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Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

4.8 from 85 reviews

This Old-Fashioned Creamy Coleslaw is a classic side dish featuring fresh shredded green cabbage and grated carrots tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar and spices. Perfectly crunchy and flavorful, it’s a traditional favorite for barbecues, picnics, or as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, grated

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Shred the cabbage finely and grate the carrots using a grater, aiming for thin, uniform pieces to maximize the crunch and texture of your coleslaw.
  2. Mixing the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
  3. Combining Ingredients: Add the shredded cabbage and grated carrots into the bowl containing the dressing, ensuring all the vegetables will be coated evenly.
  4. Tossing Together: Gently toss the cabbage and carrots with the dressing until every piece is well coated with the creamy mixture, making sure not to bruise the vegetables.
  5. Chill: For best flavor, cover the coleslaw and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes allowing the ingredients to meld and the flavors to deepen.
  6. Serving: Before serving, give the coleslaw a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and enjoy a crisp, creamy, and flavorful salad.

Notes

  • For crunchier coleslaw, use fresh, crisp cabbage and grate the carrots finely.
  • You can substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener variation.
  • If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the mayonnaise and substitute part of it with Greek yogurt.
  • Make sure not to overdress the coleslaw to keep the perfect balance of creaminess and crunch.
  • Coleslaw is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Creamy coleslaw, old-fashioned coleslaw, classic coleslaw recipe, green cabbage salad, creamy cabbage salad, picnic side dish, barbecue side, tangy coleslaw