Easy Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

A delicious easy coleslaw recipe that’s always a crowd favorite! Crunchy cabbage with a delicious dressing, this easy coleslaw is a perfect side anytime!

Looking for more tasty side dishes? You’ll love this Southern Potato Salad, Skillet Mac and Cheese, and Fried Okra, to name a few!

Coleslaw has to be one of the most humble of recipes. It works perfectly with so many dishes as the side dish but rarely gets the star treatment that it really deserves.

Made with shredded cabbage and ingredients you most likely have on hand, this recipe with a creamy coleslaw dressing is always a crowd favorite and makes the best coleslaw recipe I’ve ever had!

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

For years, my family has made this coleslaw the traditional way of grating cabbage and carrots by hand or in the food processor. I definitely still make it that way, especially if I have freshly picked cabbage, but now I often find myself grabbing a bag of pre-shredded cabbage or shredded coleslaw mix at the grocery store. I’ve updated my classic recipe based on this easy method, and I’ve included the classic method in the notes of the recipe.

How to Make Easy Coleslaw

To make this tasty coleslaw, you will need:

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

• Shredded Coleslaw Mix
• Mayonnaise
• Buttermilk
• Vinegar
• Sugar or honey
• Salt

You can also add other mix-in ingredients to your coleslaw, like:

• Sliced Green Onion
• Pepper
• Celery Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep. Add the shredded coleslaw mix to a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing. The dressing is the key to this creamy coleslaw! Whisk together your mayonnaise, buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, use my buttermilk substitute recipe!), vinegar, sugar, and salt in another medium bowl or 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Whisk until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Toss the cabbage with dressing. Pour over the cabbage mixture in your bowl and toss well to evenly coat with the coleslaw dressing.

Serve. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Even though it is extremely delicious as soon as it is made, I find that it is even more delicious the next day for lunch with any leftovers we might have. That time in the refrigerator gives it a little bit more time to marinate in that creamy coleslaw dressing that tastes so amazing.

Storage Tips

To store. Coleslaw lasts a day after the dressing is added to it when stored in the refrigerator.

To make ahead. Make the coleslaw dressing up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, toss it together, and serve.

Main Dishes To Serve with Coleslaw

This Coleslaw recipe is good with almost anything and works well with so many dishes that it is no wonder it makes a classic side dish.

We have made this recipe for years in my family, and it’s one that my family has always devoured! It always makes an appearance for picnics and BBQs to go with our favoriteclassic cookout fare.

But I also love it when it is piled on top of pulled pork in a sandwich or on top of a hotdog with a scoop of black bean chili. In other words, it is a definite favorite anytime you serve it!

• Grilled Chicken
• Best Hamburger Recipe
• BBQ Ribs
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches

More Favorite Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes
• Squash Casserole
• Grilled Okra
• Pinto Beans
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Black Eyed Peas

Here’s my easy coleslaw recipe. Be sure to make it soon. I think you’ll absolutely love it!

Enjoy!
Robyn xo