Classic Creamy Coleslaw is one of those timeless sides that feels like a cozy hug on a hot summer day. It’s creamy, crunchy, and features that delightful zing from apple cider vinegar that dances on your palate. You know that vibrant slaw served at your favorite deli? This recipe takes all that goodness and elevates it to something you can proudly whip up in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style)

Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style)

Once you make your first batch of this creamy coleslaw, you’ll never look back—store-bought varieties just can’t compete. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or even as a topping on your favorite sandwich. Trust me, this recipe is all about capturing simplicity and flavor in every bite. Let’s get started on this delightful journey; I guarantee you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up this creamy coleslaw in just over two hours, with most of that time being hands-off!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tangy apple cider vinegar and sweet sugar creates a perfect harmony of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of shredded cabbage and carrots make this slaw a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a summer cookout or a weeknight dinner, this coleslaw fits right in.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets by swapping in a plant-based mayo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups): This forms the base of your coleslaw. Choose a fresh head of cabbage for the best crunch. Savoy cabbage can be a delightful alternative for a milder flavor.
1 cup shredded carrots: These add a lovely sweetness and a pop of color. You can use pre-shredded carrots or a food processor for convenience.
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This gives your coleslaw that punchy tang. Feel free to experiment with lemon juice for a citrus twist.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: This balances the acidity of the vinegar and complements the cabbage’s natural sweetness. Honey can be used as a substitute, but adjust to taste.
1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy element that ties everything together. If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative.
½ teaspoon celery seed: These tiny seeds add a unique flavor that really enhances the slaw’s overall taste. If you can’t find celery seed, you can omit it or use dill for a different flavor.
Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper: A must for seasoning, enhancing all those wonderful flavors. Adjust to your preference.

How to Make Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style)

Prepare the Vegetables: Toss the shredded cabbage with the shredded carrots and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in a mesh colander set over a large bowl. Allow them to stand for 1 hour. This step draws out excess moisture, which keeps your coleslaw from becoming soggy.
Rinse and Dry: After an hour, discard any accumulated water in the bowl. Rinse the cabbage and carrot mixture under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and dry in a salad spinner or between layers of paper towels on a baking sheet to ensure it’s not too wet.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the mayonnaise, celery seed, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Combine Dressing and Vegetables: Pour as much of the dressing over the dried cabbage and carrots as desired, mixing gently. Remember, you can always add more dressing later if needed. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Chill and Serve: Cover your coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving; this time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Give it a good stir before serving, and enjoy your homemade coleslaw!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your coleslaw fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, but the texture may change after thawing; it’s best to consume it within 3 months. Refresh chilled coleslaw by adding a little more mayo or vinegar before serving to revive its flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the cabbage is thoroughly dried before mixing in the dressing; otherwise, you may end up with a watery slaw.
Use very fresh ingredients for the best flavor—crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots can make all the difference.
Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s crucial for melding the flavors and achieving that classic creamy texture.
Want to make it ahead of time? Just mix the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them right before you serve for maximum freshness.

Classic Creamy Coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and a tangy punch that makes it stand out at any meal. Whether it’s complementing a juicy pulled pork sandwich or standing alone at a summer barbecue, this dish will surely impress your friends and family. Don’t shy away from experimenting—try adding in some chopped apples or raisins for a sweet twist! With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this coleslaw is destined to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and enjoy every bite of this homemade delight!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this coleslaw in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day ahead and keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Just mix the cabbage and carrots and prepare the dressing, storing them in the refrigerator. Combine them an hour before serving for the best taste.

What can I add to my coleslaw for extra flavor?

Feel free to mix in some diced apples, raisins, or nuts for added flavor and texture! You can also experiment with herbs like dill or parsley to give it a unique twist.

How long does homemade coleslaw last?

When properly stored in an airtight container, coleslaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days. If it starts to look a bit soggy, you can refresh it with a splash of vinegar or mayo.

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes! While green cabbage is traditional, you can use red cabbage for a pop of color or even a blend of both for added visual appeal and taste. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning as needed for any variations!

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Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style)

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 140 minutes
Cook Time: 140 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Classic Creamy Coleslaw is a must-try for its delightful flavor and simple prep. Packed with shredded cabbage and carrots, it’s perfect for summer cookouts or a quick family dinner. Enjoy the creamy dressing that brings it all together!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound green cabbage , shredded (about 6 cups)
1 cup shredded carrots
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon celery seed
kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper

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Instructions

In a large bowl, toss shredded cabbage with carrots and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in a mesh colander. Let it sit for 1 hour.
Discard the water collected in the bowl and dry it. Rinse the cabbage and carrots, then dry well using a salad spinner or paper towels. Return the mixture to the large bowl.
In a separate bowl, combine apple cider vinegar and sugar, stirring until dissolved. Whisk in mayonnaise, celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper.
Pour dressing over the cabbage and carrots, adjusting the amount to your preference. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Cover the coleslaw and chill for a minimum of 1 hour before serving. The coleslaw can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Notes

Adjust the amount of dressing according to your taste preferences.
The coleslaw is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance for flavor enhancement.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.