If you’ve been searching for a crunchy, flavorful side that’s refreshingly creamy and packed with color, you’re going to fall head over heels for The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe. This timeless dish blends crisp green and red cabbage with sweet carrot, all brought together by a luscious dressing that strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory. It’s exactly what you want alongside your summer BBQs, picnic spreads, or even a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this coleslaw lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crunchy vegetables providing texture and vibrant color, to the creamy dressing that brings it all together with a kiss of tang and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Green cabbage: Adds a crisp, slightly peppery base that holds up beautifully in the creamy dressing.
- Red cabbage: Offers a pop of color and a subtler, mildly sweet flavor for visual appeal and balance.
- Carrot: Brings natural sweetness and a vibrant orange splash, plus a little extra crunch.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy heart of the dressing, creating that luscious coating that makes every bite irresistible.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle depth and gentle heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the vinaigrette notes in the dressing perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and round out all other flavors.
- Celery seed (optional): Introduces a delicate anise-like aroma, ideal for adding an extra flavor dimension.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to lighten the dish.
How to Make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by shredding the green and red cabbage finely, then grate the carrot. Combining these fresh, crisp vegetables creates the perfect base for your coleslaw, giving it that satisfying crunch and vibrant mix of colors.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until you get a smooth, creamy dressing. This blend is the soul of The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe, balancing creaminess, acidity, and a touch of sweetness effortlessly.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Dressing
Pour your luscious dressing over the shredded vegetables in a large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until each piece is evenly coated with the creamy goodness. This step ensures every bite delivers that perfect harmony of flavors.
Step 4: Add Optional Flavor Boosters
If you love a little extra flair, sprinkle in celery seed and chopped fresh parsley. These optional ingredients bring an extra layer of aroma and a fresh herbal kick, making your coleslaw even more inviting.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Cover your bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling time is crucial for The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe, allowing the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the vegetables, elevating every forkful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After the wait, your creamy, crunchy coleslaw is ready to be the star of any meal. Serve chilled and get ready for those compliments to roll in.
How to Serve The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of celery seed work wonderfully as garnishes, enhancing both the look and the flavor profile. For a little zing, a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can make your coleslaw even more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is the ultimate companion to grilled meats like ribs, chicken, or burgers. It also pairs beautifully with fried fish or stands on its own as a refreshing snack or picnic treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your coleslaw in small mason jars or lettuce cups for individual portions. You can also pile it generously on sandwiches or tacos to add a satisfying crunch and creamy texture that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last nicely for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh while the vegetables still hold their crispness. Before serving leftovers, give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Because of its creamy nature and fresh vegetables, freezing coleslaw is not recommended. The texture and flavor likely won’t hold up after thawing, so it’s best to make only what you’ll consume within a few days.
Reheating
This recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or advised. Just bring it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based version, and ensure your mustard and honey are replaced with vegan-friendly alternatives like maple syrup. This way, you keep the creamy and tangy flavors intact.
What can I use instead of celery seed?
If you don’t have celery seed on hand, a small pinch of celery salt or even a touch of caraway seed can provide a similar aromatic quality. However, the recipe tastes fantastic even without it.
How far in advance can I prepare this coleslaw?
You can make The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe a few hours up to a day ahead of time. This actually enhances the flavor as it sits, but just be mindful it may soften slightly over time.
Can I adjust the sweetness in the dressing?
Definitely! The honey in the dressing is adjustable based on your taste preference. If you like it tangier, reduce the honey slightly; for a sweeter coleslaw, add a bit more.
Is it possible to add other vegetables to this coleslaw?
Yes, feel free to customize by adding thinly sliced bell peppers, green onions, or even a bit of shredded apple for extra crunch and flavor variation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe that it quickly becomes a treasured classic in your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and delivers big on both taste and texture. Give it a try for your next gathering or family meal—you’re going to love the freshness and creaminess packed into every bite.
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The Best Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic, creamy coleslaw recipe featuring shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and a tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. This old-fashioned coleslaw is perfect as a refreshing side dish, made ahead and chilled to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
- 1 small head of red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and grated carrot to form the base of your coleslaw.
- Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly with the creamy dressing.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, stir in celery seed and chopped fresh parsley to enhance the flavor and add texture.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, improving the taste and texture.
- Serve: Serve the coleslaw chilled as a refreshing side dish with your favorite meals.
Notes
- For best results, shred the cabbage finely to ensure a crisp, easy-to-eat texture.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
- The salad can be made up to a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Celery seed adds a subtle, aromatic flavor but can be omitted if not available.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note to the coleslaw.
