This creamy coleslaw recipe is a classic side dish that appears at every potluck dinner and outdoor picnic. Just a hint of honey in the mayonnaise and vinegar based dressing makes this one of the best coleslaw recipes I’ve ever tasted. This coleslaw recipe uses honey to balance the vinegar, rather than sugar, which gives the dressing a bit of thickness without being overly sweet. A handful of poppy seeds give it a little unexpected crunch!
This coleslaw recipe is the simplest side dish ever
I can never decide which I prefer at a picnic or BBQ, coleslaw or potato salad, so I usually make both, because coleslaw takes less than ten minutes to make. While you can buy a head of cabbage and shred it by hand, or in the food processor, I like to buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage when I’m making coleslaw for a crowd. (This post was originally published on October 16th, 2011 and has been updated to contain nutritional information. As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive commission on qualifying purchases.)
What’s in Coleslaw Dressing?
Coleslaw dressing is a mayonnaise based dressing. Depending on whether you prefer a sweet or more tangy dressing, you can add either more honey, or more apple cider vinegar. Coleman’s dry mustard is an essential ingredient, and I wouldn’t substitute regular mustard, as it does have a different flavor profile. I use dry mustard in the same way as I use spices.
What kind of vinegar is used in coleslaw?
Apple cider vinegar is traditional used in classic cole slaw. Substituting another vinegar will give different results. Apple cider vinegar has a fruitier flavor than say, white wine or plain white vinegar.
How far in advance should you make coleslaw?
While you can certainly serve coleslaw immediately after you make it, it will be a bit crunchier. I think it tastes best if it’s had an hour or two in the fridge to absorb all the flavors.
What can you serve with coleslaw?
These slow-cooked Korean Pulled Beef Sliders are perfect with coleslaw.
If you want to add crunch to your pulled pork sliders, this is creamy coleslaw is a great topper!
Some of the items used in this post are available at my Amazon Affiliate Store
Simple Creamy Cole Slaw
Ingredients
- 6 cups cabbage Shredded. (or 1, 14 ounce bag of pre-shredded cabbage)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons honey (or more depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Taste dressing and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Toss in cabbage, mixing well to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Michelle says
This looks yummy. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday.
Cynthia says
Thanks Michelle!
Chef Mimi says
Fabulous! I love the ingredients. Sometimes I do half mayo and half sour cream. The still get the mayo zing, but then you get that freshness from the sour cream. I’m not a mayo hater!
Cynthia says
That’s a great combo too Mimi! I’ll have to try it!
Christina says
I love this kind of coleslaw, all I do differently is add lots of vinegar because I’m a vinegar fiend! Yum! Pass the bowl!
Cynthia says
Me too! I know you love your vinegar!