This American Coleslaw is the perfect complement to your favorite backyard barbecue or summer cookout. With crisp shredded cabbage, sweet shredded carrots, and a tangy coleslaw dressing made with celery seeds and white vinegar, this creamy coleslaw is a classic side dish that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
American coleslaw is a classic side dish of shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Originating from the Dutch koolsla or "cabbage salad," it became uniquely American with the addition of mayonnaise. A staple at summer cookouts and BBQs, it’s the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tangy flavor, making it a beloved companion to grilled meats and hearty sandwiches.
Looking for more? Try my Italian Cabbage and German Potato Salad. Also check out my best ways to use leftover coleslaw.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Simple, Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses pre-shredded coleslaw mix, shredded carrots, and a tangy coleslaw dressing made with mayonnaise and celery seeds, making it easy to create a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a pulled pork sandwich topping, or a summer cookout, this creamy coleslaw is a versatile companion to all your favorite meals.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of prep time and a few simple steps, this easy coleslaw recipe is perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
🥘 Ingredients
- Coleslaw Mix: Pre-shredded cabbage and carrots make this recipe quick and easy while providing the perfect crunchy texture. Look for a fresh mix from your local grocery store for the best results.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the cabbage mixture. You can also shred your own for a fresher flavor.
- Celery Seeds: These tiny seeds pack a big punch of flavor, adding a subtle earthiness that’s key to a classic coleslaw recipe.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing that brings all the ingredients together. Use your favorite brand for the best creamy coleslaw.
- White Vinegar: Adds tangy flavor and balances the sweetness in the dressing. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier taste.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the tangy coleslaw dressing, creating the perfect balance of flavors. Adjust to taste based on your preference.
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Prepare the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, celery seeds, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dressing.
Prepare the Vegetables: Place the coleslaw mix and shredded carrots in a large bowl. If using whole cabbage, use a food processor or box grater to shred it finely before adding it to the bowl.
Combine the Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Coleslaw: Cover the large bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the coleslaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve it as a perfect side dish for BBQ chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or fish tacos. Enjoy!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tips
- For the best flavor and texture, let the American coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving—this allows the dressing to fully soak into the cabbage mixture, creating a perfectly balanced and flavorful creamy coleslaw.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes! In fact, making this American coleslaw ahead of time is a great idea. The flavors develop and meld together the longer it chills, so preparing it 1-2 days in advance will enhance its taste. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
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Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
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Equipment
- Mixing bowl (small, for dressing)
- Mixing bowl (large, for coleslaw mix)
- Whisk (for blending dressing)
- Plastic wrap (for covering)
Ingredients
- 2 10 ounce coleslaw mix
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In the small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, celery seeds, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the vegetables: Add the coleslaw mix and shredded carrots to the large mixing bowl.
- Combine: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Stir the coleslaw before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste for preferred sweetness.
- Chilling enhances flavor and texture, so don’t skip this step!
🌡️ Food safety
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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