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Prepare a Small Fresh Cabbage

  • Cut the cabbage into four quarters, and then cut out the core in each section. Cut each quarter crosswise in half. Cut the cabbage pieces into long, thin ribbons like shown in the photo. You most likely will have more than 8 cups, cabbage is hard to gauge! Simply store the extra cabbage.

    Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (7)

  • Place 8 cups of the cabbage in a very large bowl ( I use my huge Tupperware dough bowl). Add the shredded carrot, green onion and dill/parsley to the cabbage and toss to mix.

Prepare the Coleslaw Dressing

  • In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar celery seeds, salt, and pepper together. Taste test and add more vinegar and mustard if desired. Add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter coleslaw dressing.

  • Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and mix – I find a fork does a better job than a spoon. Serve right away or refrigerate for a few hours. Store in a closed container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the quality will deteriorate.

Recipe Notes

You can use a 397 (g) bag of shredded cabbage mix, which ends up being almost exactly 8 cups.

To make this low carb simply replace the white sugar with splenda or other sweetener of choice.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 121kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 267mg, Potassium: 162mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1495IU, Vitamin C: 27.9mg, Calcium: 38mg, Iron: 0.6mg

All calories and info are based on a third party calculator and are only an estimate. Actual nutritional info will vary with brands used, your measuring methods, portion sizes and more.

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Karlynn Johnston

I’m a busy mom of two, wife & cookbook author who loves creating fast, fresh meals for my little family on the Canadian prairies. Karlynn Facts: I'm allergic to broccoli. I've never met a co*cktail that I didn't like. I would rather burn down my house than clean it. Most of all, I love helping YOU get dinner ready because there's nothing more important than connecting with our loved ones around the dinner table!

Learn more about me

Site Index Cabbage Coleslaw Low carb

Reader Interactions

Comments & Recipe Tips Share a tip or comment!

  1. Haze says

    Reply

    This is a great start for any coleslaw recipe! I like to add some onion/garlic powder, crushed garlic cloves, craisins, sunflower/pumpkin seeds. Yum ! 😋

  2. Patricia Sue Aaron says

    Reply

    I love the old fashion coleslaw the way it’s cut up course not soupie with dressing.

  3. Lorraine Murdoch says

    Reply

    Why have I never thought to add dill. I’m Ukrainian too. Next time for sure. I use sweet onion, sliced thinly and I do make this dressing but I use brown sugar. Delish!

  4. Denise M. Bailey says

    Reply

    Like grading onions into my coleslaw.

  5. Jenny says

    Reply

    I LOVE coleslaw. I always cheat and get the store bought Cole slaw dressing. I didn’t realize it was that easy! I like to add fruit, mandarin oranges, shredded apples or pineapple. Maybe even dried cranberries. It’s one of my favorite side dishes.Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (12)

Leave a Comment or Recipe Tip

Classic Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

Is white vinegar better than apple cider vinegar in coleslaw? ›

However, there is a best vinegar to use, and it's apple cider vinegar. The reason is threefold: taste, chemical makeup, and health benefits. Though there's no shortage of other types of vinegar, none has this ideal trifecta to best complement your cabbage and its other coleslaw vegetable ingredients.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

What is Amish coleslaw made of? ›

Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard. This is the perfect quick Side Dish that you can bring along to BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.

What can I use in place of apple cider vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar. Lemon Juice.

What is a substitute for red wine vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Apple Cider Vinegar: works with almost any recipe. Adds slight sweetness. Balsamic Vinegar: best with salads that have Mediterranean or fruit-inspired flavors. White Vinegar: works with almost any recipe and is the most 'plain' of the vinegars.

Which is stronger, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar? ›

White vinegar is stronger than apple cider with a higher percentage of acetic acid. Reach for apple cider vinegar when you want to add flavor to salad dressings and sauces. Choose distilled white vinegar when you want to pickle foods or add acidity without imparting any extra flavors.

Who makes the best coleslaw? ›

With its nice, thick dressing, Walmart's deli coleslaw is the best creamy coleslaw of the bunch. The dressing is heavy on the mayo, which makes it the best coleslaw to slather on a burger or pulled pork sandwich, and the copious amounts of shredded carrot will contribute some crunch, too.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is the most unhealthy thing at KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy

Here's where "crispy" is a code word for "steer clear." The extra crispy recipe is by far the least healthful of KFC's chicken options. A single breast will set you back 530 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

Is it OK to eat coleslaw every day? ›

Yes. Coleslaw can absolutely be part of a healthy eating plan as long as you choose your dressing carefully.

How long will homemade coleslaw last? ›

Assuming that you're storing your coleslaw in the refrigerator — and haven't taken it out for a stretch of time and put it back in — coleslaw can safely last up to five days. However, it's important to remember that this is the maximum amount of time it should be kept.

What does coleslaw contain? ›

Coleslaw is a salad made with raw sliced or shredded cabbage and a dressing such as a vinaigrette or mayonnaise. The term 'coleslaw' actually comes from the Dutch phrase 'koolsla', meaning 'cabbage salad'.

What are the ingredients in shop bought coleslaw? ›

INGREDIENTS: Cabbage (47%), Carrot (16%), Rapeseed Oil, Water, Single Cream (Milk), Pasteurised Egg Yolk, Spirit Vinegar, Onion, Sugar, Salt, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum), White Wine Vinegar, Concentrated Lemon Juice.

What is creamy coleslaw made of? ›

Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery salt, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, and then add to the cabbage mixture. Mix well to combine and taste for seasoning; add more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.

Why is it coleslaw and not cold slaw? ›

However cold your coleslaw may be, you are wise to spell it coleslaw. The word comes from a Dutch word (koolsla) that combines the Dutch words kool, meaning "cabbage," and sla, meaning "salad." Etymology is the main course.

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