If you have been searching for that nostalgic, comforting side dish that perfectly balances crunch and creaminess, then look no further. The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is a timeless classic that brings a fresh, vibrant twist to your table with shredded green and red cabbage mingling with the sweet undertones of carrot, all wrapped in a luscious, tangy dressing. This coleslaw is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a flavor-packed experience that complements everything from BBQ to sandwiches effortlessly.

The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe lies in the simplicity and freshness of each ingredient. Every component plays an essential role, contributing to the dish’s irresistible texture and balance of flavors.

Green cabbage: Provides a crisp, mild base with a subtle sweetness that forms the bulk of the slaw.
Red cabbage: Adds a vibrant color contrast and a slightly earthier flavor that enriches the mix.
Carrot: Gives a refreshing sweetness and bright orange hue, making every bite delightful.
Mayonnaise: The creamy heart of the dressing that binds everything together smoothly.
Apple cider vinegar: Introduces a gentle tanginess that wakes up the palate.
Dijon mustard: Adds depth and subtle heat to the dressing’s flavor profile.
Honey: Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the combined flavors.
Celery seed (optional): Brings a lovely aromatic bite that is a classic element in many coleslaws.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of green freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by shredding one small head of both green and red cabbage. The combination not only looks beautiful but also gives a balanced texture, with the green cabbage providing crispness and the red cabbage offering a slightly firmer bite. Add a large grated carrot for a natural sweetness and that perfect pop of color.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise until smooth, then mix in apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the soul of your coleslaw, marrying creaminess with tang and just the right amount of sweetness to complement the veggies.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over your vibrant cabbage and carrot mix, then toss well to ensure every shred is generously coated. This step is key to achieving the consistent, creamy texture that makes this dish stand out as The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe.

Step 4: Add Optional Flavor Enhancers

Stir in celery seed and chopped fresh parsley if you want to add an extra layer of flavor and a subtle crunch. These optional ingredients bring that classic hint of complexity and fresh herbaceous notes that elevate the slaw.

Step 5: Chill and Meld Flavors

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour. This chilling time is essential because it allows the dressing to soak into the vegetables, making the flavors meld beautifully and intensifying the creaminess that defines The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, give the coleslaw one final toss, then serve it cold. It’s ready to impress at your next gathering or as a crisp, refreshing side to your everyday meals.

How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few celery seeds on top just before serving adds a lovely visual touch and an aromatic hint. For a bit of crunch and contrast, toasted nuts like pecans or sliced almonds can also be a delightful addition.

Side Dishes

This creamy coleslaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as barbecued ribs, grilled chicken, or even a juicy burger. It’s also an excellent companion for fish tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, or as a refreshing salad alongside spicy dishes to cool things down.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this coleslaw in a beautiful glass bowl or individual mason jars for a charming presentation. It also works wonderfully as a topping on open-faced sandwiches or as a zesty filling inside crunchy wraps to add some extra texture and flavor dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Freezing

Freezing creamy coleslaw is not recommended, as the texture of the cabbage and mayonnaise-based dressing can suffer and become watery or mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This coleslaw is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not advised because warmth can break down the dressing and wilt the fresh vegetables, losing that coveted crispness.

FAQs

Can I use only green cabbage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the mix of green and red cabbage adds color and subtle flavor differences, using just green cabbage will still yield a delicious coleslaw with great texture.

Is there a dairy-free version of The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan mayo alternative to keep the creamy texture while making the dish dairy-free.

How long should I refrigerate the coleslaw before serving?

Chilling for at least 1 hour is ideal to let the flavors meld, but if you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes can still work. Overnight refrigeration can even enhance the taste further.

Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?

Definitely! Thinly sliced bell peppers, green onions, or even radishes can add exciting flavors and textures. Just be sure to keep the balance so the creamy dressing coats everything well.

Does this recipe work as a picnic dish?

Yes, it’s perfect for picnics because it holds up well in a cooler and refreshes your palate on a warm day with its crisp, creamy goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about making and sharing The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, inviting smiles and seconds. Whether for a casual family dinner or a lively barbecue party, this coleslaw will become your go-to side that everyone loves. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite classics too.

The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

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4.1 from 55 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A classic creamy coleslaw recipe featuring shredded green and red cabbage with grated carrot, tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
1 large carrot, grated

Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, and grated carrot, ensuring they are well mixed for an even blend of flavors.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture, then toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in the celery seed and chopped fresh parsley if using, to add extra flavor and texture to the coleslaw.
Chill the Coleslaw: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serve: Serve the coleslaw chilled as a side dish or condiment to your favorite meals and enjoy the crisp, creamy texture.

Notes

For best results, shred the cabbage finely to ensure the dressing coats all the pieces well.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey according to your taste preference.
The celery seed is optional but adds a traditional coleslaw flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Coleslaw can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer and creamier texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American