Easy & Creamy Homemade Coleslaw: The Best BBQ Side Dish Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a classic coleslaw to complement your favorite barbecue dishes. This recipe for homemade creamy coleslaw isn’t just quick and easy; it’s a vibrant, fresh, and utterly delicious side that will steal the show at any gathering. Forget about bland, watery store-bought versions; this recipe promises a rich, flavorful experience that’s ready in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for meal prepping, it can be made ahead of time and served alongside juicy burgers, tender grilled chicken, or succulent pulled pork sandwiches.

Closeup of vibrant, creamy homemade coleslaw in a clear glass mixing bowl, ready to serve.

This delightful creamy coleslaw is incredibly simple to make, yet it tastes completely homemade because it is homemade! Bursting with the fresh crunch of shredded cabbage and carrots, along with a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet dressing, this side dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, attending a potluck, celebrating a graduation, or even a wedding, this coleslaw is a guaranteed hit. It’s truly the ideal accompaniment for nearly any summer occasion you have planned.

Like many home cooks, I’ve often been disappointed by store-bought coleslaw. While some brands are passable, others can be quite unappetizing. My family and I were constantly on the quest for a truly good coleslaw – one with that perfect balance of creaminess, freshness, and flavor that everyone loves. After countless searches and varied results, I decided to take matters into my own hands. This recipe is now my absolute go-to for making consistently tasty, creamy coleslaw right in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why This is the BEST Creamy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

What makes this coleslaw stand out from the rest? It boils down to a few key factors that ensure every bite is a pure delight:

Unrivaled Creaminess: This recipe delivers a wonderfully rich and smooth texture, ensuring the shredded vegetables are perfectly coated without being overly heavy or greasy. It’s that perfect creamy consistency everyone craves.
Bursting with Flavor: We’re talking about a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that truly elevate the simple ingredients. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance that tantalizes your taste buds.
Wholesome & Transparent Ingredients: When you make coleslaw at home, you have complete control over what goes into your dish. No questionable additives or preservatives – just fresh, real ingredients you know and trust.
Tailor-Made to Your Taste: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily add or omit ingredients, adjust the sweetness or tanginess, and customize the seasoning to perfectly match your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect Vegetable Consistency: Say goodbye to sad, limp coleslaw! You decide how finely or coarsely you want to shred your vegetables, ensuring a crisp, satisfying texture every time. Whether you prefer a finer chop or heartier strands, it’s all up to you.
Effortlessly Simple: Despite its gourmet taste, this coleslaw is remarkably easy to prepare. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a fantastic side dish ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or large gatherings.
Versatile for Any Occasion: From casual backyard BBQs to elegant potlucks, this coleslaw fits right in. Its universal appeal makes it a versatile addition to any menu.

Freshly made shredded cabbage and carrot coleslaw served on a pristine white plate next to a silver fork, highlighting its inviting texture.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Coleslaw

One of the best things about this coleslaw recipe is that it primarily uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, or that are easily found at any grocery store. To make it even simpler, you can always opt for a pre-made coleslaw mix instead of shredding individual cabbage and carrots – it’s like a salad mix, but specifically designed for coleslaw, containing all the good bits!

However, if you’re aiming for that 100% homemade perfection, taking a few extra minutes to shred your own vegetables will make a noticeable difference in freshness and texture. It allows you to achieve your preferred consistency, from finely minced to delightfully chunky.

The Crisp Core: Vegetables

Your coleslaw wouldn’t be complete without the vibrant duo of shredded cabbage and carrots. For best results, use a mix of green cabbage and a small amount of red cabbage for added color and flavor. Freshly shredded always tastes best! A touch of finely chopped green onions also adds a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
The Sweet Touch: Sugar

A little sweetness is key to balancing the tanginess of the dressing and the earthy notes of the vegetables. Granulated sugar works perfectly here. Remember, less is often more – you can always add a bit more if needed, but it’s harder to take away!
The Creamy Foundation: Mayonnaise & Sour Cream

The luscious, creamy base of this coleslaw is built upon a combination of quality mayonnaise and sour cream. Mayonnaise provides richness and body, while sour cream adds a delightful tang and lightens the texture. For a healthier alternative or an extra boost of protein, you can easily substitute plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Just ensure it’s plain and unsweetened!
The Zesty Acidity: Vinegar

White vinegar is excellent for its clean, sharp tang that cuts through the richness of the dressing. Alternatively, apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly fruitier, milder acidity. This ingredient is crucial for that classic coleslaw zing!
The Secret Flavor Enhancer: Celery Salt

Don’t skip the celery salt! This often-underestimated ingredient adds a unique savory depth and a subtle hint of celery flavor that truly elevates the coleslaw. It brings all the flavors together and gives it that authentic, classic taste.
The Finishing Touch: Salt & Pepper

As with any great recipe, a pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper are essential for seasoning to taste. These simple additions bring out all the other flavors.

How to Make Creamy Coleslaw: A Simple Three-Step Process

Making this delicious creamy coleslaw is incredibly straightforward and boils down to just three easy actions. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful dish!

Step 1: Shred Your Veggies

First, prepare your cabbage and carrots. Shred them to your desired consistency – whether you prefer long, thin strands or a finer chop. A food processor with a shredding attachment, a mandoline slicer, or even a sharp knife can be used. Aim for consistent pieces for an even texture throughout your coleslaw. If you’re using store-bought coleslaw mix, you can skip this step!
Step 2: Combine the Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chopped green onions, sugar, white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), and celery salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Then, gently fold in the shredded cabbage and carrots, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Chill and Store

Once your coleslaw is mixed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive taste. Homemade coleslaw only gets better as it sits!

