Easy Coleslaw Recipe

This Easy Coleslaw Recipe combines finely shredded cabbage, sweet carrots, and a zesty, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice and vinegar for the perfect balance of flavors.

Chill it for a few hours, and you’ll have a crisp, refreshing coleslaw that’s ready to elevate burgers, sandwiches or your favorite BBQ dishes.

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It’s a simple, make-ahead recipe that’s sure to become a staple at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Coleslaw Recipe

• Crisp and refreshing: Finely shredded cabbage and carrots create a crunchy, satisfying base.
• Balanced creamy dressing: Mayonnaise, buttermilk, milk, vinegar and lemon juice blend into a tangy-sweet coating.
• Simple to prep: Minimal chopping and mixing make this a quick side for any meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Refrigerating allows flavors to meld, making it perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

This easy coleslaw recipe delivers a crisp, creamy and tangy salad that’s simple to prepare and always crowd-pleasing.

What Pairs Well with Easy Coleslaw

This crisp, creamy slaw pairs beautifully with savory mains and refreshing sides that complement its tangy-sweet flavor:

• Grilled chicken or fried chicken: The crunchy, creamy slaw balances rich, savory meats.
• Pulled pork or barbecue ribs: Tangy coleslaw cuts through smoky, saucy dishes.
• Sandwiches or burgers: Adds texture and brightness to handheld meals.
• Cornbread or dinner rolls: Light, slightly sweet breads complement the slaw’s creaminess.
• Iced tea or lemonade: Refreshing drinks highlight the fresh, zesty flavors of the slaw.

These pairings make Easy Coleslaw perfect for picnics, cookouts or weeknight dinners.

Where Did Coleslaw Originate

Coleslaw has a long history that begins in the Netherlands, where it was originally called “koolsla” — a simple salad made of shredded cabbage, vinegar and sometimes oil.

Dutch settlers brought this dish to America in the 17th and 18th centuries, where it quickly adapted to local tastes.

In the U.S., coleslaw evolved into two main styles:

• Vinegar-based coleslaw: Crisp, tangy and slightly acidic, often popular in barbecue and Southern cuisine.
• Mayonnaise-based coleslaw: Creamy and rich, which became especially popular in the 20th century with the rise of convenience foods.

Over time, variations added ingredients like carrots, onions, apples and spices, making coleslaw a versatile side dish served with everything from sandwiches to fried chicken.

Its name literally means “cabbage salad,” and it remains a global favorite because of its refreshing crunch and ability to complement rich or fried foods.

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

This easy coleslaw recipe combines crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing side dish.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 5 hours
Total time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

For Classic Rugelach, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large mixing bowl: to mix and beat the dough ingredients
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: to cream butter, cream cheese, and sugar
• Spatula: to scrape down the sides of the bowl and beaters
• Measuring cups and spoons: for accurate ingredient measurements
• Plastic wrap: to wrap and chill the dough disks
• Rolling pin: to roll dough into even circles
• Small mixing bowl: to combine sugar and cinnamon for the filling
• Knife or pizza cutter: to cut dough rounds into wedges
• Rimmed baking sheets: to bake the rugelach
• Parchment paper: to prevent sticking and ease cleanup

These tools help make shaping, filling and baking Classic Rugelach smooth and stress-free, with beautiful results every time.

Ingredients

These ingredients combine to make a creamy and flavorful coleslaw with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet and savory notes.

• 1 head finely shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup finely diced or shredded carrots
• 2 Tablespoons minced onion
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice

How To Make Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Combine cabbage, carrots, and onion in a large bowl.

Toss all well.

Mix all the other ingredients in a separate bowl.

Pouring mixture over cabbage, mix thoroughly.

Cover bowl and place in refrigerator for 5 hours.

More Coleslaw Recipes

Discover more coleslaw recipes that bring fresh, crunchy flavor to your meals.

• Best Coleslaw Salad Recipe
• Fresh Pineapple Coleslaw
• Best Classic Coleslaw Recipe
• Easy Oil and Vinegar Coleslaw
• Honey Dill Coleslaw
• Zucchini Coleslaw

Pair coleslaw with Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders for the perfect treat!

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