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    Home » Sides

    Coleslaw

    Published: Jun 30, 2023 · by Nico Pallotta

    Jump to Recipe

    Coleslaw is a classic side dish that combines crisp cabbage, shredded carrot, and creamy, tangy, and flavorful dressing.

    It's the perfect side dish for hearty burgers and sandwiches; it's an excellent recipe to make ahead and enjoy for a bbq, picnic, or an exciting family dinner.

    Coleslaw with carrot and red cabbage
    On this page:
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • How to make coleslaw
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Tip
    • Storage
    • More cabbage recipes
    • More creamy salads
    • Recipe

    You'll love our homemade coleslaw because it's easy to make with a few simple vegetables, you can prep it in advance, and it's tasty and indulgent while being light and refreshing.

    The secret is all in the dressing, which we make with a combination of mayonnaise (we use our homemade vegan mayo but any other mayo works) and Greek-style yogurt (non-dairy yogurt works well too).

    The yogurt makes the recipe much lighter and healthier while keeping it incredibly creamy and fulfilling.

    Seasoned with mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup, this coleslaw dressing is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it definitely packs a punch; it'll make your shredded cabbage taste divine.

    This is our favorite way of eating cabbage, and it's, without a doubt, the best recipe for potlucks, BBQs, pizza nights, picnics, or dinner with friends and family.

    Coleslaw serving suggestion

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    ingredients for coleslaw

    Cabbage

    We like to use both green cabbage and red cabbage, but you can also use only one of the two.

    You can also purchase a coleslaw mix to make things faster.

    Carrot

    We use regular orange carrots and grate them with the large wholes of a box grater. Carrots add a pleasant sweet flavor to this easy coleslaw recipe.

    Parsley

    Parsley adds a nice touch of freshness that we like in this creamy slaw. You can keep it out if you don't.

    Coleslaw dressing

    • Mayonnaise: we use our vegan mayo but any mayonnaise works here.
    • Greek-style yogurt: full-fat, low-fat, and non-dairy yogurt; they all work well.
    • Apple cider vinegar: it's a must in a slaw dressing. Cabbage loves acidity. Substitute red wine vinegar and white wine vinegar.
    • Yellow mustard: substitute Dijon mustard.
    • Sugar: we love the dressing with a hint of sweetness. If you don't keep the sugar out. Substitute maple syrup or agave syrup for sugar.
    • Salt and black pepper.

    We don't add celery seed because it's an ingredient that we don't use in any of our other recipes, and we don't keep it in our pantry.

    BBQ tofu, coleslaw and air fryer zucchini

    How to make coleslaw

    Shred the cabbage into thin slices. You can do so with a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor with a slicing attachment.

    Tip: we recommend cutting the cabbage in half, then in half again, then cutting each quarter of the cabbage into 2 wedges. It's easier to slice small cabbage wedges.

    green cabbage and a hand with a knife

    To a large bowl, add shredded cabbage, carrots grated with the large holes of a box grater, and finely chopped parsley.

    carrot, red cabbage and green cabbage in a bowl

    Make the coleslaw dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek-style yogurt, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

    Coleslaw dressing with yogurt

    Pour the coleslaw dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until the ingredients are well combined.

    You can serve this immediately for the best crunch, or make it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

    Coleslaw with cabbage and a spoon

    Variations

    Vegan coleslaw

    BBQ tofu, coleslaw and air fryer zucchini

    Vegan coleslaw is easy. Follow our coleslaw recipe, and use vegan mayo mixed with unsweetened plain non-dairy yogurt or vegan sour cream for the dressing. All other ingredients stay the same.

    The result is a creamy, tangy, and crisp slaw as delicious as the original. Serve it with our BBQ tofu; it's out of this world!

    No mayo coleslaw

    no mayo coleslaw, healthy coleslaw

    Coleslaw without mayonnaise is not as creamy as classic coleslaw, but it's still plenty delicious.

    To make this healthy coleslaw alternative, we recommend a simple vinaigrette dressing with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.

