This Homemade Coleslaw is crispy, crunchy and wrapped in a dreamy creamy dressing. Better still, it’s so simple to make!
Admittedly growing up coleslaw was my nemesis, as my experience was usually wet, sloppy store-bought coleslaw. Today we change that. Follow me…
Creamy Coleslaw
We’ll start with the ‘creamy’ part and get to the crunchy aspect of this coleslaw in just a sec. A homemade coleslaw is an incredibly simple recipe with few ingredients. As such, it’s important to chose the right ingredients to bring out the best in it. For the creamy dressing here’s what you’ll need:
Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients
- Mayo – I recommend a whole egg full fat mayo for the best flavour, no messing around with light or reduced fat!
- Sour Cream – This is what makes this dressing nice and creamy.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a very gentle background heat.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Cuts through the richness of the dressing.
- Sugar – Balances out the flavours.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’ll keep tightly covered in the fridge for at least 5-6 days (longer at your discretion). The longer it rests the more the flavours will actually marry together.
Crunchy Coleslaw
Ever made the most glorious coleslaw, popped it in the fridge then a couple hours later it’s swimming in a pond of watery mayo? Yep, we’ve all been there. I do 100% recommend coleslaw ahead of time because it marries the flavours together. But this brings with it the obvious flaw of it turning soggy. The reason the coleslaw turns soggy is because the salt draws out all the moisture from the veg.
How do you stop coleslaw from going soggy?
The key to preventing the veg from leaking out moisture is to salt it before you add the dressing. If you pop the veg in a colander and toss through salt and let it sit for an hour or so, you’ll see a ton of liquid leak out of the colander. From there just give the veg a squeeze then combine with your dressing. You’ll notice you can store the coleslaw A LOT longer without it turning into a soup. The veg will also stay crunchier much longer.
What veg to use in coleslaw?
For me all you need is cabbage, carrot and spring onion. No other veg necessary!
Should coleslaw be served cold?
You serve at room temp, but I mush prefer it straight from the fridge. Just give it a good stir before you serve!
How long does Coleslaw last?
You can store freshly made coleslaw in the fridge for up to a week!
How to serve coleslaw?
It goes great with burgers and hot dogs, awesome with pulled pork and of course great inside or next to a Sandwich.
If you love the look of this coleslaw then be sure to stop by my Best Ever Potato Salad!
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this dreamy creamy coleslaw shall we?!
How to make Homemade Coleslaw (Full Recipe & Video)
Crisp & Creamy Coleslaw
Equipment
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
- Small Mixing Bowl (for dressing)
- Large Mixing Bowl & Salad Tossers (or Spatula)
- Box Grater (for carrots)
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 120g Full Fat Mayo
- 1/2 cup / 120g Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper, or to taste
Coleslaw
- 1 small Green Cabbage (approx 1.6lb/750g BEFORE cored/peeled)
- 2-3 medium Carrots (1 medium carrot is approx 75g/2.5oz)
- 2-3 Spring/Green Onions
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup mayo & sour cream with 1 tbsp dijon mustard & apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp & 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste).
- Peel outer layer of cabbage if damaged, then slice in to quarters. Use your knife to slice out the firm cores from those quarters, then finely slice the cabbage into long shards. Shred carrots on a box grated and squeeze out as much moisture as you can over the sink. Slice spring onion, then add everything to a large bowl.
- Pour dressing into the veg and toss to coat. Best served after resting in the fridge for an hour to marry the flavours (give it a quick toss before serving). Even better rested overnight, just I recommend removing moisture from the veg first (see notes).
Look good, I’m going to make it. Why is the Calories from Fat (145) higher than the Calories (138)?
Lots of crunchy veggies and creamy texture. Can enjoy it by itself or as a sandwich spread or as a crunchy salad too. Delicious…
Thanks Veena 🙂
I made the dressing without the sugar and my finicky with really liked it. I will keep this as a go to for family get togethers.
This is definitely creamy but very delicious and easy to make too.
Absolutely!
My mom LOVES coleslaw and she would so enjoy this – looking forward to making this tasty treat soon!
Hope it goes down well! 🙂
Coleslaw is a classic for a reason – so tasty and refreshing.
Agreed!!
Coleslaw is one of my favourite salads and this sounds like a really creamy and delicious version. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re so welcome 🙂