The Ultimate Crunchy Coleslaw
Looking for the ultimate coleslaw recipe? This easy homemade coleslaw is creamy, tangy, and crunchy - perfect for BBQs and picnics! No soggy coleslaw here! Get the recipe now.

Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to make a coleslaw recipe that doesn't end up a soggy mess? honestly, i used to be terrified of making it myself! all the shop-bought versions just seemed…blah.
But i cracked it!
This coleslaw recipe gives you vibrant, crunchy, tangy perfection.
Coleslaw: More Than Just a Side
Southern coleslaw is an american staple, gracing picnic tables and bbq spreads for generations. originating from dutch "koolslaa" (cabbage salad), it's become a true culinary icon.
It's super simple. prep takes about 20 mins, a bit of chilling time, and bam! you've got enough for 6-8 people.
This isn't just any old salad; it's a cornerstone.
Why This Coleslaw Rocks
This healthy homemade coleslaw is packed with fresh veggies. cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse. it's loaded with vitamins and fiber.
Perfect for bbqs, coleslaw hamburger recipes , or just a quick side. it's seriously the best coleslaw recipe i've ever made, and i think you'll agree.
You know what makes it special? It uses my Slaw Dressing !
Ready to get chopping? I'm going to break it down step-by-step, so you can make this Easy Coleslaw too. Next up, all the good stuff to make the actual coleslaw.
Right, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this coleslaw recipe . We're talking ingredients and what you'll need to rustle it up. No need for fancy kit here, just the basics. Promise!
The Ultimate Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1 small head of green cabbage (about 1 lb / 450g), finely shredded
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated (approx. 100g)
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (approx. 75g)
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced (approx. 50g)
- 1/4 cup (about 30g) fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) freshly ground black pepper
🥄 Instructions:
- Shred the cabbage, grate the carrot, chop the celery, and slice the red onion. Chop the parsley.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, chopped celery, sliced red onion (if using), and chopped parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the vegetables.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, or vinegar) as needed. Toss again and serve chilled.
Getting the Goods: Main Ingredients
First, the foundation. you'll need 1 lb (450g) of green cabbage, shredded super fine. seriously, the finer, the better. a mandoline is your friend here, but a sharp knife will do the trick too.
Next, 1 medium carrot grated – that's about 100g . then, get 2 celery stalks , chopped small, around 75g . if you're feeling brave, chuck in ½ a medium red onion , thinly sliced – about 50g .
Finally, a handful – about ¼ cup (30g) – of fresh parsley, chopped up.
For the dressing, the magic happens with ½ cup (120ml) of mayonnaise. go full-fat or light, honestly, it's your call.
Then, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of apple cider vinegar to give it that tang. a tablespoon (15ml) of dijon mustard is a must! it adds a lovely kick.
Don't forget 1 tablespoon (15ml) of sugar. and for that je ne sais quoi – 1 teaspoon (5ml) of celery seeds.
Season to taste with ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of salt and ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper.
Seasoning Sensations
Celery seeds are non-negotiable, in my humble opinion! it is that little bit special, that makes this not just any easy coleslaw ! for a healthy homemade coleslaw , consider a lighter mayo and a touch more vinegar.
And for a southern coleslaw recipe north carolina style thing, a pinch of cayenne pepper is amazing.
Kit Required
Okay, listen up. you’ll need a big bowl. obvs. a sharp knife, or that mandoline, for the cabbage. a grater for the carrot.
A whisk for the dressing. and a small bowl for the dressing. don't go buying anything special – use what you've got! a decent coleslaw dressing recipe doesn't need complicated stuff!
Seriously, that's it! no fancy gadgets. just simple ingredients, simple equipment, and a cracking traditional coleslaw recipe . this coleslaw salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Give it a go. honestly, you won't regret it! and the best coleslaw recipe is one you enjoy making, right? if you are having coleslaw hamburger recipes , this will work great! you can even call it cowboy coleslaw allrecipes !
Alright, let's talk about coleslaw recipe . seriously, is there anything more british bbq than a bowl of coleslaw? it is a summer staple.
Forget that gloopy, watery stuff. we’re going for crunch and tang . this is the best coleslaw recipe you'll ever make.
Prep Like a Pro for the Coleslaw Salad
First, the essential mise en place . get everything prepped before you even start. that means shredding, grating, and chopping. time saving is key.
Do it all at once! this way everything's ready to go.
Safety first, folks! Watch those fingers when you're wielding a knife. No one wants a band-aid in their homemade coleslaw .
Step-by-Step: The Coleslaw Recipe Easy Way
Shred 450g cabbage finely.
Grate 100g carrot.
Chop 75g celery.
Slice 50g red onion thinly.
Whisk 120ml mayo, 30ml vinegar, 15ml mustard, 15ml sugar, 5ml celery seeds, salt and pepper.
Combine veggies in a bowl.
Pour dressing over the creamy coleslaw .
Chill for at least 30 minutes .
Pro Tips for Slaw Recipes
Want that restaurant coleslaw dressing recipe ? don't overdress it! no one likes soggy cole slaw . my biggest mistake in the beginning was drowning the cabbage in dressing, leading to a watery mess.
Another good tip, is the healthy homemade coleslaw that includes apple cider vinegar. the southern coleslaw is an awesome option.