Shredded cabbage and carrot coleslaw in a clear glass mixing bowl with serving tongs, ready to be transferred to plates.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Coleslaw

Achieving coleslaw perfection is easy with these helpful tips:

For Extra Crispness: If you’re concerned about your cabbage becoming too soft, you can lightly salt the shredded cabbage and let it sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes. This draws out excess water. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before mixing with the dressing.
Balance is Key: Always taste and adjust your dressing. If it’s too sweet, add a splash more vinegar. If it’s too tart, a pinch more sugar can help. The perfect coleslaw has a harmonious balance of flavors.
Chilling Time Matters: While this recipe is quick, allowing the coleslaw to chill for at least an hour (or even overnight) in the refrigerator makes a significant difference. The flavors deepen and meld, creating a much more delicious outcome.
Customize Your Crunch: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cabbage! A mix of green and red cabbage adds visual appeal and a slightly different texture. You can also add other crunchy vegetables like finely diced bell peppers or radishes.
Spice it Up: For a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. A spoonful of Dijon mustard can also add a pleasant depth of flavor.
Make it Your Own: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to stir in other ingredients like chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), dried cranberries, raisins, or even thinly sliced apples for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Creamy Coleslaw

Can homemade coleslaw be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this creamy coleslaw up to a day in advance. In fact, many believe it tastes even better when made ahead because it allows ample time for all the flavors to marinate and fully develop, creating a richer, more cohesive taste.

What can I substitute for fresh cabbage and carrots?

For convenience, you can easily use one or two 14-ounce packages of pre-shredded coleslaw mix in place of individually shredding fresh cabbage and carrots. This is a great shortcut for busy days without sacrificing much flavor.

How do you store homemade coleslaw?

Leftover homemade coleslaw should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly sealed, it will maintain its freshness and creamy texture for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the vegetables may start to soften and release too much water.

How do you keep homemade coleslaw from getting watery?

If you’re concerned about having a coleslaw that’s more runny than creamy, a great trick is to lightly salt your shredded cabbage before mixing it into the base. Place the salted cabbage in a colander and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water. Then, rinse the cabbage briefly and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding it to your dressing. This significantly helps in preventing a watery coleslaw.

What can I substitute for sugar in the coleslaw recipe?

You can certainly reduce or omit the added sugar from the recipe if you prefer. To maintain a touch of sweetness, consider adding shredded or thinly sliced apples to your coleslaw instead. The natural sweetness from the fruit is a delicious and healthy addition! I often use redder apple varieties, as they tend to be naturally sweeter and add a lovely pop of color.

How can I make my coleslaw different from the norm?

This recipe provides a fantastic creamy base, and from there, the possibilities for customization are endless! Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet-tart chew, or even finely chopped dates for a unique sweetness. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Playing around with various flavors and textures is a great way to make this coleslaw truly your own signature dish!

How Should I Serve This Versatile Creamy Coleslaw?

I absolutely love serving this incredibly quick 15-minute coleslaw as a classic side dish to all my favorite BBQ recipes, but its versatility extends far beyond that! It’s truly a chameleon of sides, adapting beautifully to many meals.

Of course, it’s a perfect companion to hearty pulled pork sandwiches, adding a fresh, creamy counterpoint to the rich meat. It also pairs magnificently with these absolutely mouthwatering BBQ Marinated Chicken Kabobs, bringing a refreshing element to the grilled flavors. But why stop there? Get a little fancy and use it as a flavorful topping for your juicy burgers, savory hot dogs, or even crispy fish tacos for an added layer of texture and taste.

I’ve even heard of some creative folks who enjoy it as a dip with crunchy tortilla chips – and honestly, I can totally see why! The moral of the story here is simple: you should savor this incredible dish in whatever way brings the most joy to you (and your tastebuds!). It’s delightful on its own, a perfect side, or a fantastic topping.

Hungry for More Delicious Recipes?

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You may also enjoy trying these other fantastic backyard BBQ recipes:

BBQ Pulled Pork Gyros
Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Creamy Coleslaw

Ready in less than 15 minutes, this quick and easy coleslaw is creamy, fresh, and the perfect side to your favorite BBQ dish.

Servings:
6

Author:
Malinda Linnebur

Creamy coleslaw in a bowl, ready to serve.

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Prep Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

15 minutes

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Ingredients

▢

1
Small head of cabbage
shredded
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2
Large carrots
shredded
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¾
cup
Mayonnaise
▢

½
cup
Sour cream or plain greek yogurt
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3
Green onions
chopped
▢

3
tbs
Sugar
▢

2
tbs
White vinegar or apple cider
▢

1
tsp
Celery salt
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Season salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Shred the cabbage and carrots to your preferred consistency.
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), green onions, sugar, vinegar, and celery salt. Whisk until smooth. Then, stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots until fully coated.
Cover the coleslaw with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld.

Notes

Alternative Veggies: You can use one or two 14 oz packages of pre-shredded coleslaw mix in place of fresh cabbage and carrots for a quicker preparation.
STORAGE: Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and texture.

Nutrition

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Don’t forget to comment below and let me know what you think of this homemade creamy coleslaw! Tell me how it went over at your latest barbecue or family meal – I love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations!