Classic creamy coleslaw is a timeless side dish that adds a perfect crunch to your favorite meals. It’s a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and just the right tanginess to balance flavors. From barbecues to family gatherings, this homemade version elevates your experience beyond any deli-style dish you’ve encountered. The sheer creaminess combined with the crispness of lush green cabbage and vibrant carrots makes this coleslaw a constant crowd-pleaser.

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)

I still remember the first time I decided to make coleslaw from scratch. Instead of the usual store-bought options, I wanted something that truly reflected the fresh, vibrant ingredients of summer. The moment I took that first bite, I felt proud of my creation. There’s something inherently satisfying about making your own food, especially when it tastes so much better than anything you can buy. I can’t wait for you to experience this creamy, satisfying Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style) at your next meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 10 minutes of prep, plus chilling time!
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes every bite deliciously addictive.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of shredded carrots and green cabbage create a visually stunning dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side for barbecues, picnics, or even as a topping for sandwiches.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjustable for gluten-free diets by checking the mayo ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups): This is the backbone of our coleslaw. Green cabbage offers a satisfying crunch; feel free to substitute with red cabbage for a colorful twist.
1 cup shredded carrots: They add sweetness and a pop of color. Pre-shredded carrots are a handy option if you’re short on time.
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: This gives that necessary tang. You can swap it for white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar: This sweetens the dressing and balances the vinegar. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
1 cup mayonnaise: Creaminess is key! Using a good quality mayonnaise will elevate the flavor; consider Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
½ teaspoon celery seed: This adds a subtle, unique flavor that hints at classic deli-style recipes. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it!
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning. Taste and adjust to your liking!

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

Prep the Vegetables: Toss the shredded cabbage with the shredded carrots in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, mixing it well. Allow the mixture to sit in a colander set over another bowl for about 1 hour, enabling it to drain excess moisture.
Rinse and Dry: After the hour is up, discard the collected water, rinse the cabbage and carrots to remove excess salt, and dry them well using a salad spinner or by patting between layers of paper towels. Place the dried mixture back into the large bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Then, whisk in 1 cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon celery seed, and a pinch of kosher salt (about ¼ teaspoon) with ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Mix well to coat all the vegetables evenly. Feel free to adjust the dressing amount based on how creamy you want your coleslaw. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and let the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This lets the flavors meld beautifully. Give it a good stir before serving. Enjoy your coleslaw within 3 days for the best taste!

Storing & Reheating

To store coleslaw, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember, freezing may change its texture slightly, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. When ready to eat, just give it a good stir, and it might benefit from a little fresh dressing to bring back that creamy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

If your coleslaw seems too salty, reduces the salt next time and rinse the cabbage more thoroughly.
For best flavor, use fresh vegetables; they make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
Use a large bowl for your mixing to prevent spills.
Feel free to customize with add-ins like diced apples, raisins, or even chopped nuts for extra texture.
Prepare it ahead of time! It even gets better as it sits and melds together in the refrigerator.

Every time I serve this Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style), I’m reminded of summer gatherings and family celebrations. The vibrant crunch paired with the creamy dressing makes for a dish that never disappoints. People often ask for the recipe, and I love knowing that I’m sharing something delicious that has become a staple in my kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

How long can I store coleslaw in the fridge?

Homemade coleslaw can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making coleslaw a few hours in advance is recommended, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just give it a stir before serving to refresh the dressing!

What can I add to my coleslaw for extra flavor?

Try adding diced apples, pineapple, or even some crushed pineapple for a sweet twist. You can also incorporate ingredients like cilantro or jalapeños to spice things up!

Is this coleslaw gluten-free?

Yes, this Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style) is gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free mayonnaise. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are safe for your diet.

Savor this creamy delight that promises to elevate any meal. I’m excited for you to create a batch and share it with family and friends! Enjoy your cooking adventures!

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Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style)

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Author: Jennifer
Prep Time: 140 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Classic Creamy Coleslaw (Better Than Deli-Style) is a must-try! With its crisp cabbage, bright carrots, and creamy dressing, it’s perfect for picnics or as a side for any meal. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this coleslaw recipe will elevate your dining experience.

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

Toss shredded cabbage with carrots and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt in a mesh colander set in a large bowl. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 hour.
Discard the accumulated water in the bowl, then rinse the cabbage and carrots. Dry them well using a salad spinner or between paper towels on a baking sheet. Return the dried mixture to the large bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Whisk in the mayonnaise, celery seed, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper.
Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
Cover the coleslaw and chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, stirring before serving. The coleslaw can be stored covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

For a crunchier texture, ensure the cabbage mixture is well dried before adding the dressing.
Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar based on your taste preferences for sweetness and tartness.
This coleslaw pairs perfectly with grilled dishes or as a sandwich topping.