Make ahead? absolutely! this traditional coleslaw recipe is even better the next day, so prepare this up to 24 hours for your coleslaw hamburger recipes .
Just don't go beyond that, the texture will be compromised. and if you're feeding a crowd check for coleslaw for a crowd easy recipes for the right amount of ingridients!
So there you have it! Your ticket to healthy coleslaw . Go on, impress your mates with the ultimate Cowboy Coleslaw Allrecipes with Slaw Dressing !

Alright, here's the "Recipe Notes" section, written with that chatty, relatable vibe you were after. Let me know what you think!
Recipe Notes: Coleslaw For Days
So, you've whipped up this coleslaw recipe and, like, amazing ! but before you dive headfirst into that bowl of healthy homemade coleslaw , let’s talk about the nitty-gritty.
You know, the stuff that takes a dish from good to "oh my gosh, this is the best coleslaw recipe ever!".
Serving It Up Right: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, presentation matters. honestly, even a traditional coleslaw recipe can look fancy with a little effort. for a casual vibe, just pile it high next to your coleslaw hamburger recipes at the bbq.
Want to be a bit extra? serve individual portions in cute little bowls. think: "instagrammable coleslaw salad ." boom.
And don't forget the perfect partners! southern coleslaw practically begs to be served with pulled pork. a creamy coleslaw is fab alongside spicy grilled chicken.
And, for a summery twist, pair it with a crisp glass of white wine. now that's living!
Storing Your Coleslaw Recipe Easy : No Soggy Bottoms!
Right, storage. Nobody wants watery cole slaw the next day. Here's the deal:
- Refrigeration: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll stay good for about 3-4 days. Crucial: Make sure it's properly sealed!
- Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this easy coleslaw . Mayo doesn't love the freezer, and you’ll end up with a sad, separated mess. Trust me.
- Reheating: Don’t even think about reheating this coleslaw recipe easy . It’s meant to be served cold, darling!
Remixing Your Southern Coleslaw : It's All About You!
Wanna tweak this coleslaw recipe ? Go for it! I am not the food police.
- Dietary Adaptations: For a healthy coleslaw , use light mayo or even Greek yogurt for the slaw dressing . And swap out the sugar with a touch of honey or maple syrup. Winner winner, healthy dinner!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, add shredded Brussels sprouts or chopped apple for a seasonal spin. Or, if you wanna whip up some Cowboy Coleslaw Allrecipes , just add some barbecue sauce and beans.
Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite
This homemade coleslaw isn't just tasty – it's packed with good stuff too! think vitamins from the cabbage and carrots.
Fiber, which keeps you feeling full and happy. and, let's be real, a good dollop of deliciousness that makes you actually want to eat your veggies.
Here's a mind-blowing fact: Cabbage is packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help boost your immune system. So basically, you're eating your way to health!
So, there you have it. Everything you need to know to make this best coleslaw recipe a total triumph. Now go forth and slaw recipes the world! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my coleslaw soggy? How can I prevent a soggy coleslaw recipe?
Soggy coleslaw is a common pitfall! The main culprits are over-dressing and not chilling it properly. Add the dressing gradually, tossing to coat rather than drown the vegetables. Chilling allows the flavours to meld, but also gives the cabbage time to release excess moisture; pour off any liquid before serving. Salting the cabbage lightly before adding the other ingredients can help draw out moisture too, though don't overdo it, or it will become too salty.
What's the best way to shred cabbage for coleslaw recipe success?
The key to a good coleslaw recipe is evenly shredded cabbage. A sharp knife is your best friend! Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, and then thinly slice each quarter. For speed and consistency, a mandoline slicer is a fantastic option, but be careful to protect your fingers. You can also pulse cabbage in a food processor, but be very careful not to over-process it.
Can I make coleslaw ahead of time? How long will this coleslaw recipe last?
Yes, you can definitely make coleslaw ahead! In fact, it often tastes better after the flavours have had a chance to meld. However, I recommend dressing it no more than a few hours before serving to prevent sogginess. Undressed coleslaw can be prepped a day in advance. Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, coleslaw will generally last for 3-5 days, but keep an eye on it, and use your judgement as it may go bad before that.
What are some tasty variations I can try with this coleslaw recipe?
Coleslaw is a blank canvas for flavour! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño to the mix. For sweetness, try adding some drained crushed pineapple or dried cranberries. Adding some chopped apples or grapes will also enhance the flavor profile. Get creative and add your favourite veggies and flavorings to customize your coleslaw!
Is coleslaw healthy? What's the nutritional information for this coleslaw recipe?
Coleslaw can be a relatively healthy side dish, depending on the ingredients and portion size. It contains fibre and vitamins from the vegetables. A serving of this coleslaw contains roughly 150-200 calories, 1-2g of protein, 12-18g of fat, 8-12g of carbohydrates, 2-3g of fiber, 5-8g of sugar and 200-300mg of sodium. Using a light mayonnaise and adding extra vegetables can boost the nutritional value.
I don't have celery seeds! What can I substitute in this coleslaw recipe?
No celery seeds? No worries, it happens! A pinch of fennel seeds or caraway seeds can be used as a substitute, though the flavour will be slightly different. If you don't have either, just omit them. The coleslaw will still taste great. A tiny dash of onion powder can also add a similar savory note, but use it sparingly!
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