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Home » Recipes » Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy Coleslaw

Modified: Feb 26, 2025 · Published: May 14, 2024 by Rufus · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

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Creamy Coleslaw is a true get-your-friends-together-for-a-bbq, outdoor party side dish classic. It's crunchy and tangy and is the perfect accompaniment for everything from pulled-pork sliders to fried fish. This recipe also comes together in just a few minutes - a wonderfully delicious side dish that takes almost zero effort?! Sign me up!

Let's get started!

Jump to:
  • ingredients
  • how to make creamy coleslaw
  • what to serve with creamy coleslaw
  • frequently asked questions
  • Creamy Coleslaw

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details. 

creamy coleslaw in a white serving bowl with serving utensils

ingredients

  • Green Cabbage
  • Red Cabbage
  • Carrot
  • Mayonaise
  • Apple Cider Vinegar
  • Maple Syrup
  • Whole Grain Mustard
  • Chives
  • Celery Seed
  • Salt and Pepper

how to make creamy coleslaw

The name of this game is shred, chop, and mix. That's basically all you have to do for my creamy coleslaw! And, if you need to make this in a super hurry, store bought coleslaw mix is gonna be your best friend!

the shred and the chop

I make the shredding part of this recipe easy on myself and use a food processor. This handy dandy machine makes quick work of the cabbage and is a kitchen equipment essential. I highly recommend you get one if you don't have one already! You could also use a box grater to shred the veggies!

To make this step easy on yourself, I would suggest cutting the cabbage into chunks before adding it to the food processor. The carrot can go through the food processor or you can make ribbons out of it using a vegetable peeler. I do whatever I feel like that day!

The chives are the only thing I would recommend not putting through the food processor. Just give those a rough chop and they will be good to go!

mixy mixy

The creamy coleslaw dressing is made of pantry and fridge staples and could not be more simple to put together.

Add the mayo, mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and celery seed to a bowl and mix. Taste and season with salt and pepper per your taste. That's it!

toss

Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl (make sure it's plenty big to toss everything together...no one needs a massive mess!), toss the veggies, chives, and dressing until combined. Told you this was easy!

large aluminum mixing bowl with freshly tossed creamy coleslaw

what to serve with creamy coleslaw

The question is, what are you going to serve with your wonderfully creamy coleslaw?

As I type this, I am preparing to smoke a pork butt the size of a small Volkswagen. Once it cooks to fall apart tender goodness, I'll serve it on slider buns, top with the coleslaw and drizzle with my Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce. This is a simple meal that will feed a crowd...a very happy crowd!

Other serving ideas for this creamy coleslaw include:

  • Burgers
  • Fish Frys
  • For A Church Potluck Sidedish
  • Smoked Brisket and/or Ribs
  • Shrimp/Fish Tacos
  • Any Outdoor Dining Situation (like a picnic or family BBQ)

The sky is the limit to what you can serve with this. Have fun with it and let me know about your own ideas!

frequently asked questions

Is this creamy coleslaw recipe gluten-free and/or dairy-free?

This recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free! No need to substitute anything for these dietary needs!

Can this slaw be made vegan?

I have a friend who is vegan so I am always thinking of ways for her to enjoy my recipes. Use vegan mayo and stick with the maple syrup and you have a vegan slaw!

Serve this with a little BBQ pulled jackfruit and my Carolina Mustard BBQ Sauce and everyone can enjoy an afternoon cookout!

Do I have to use maple syrup as a sweetener?

Creamy coleslaw needs just a little sweet to balance out the tang, but you absolutely do not have to use maple syrup. You use what you like and what you have on hand. You can even sprinkle a little plain white sugar for the sweetener! Other ideas include:

Honey - I feel like most people have this on hand.
Peach or Apple Jam/Jelly - This would be sooo good served alongside a pulled pork!
Monkfruit sweetener - For those of you watching the carbs
Brown Sugar - This would add an almost caramel sweetness

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

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If you guys make this Creamy Coleslaw, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!

creamy coleslaw in a white serving bowl with serving utensils

Creamy Coleslaw

Print Recipe
Classic coleslaw is crunchy and tangy and the perfect side for all of your classic cookout fare. Simple and delicious! Try it now!
Keyword cole slaw recipe, creamy cole slaw
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Servings 8 people
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Equipment

  • vegetable peeler
  • food processor
  • chef's knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowls
  • spatula

Ingredients

Coleslaw Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Coleslaw

  • ½ green cabbage, finely sliced or shredded
  • ⅓ red cabbage, finely sliced or shredded
  • 3 carrots, finely sliced or shredded
  • 1 bunch chives, finely diced

Instructions

  • Mix all of coleslaw dressing ingredients together and set aside.
  • Toss cabbage, carrots, and chives together.
  • Toss veggies and dressing together until combined.
  • Serve immediately or store in fridge until ready to serve.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 235mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4309IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Thank you!

I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my creamy coleslaw recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Happy Cooking!

-Rufus

Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links. 

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Hey, I'm Rufus!

I’m Ruth aka Rufus, your resident pot stirrer and comfort-food enthusiast.

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