    Check out our no-mayo coleslaw recipe (coming soon).

    Red cabbage slaw

    Creamy red cabbage slaw

    Red cabbage slaw is made with only red cabbage and carrots, but the recipe is identical to our classic coleslaw recipe.

    Check out our red cabbage slaw recipe.

    Apple coleslaw

    Coleslaw with cabbage with red apple

    Apple coleslaw is every bite as delicious as classic coleslaw, but it has a delightful fruity addition: sliced apples.

    You can make it with sweet or tart apples based on your taste, and you can even add some crushed walnuts if you like.

    Cranberries and walnuts coleslaw

    Coleslaw with walnuts and cranberries

    If you are making this for a holiday or winter, you could try adding dried cranberries and crushed walnuts to have a richer and more festive flavor.

    Sour cranberries and nutty walnuts are a match made in heaven with the crisp cabbage and creamy slaw dressing.

    Serving suggestions

    In a burger or sandwich

    BBQ sauce and coleslaw in a burger

    Granted, coleslaw is perfect with fried chicken, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches, but we think it's a must-try in a bun with our barbecue tofu (the best tofu we have ever had).

    The chewy tofu coated in a strong, punchy BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the cool, crunchy slaw.

    As a side dish

    BBQ tofu with coleslaw and air fryer vegetables

    As a side for dinners and backyard barbecues with your favorite protein and a selection of veggies:

    • Air-fried zucchini (zucchini, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, chili powder, etc.)
    • Roasted carrots (carrots, maple syrup, parsley, olive oil, garlic, etc.)
    • Grilled eggplant (eggplant, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, parsley, salt, etc.)
    • Grilled tofu (tofu, olive oil, sesame seeds, salt, paprika, etc.)
    • BBQ tofu (tofu, paprika, BBQ sauce, etc.)
    • Black bean soup (black beans, tomatoes, chipotle powder, carrots, bay leaves, etc.)

    Tip

    Save the crunch: this recipe is delicious up to 3 - 4 days after it's made. However, if you are making it for a special occasion and want the best crunch, we recommend mixing the sauce with the cabbage 3 hours in advance max.

    Storage

    Make ahead: coleslaw is good up to 4 days after it's made; however, if you want the best crunch, we recommend mixing the dressing and the cabbage 3 hours before serving it max.

    Refrigerator: keep leftovers in the fridge in a bowl covered with a plate or in an airtight container. Coleslaw is delicious and served cold, so you can serve it right out of the fridge.

    Freezer: we don't recommend freezing coleslaw.

    More cabbage recipes

    If you love leafy greens, you can explore our other crispy cabbage recipes:

    • Braised red cabbage (apple, red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar, etc.)
    • Red cabbage salad (pinto beans, oranges, red cabbage, lettuce, mustard, etc.)
    • Tuscan soup (savoy cabbage, white beans, carrot, onion, garlic, celery, kale, etc.)
    • Italian lentil soup (dried lentils, kale, green cabbage, canned tomatoes, garlic, etc.)
    • Braised red cabbage with fresh apple
      Braised Red Cabbage
    • red cabbage salad with orange
      Red cabbage salad
    • red cabbage slaw
      Red Cabbage Slaw
    • Tuscan soup with spoon and bread
      Tuscan Soup

    More creamy salads

    Get more creamy and easy salad ideas with these tasty dishes:

    • Dill potato salad (radishes, yogurt, potato, pickled cucumber, mayonnaise, etc.)
    • Broccoli salad (broccoli, sundried tomatoes, yogurt, mayo, seeds, lemon, etc.)
    • Avocado salad (cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, lemon juice, parsley, etc.)
    • Creamy pasta salad (cucumber, white beans, red onion, olives, mayo, corn, etc.)
    • Tahini salad (tahini, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, radishes, lemon, etc.)
    • Dill Potato Salad
    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
      Broccoli Salad
    • Creamy pasta salad with mayo and olives
      Creamy Pasta Salad
    • avocado salad
      Avocado Salad

    For many more side dish ideas, check out our sides category page.

