If you’ve ever wished for a coleslaw that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re about to discover a new favorite. The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe combines crisp shredded cabbages with a luscious dressing that’s both tangy and sweet, creating a perfect balance you’ll find irresistible. It’s the kind of coleslaw that brightens up any meal, whether as a refreshing side at a summer cookout or a comforting classic alongside your weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you make this, ordinary coleslaw just won’t cut it anymore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this recipe, and each one plays a crucial role in building that signature creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile we all love. These simple staples come together to create a coleslaw that has just the right color, crunch, and crema.
- Green cabbage: The foundation of your coleslaw, providing a crisp, fresh crunch.
- Red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slightly different texture to the mix.
- Carrot: Grated for sweetness and a lovely pop of orange to brighten the bowl.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, creating that classic silky texture.
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives a zingy tang that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle depth and slight sharpness to the dressing.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- Celery seed (optional): Offers a fragrant, almost nostalgic taste that’s traditional in coleslaw.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous note and pretty green flecks.
How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding both heads of cabbage finely. Combining green and red cabbage gives you that perfect mix of colors and textures. Then grate the carrot to add a subtle sweetness and extra crunch. Mixing these fresh veggies together ensures every forkful is vibrant and satisfying.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, along with salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and silky. This creamy concoction is what transforms simple cabbage into a mouthwatering dish that’s both tangy and sweet with just the right bite.
Step 3: Combine and Coat
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. Make sure every bit of that crunchy goodness is coated in the luscious dressing. You’ll start to smell the magic happening right here!
Step 4: Enhance with Optional Flavors
If you want an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle in celery seed and fresh parsley now. These might seem small, but they bring an unmistakable charm and freshness that elevate the entire dish.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Meld
Cover your coleslaw and pop it in the fridge for at least one hour. This step is a game-changer—letting it chill allows the flavors to mingle and mellow, turning your salad into The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe you’ll rave about for dinners to come.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give your coleslaw one last toss and get ready to dive in! It’s fresh, crisp, and creamy all at once — the perfect addition to any meal.
How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a fresh burst of color and herbal brightness. If you love a bit of crunch, toasted sunflower seeds sprinkled on top provide a nice surprise. For a tangy twist, a thin slice of lemon on the side complements the creamy salad beautifully.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is an absolute star beside grilled meats like barbecued chicken or ribs. It also partners wonderfully with classic sandwiches, burgers, or even crispy fish. The fresh crunch and creamy sauce act as a perfect palate cleanser between rich, hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the coleslaw in hollowed-out mini cabbage bowls or clear glass cups layered with toasted nuts and a dash of smoked paprika on top. You might also try incorporating it as a topping for loaded baked potatoes for a fun twist. The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is versatile enough to fit all kinds of creative presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with a bit of resting time, so leftovers can be just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
Freezing coleslaw is not recommended because the leafy veggies and creamy dressing tend to separate and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This coleslaw is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating is unnecessary and would compromise the crisp texture and creamy dressing. If served slightly warm, the dressing will lose its charming balance of tang and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use just one type of cabbage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mixing green and red cabbage adds a lovely color and texture contrast, using just one type still yields a tasty and crunchy coleslaw. Just adjust the amount to suit your needs.
How long should the coleslaw chill before serving?
A minimum of one hour is ideal to let the flavors meld beautifully, but if you have time, letting it chill for two to three hours intensifies the taste and softens the cabbage slightly for a perfect bite.
Is it possible to make this coleslaw vegan?
Yes! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or a creamy avocado spread to keep that rich texture. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in thinly sliced bell peppers, radishes, or even green onions for an extra flavor boost and crunch. Just make sure not to overpower the classic balance of The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe.
What can I do if the coleslaw feels too dry after chilling?
If it feels a little dry, simply stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of apple cider vinegar before serving to refresh the creaminess and tang.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this is called The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe – it blends simplicity and classic flavors in such a way that it becomes a reliable crowd-pleaser any time of year. Whether you’re whipping it up for a picnic or craving a comforting side dish, this coleslaw will never disappoint. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a bowl full of crunch, creaminess, and nostalgia that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic old-fashioned creamy coleslaw combines shredded green and red cabbage with grated carrot, dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfectly balanced with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, this refreshing side dish is ideal for picnics, BBQs, or as a crisp accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrot together. Mix them evenly for a well-distributed vegetable base.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Dressing with Vegetables: Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of cabbage and carrot mixture. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, sprinkle in celery seed and freshly chopped parsley for enhanced flavor and texture, mixing them gently into the coleslaw.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy coleslaw chilled as a refreshing side dish to your favorite meals and enjoy.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, increase the apple cider vinegar by an additional teaspoon.
- Use low-fat or light mayonnaise for a lighter version of the coleslaw.
- Celery seed and fresh parsley are optional but add a nice depth of flavor.
- This coleslaw stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.
- Make sure to shred the cabbage finely for the best texture.
