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Creamy coleslaw - Featured

Amazing Creamy Coleslaw in 15 Minutes

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July 14, 2025

Oh, coleslaw! It’s one of those dishes that just *makes* a meal, isn’t it? Whether you’re piling pork on a bun or digging into some crispy fried chicken, a good creamy coleslaw is pretty much non-negotiable. I’ve always loved how a simple bowl of cabbage and dressing can bring so much life to the table. It reminds me of those easy, joyful meals Catherine talks about, where the focus is just on good food and good company. Trust me, this creamy coleslaw recipe is the one you’ll be reaching for again and again. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s just plain delicious!

Why This Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is a Must-Try

So, why should you make *this* creamy coleslaw recipe? Honestly, it’s a total winner for so many reasons:

  • Super Easy & Quick: Seriously, you can whip this up in about 15 minutes. It’s my go-to when I need a last-minute side dish.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavor: It hits that sweet spot with just the right amount of tangy vinegar, creamy mayo, and a hint of sweetness. So good!
  • Always a Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, this coleslaw disappears fast. It’s *the* perfect side dish!
  • So Versatile: It’s not just for pulled pork! Try it with burgers, fried chicken, or even potato salad. It just works.

Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Coleslaw

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing creamy coleslaw! It’s all about simple ingredients that come together perfectly. You really only need a handful of things.

First up, you absolutely need about half a head of fresh green cabbage. Make sure it’s nice and crisp! You’ll also want one medium carrot, and we’ll just shred that up. For the dressing, which is the heart of our creamy coleslaw, grab about a quarter cup of good quality mayonnaise. Then, we’ll add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for that lovely tang, a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out, and just a half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to make all the flavors pop. That’s it! Simple, right?

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Coleslaw

Alright, now for the fun part – putting it all together! Making this creamy coleslaw is honestly super straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get that perfect, classic flavor. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have the best coleslaw ready in no time!

Prepare the Cabbage and Carrot Base

First things first, grab your big mixing bowl. Dump in that shredded cabbage and your shredded carrot. Give them a quick little toss just to make sure they’re all mixed up and ready for their dressing bath.

Mix the Creamy Dressing

Now, in a smaller bowl, let’s get that dressing going. Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is nice and smooth – no lumps allowed!

Combine and Toss

Pour that glorious, creamy dressing all over your cabbage and carrot mixture. Now, using tongs or a couple of big spoons, toss it all together really well. You want to make sure every single bit of that lovely crunch is coated in that yummy dressing.

Chill for Optimal Flavor

This is super important! Once everything is tossed, cover that bowl up and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those wonderful flavors get friendly with each other and really makes a difference in how amazing your creamy coleslaw tastes.

Tips for the Best Creamy Coleslaw

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s talk about how to make this creamy coleslaw *really* shine. A few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely amazing! First off, if you want that super-fine, almost feathery shred for your cabbage and carrot, don’t be afraid of your food processor. Just use the shredding disc, and wow, it makes a difference!

And for extra flavor? A tiny pinch of celery seed added to the dressing is my little secret weapon. It just adds this subtle, savory depth that’s lovely with the creamy dressing. Also, don’t skimp on that chilling time – it really lets those flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Coleslaw

You know, sometimes you might not have exactly what the recipe called for, and that’s totally okay! For our creamy coleslaw, if you don’t have apple cider vinegar, a good white vinegar or even red wine vinegar works in a pinch. Just add a little at a time until it tastes right to you. And if you’re not a fan of sugar, a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup can sweeten it up too! The key is to taste as you go. That’s the best way to make it yours.

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Coleslaw

This creamy coleslaw is practically a superstar sidekick for all your favorite comfort foods! It’s absolutely divine piled high on pulled pork sandwiches, perfectly complements crispy fried chicken, and is a must-have for any burger night. Honestly, it makes almost any meal feel like a proper feast!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Coleslaw

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This glorious creamy coleslaw keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s actually even better the next day! I usually just pop it back into its original bowl, cover it up tight, and it’s good for about 3-4 days. Since it’s dressing-based, there’s no real need to reheat it – just give it a good stir and enjoy it cold!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Coleslaw

Can I make this creamy coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s one of the best things about this easy coleslaw recipe. It actually tastes even better if you make it a few hours ahead of time, or even the day before. Letting it chill allows all those yummy flavors to really meld together beautifully, deepening that creamy goodness.

What makes coleslaw creamy?

The creaminess in this classic creamy coleslaw recipe comes primarily from the mayonnaise! We also use a touch of apple cider vinegar mixed with the mayo, sugar, salt, and pepper. It creates that perfectly smooth, rich dressing that coats every piece of cabbage and carrot. It’s a simple dressing, but it’s so effective!

How long does creamy coleslaw last in the fridge?

This quick creamy coleslaw will keep nicely in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. It stays fresh and delicious, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch! It’s perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.

Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw?

You totally can! While this is my favorite simple, classic version, feel free to get creative. Some shredded red cabbage adds a nice color contrast, or you could toss in some finely chopped celery for an extra crunch. Either way, this recipe is a fantastic base for whatever your heart (or pantry) desires!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Coleslaw

You know, folks always ask about the nitty-gritty, so here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with this delicious creamy coleslaw. Remember, these are just estimates, because really, who knows exactly how much mayo *I* put in? Ha! Based on our recipe, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories per serving.

We’ve got about 13g of fat in there, with 2g being saturated fat, and then about 9g of carbohydrates. It’s also got 1g of fiber and 1g of protein. Sugar comes in around 8g and sodium about 300mg. It’s just a good, flavorful side that adds so much to your plate without being too heavy!

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Creamy Coleslaw

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A classic creamy coleslaw recipe perfect as a side dish for BBQ or fried chicken.

  • Author: Cat
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrot.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture.
  4. Toss well to coat evenly.
  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a finer shred, use a food processor with a shredding disc.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar to your taste preference.
  • Add a pinch of celery seed for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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Catherine Valdès is the creator, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Unfold Recipes. With a rich heritage blending Spanish traditions and Californian sensibilities, she believes that every meal has a story. After leaving a successful career in public relations to pursue her passion, Catherine honed her skills in a professional culinary arts program. Her focus is on creating approachable yet elegant recipes that inspire confidence in the kitchen. She combines her expertise in recipe development with a love for wine pairing and effortless entertaining, showing her audience how to create beautiful, delicious meals to share with loved ones.

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