    Recipe

    Creamy coleslaw

    Coleslaw

    Author: Nico Pallotta
    Coleslaw is a classic side dish that combines crisp cabbage, shredded carrot, and creamy, tangy, and flavorful dressing.
    It's the perfect side dish for hearty burgers and sandwiches; it's an excellent recipe to make ahead and enjoy for a bbq, picnic, or an exciting family dinner.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 3 votes
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Side dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 100 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 cups (12 ounces) green cabbage thinly cut with a knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor
    • 1 cup (3 ounces) red cabbage thinly cut with a knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor
    • 2 carrots grated with large holes
    • 1 handful parsley finely chopped

    Coleslaw dressing

    • ⅓ cup vegan mayo or regular mayo
    • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon sugar or maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    Keep screen on

    Instructions
     

    • Shred the cabbage into thin slices. You can do so with a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor with a slicing attachment.
      green cabbage and a hand with a knife
    • To a large bowl, add the cabbage, carrots grated with the large holes of a box grater, and finely chopped parsley.
      carrot, red cabbage and green cabbage in a bowl
    • Make the coleslaw dressing by whisking together ⅓ cup vegan mayo, ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
      Coleslaw dressing with yogurt
    • Toss cabbage with dressing and serve.
      Coleslaw with cabbage and a spoon

    Video Recipe

    Creamy Coleslaw

    Notes

    Nutritional information is an estimate for 1 small side serving of coleslaw out of eight servings.
    STORAGE
    Make ahead: coleslaw is good up to 4 days after it's made; however, if you want the best crunch, we recommend mixing the dressing and the cabbage 3 hours before serving it max.
    Refrigerator: keep leftovers in the fridge in a bowl covered with a plate or in an airtight container. Coleslaw is delicious and served cold, so you can serve it right out of the fridge.
    Freezer: we don't recommend freezing coleslaw.
    ALSO ON THIS PAGE
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Serving suggestions
    • Tip
    • More cabbage recipes
    • More creamy salads
     

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Coleslaw
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    100
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    7
    g
    11
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    0.1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    1
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    180
    mg
    5
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    8
    g
    3
    %
    Dietary Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    2825
    IU
    57
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.1
    mg
    5
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    25
    mg
    30
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    0.2
    mg
    1
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    61
    µg
    58
    %
    Calcium
     
    43
    mg
    4
    %
    Folate
     
    27
    µg
    7
    %
    Iron
     
    0.5
    mg
    3
    %
    Manganese
     
    0.2
    mg
    10
    %
    Magnesium
     
    12
    mg
    3
    %
    Zinc
     
    0.2
    mg
    1
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?Leave us a comment below or find us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    If you liked this coleslaw recipe, you might also enjoy:

    • Easy sauce recipes for salads, veggies, and grain bowls
      25 Easy Sauce Recipes
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      25 Easy Vegetable Recipes
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      30 High Protein Vegetarian Meals
    • 35 Stuffed pepper sides
      35 Ways to Serve Stuffed Peppers
    « Mediterranean Bowl
    Red Cabbage Slaw »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alina

      August 07, 2023 at 10:35 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe ! On my regular weekly menu now. So so yummy !

      Reply
      • Louise

        August 08, 2023 at 6:12 am

        Fantastic, Alina. I'm very happy you like the coleslaw.
        Thanks for leaving a message 🙂
        Kindest, Louise

        Reply

    Leave a comment and star rating :-) Cancel reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

    • lentil curry with basmati rice
      Lentil Curry
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
      Rice Salad
    • Creamy pasta salad with mayo and olives
      Creamy Pasta Salad
    • Black bean salad with lime and avocado
      Black Bean Salad

    Seasonal

    • Broccoli salad in a white bowl
      Broccoli Salad
    • Dill Potato Salad
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    • zucchini fritters with tzatziki
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