The Best Homemade Easy Coleslaw Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade coleslaw recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering a fresh and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just starting out, it’s simple to make and packed with flavor.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days.
- Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, adding more sweetness or tang as you like.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with BBQ, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.
Recipe

This homemade coleslaw recipe is a classic side dish that’s crisp, creamy, and perfect for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients for a revitalizing and tangy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture.
- Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
- If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- To save time, you can use pre-shredded coleslaw mix from the store.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Grater
- Knife or mandoline slicer
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
Cuisine
American
Serving
Serves 6-8 as a side dish.
Nutrition
Coleslaw is a versatile and nutritious dish, offering a mix of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbs | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 10% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 2% DV |
What To Serve With It
This coleslaw pairs perfectly with BBQ dishes, adding a crisp, tangy contrast to smoky ribs or pulled pork. I love stuffing it into sandwiches or burgers for extra crunch—it brightens up even the simplest meal. If you’re serving fried chicken or fish tacos, a scoop on the side brings everything together.
BBQ Dishes
When I’m firing up the grill, I always think about sides that’ll make the meal pop, and nothing complements BBQ quite like the right dishes. A tangy homemade coleslaw is my go-to because it cuts through the richness of smoked ribs or pulled pork. I love pairing it with cornbread, baked beans, or even grilled veggies for a balanced plate. The crunch of the coleslaw adds freshness, while its creamy dressing ties everything together. Don’t forget to throw in some potato salad or mac and cheese for extra comfort. These dishes turn a simple BBQ into a feast everyone remembers.
Sandwiches & Burgers
While BBQ sides like coleslaw and baked beans are a treat, sometimes I’m in the mood for something handheld, like a juicy burger or a stacked sandwich. Coleslaw is perfect for adding a crunchy, tangy bite to these meals. I love piling it onto a classic pulled pork sandwich or a crispy fried chicken burger—it gives that extra freshness and texture. For a lighter option, I’ll toss it into a turkey or veggie wrap. Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong. Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a quick lunch, coleslaw just makes sandwiches and burgers even better.