Classic Coleslaw (2024)

This easy coleslaw recipe is the answer to your question, “What can I make that’s crunchy and a little creamy, but has enough vinegary pizzaz to keep things light and bright?”

It’s precisely the colorful and cooling side your hot chicken dinner needs, which makes sense, considering the recipe was created by the brain trust at the iconic Hattie B’s in Nashville. (Though this homemade coleslaw is also excellent with pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and just about anything else you might enjoy at a backyard barbecue or potluck.)

It’s packed with shredded cabbage and julienned carrots (for health!) and tossed in the holy triumvirate of coleslaw dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar for acidity, honey for balance, and mayonnaise to tie it all together (feel free to substitute up to half the mayo for tangier Greek yogurt or sour cream for an even brighter punch).

While many grocery stores sell bags of pre-shredded coleslaw mix and shredded carrots, they often sit on the shelf for too long and dry out, so do the work yourself if you have time. After you quarter and core the cabbage, you can thinly slice it with a knife, mandoline, or the slicing blade of a food processor. For the carrots, a box grater also works.

Toss the cabbage mixture with the creamy dressing and pop everything into an airtight container and chill. Like many slaw recipes, this one’s best when allowed to sit for a bit.

Ingredients

1

cup mayonnaise

Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or white vinegar

1

Tbsp. honey

¾

tsp. celery seeds

1

tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt

½

tsp. freshly ground black pepper

½

medium green cabbage, very thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

½

medium red cabbage, very thinly sliced (about 4 cups)

2

medium carrots, peeled; julienned or grated

Classic Coleslaw (2024)

FAQs

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

It's packed with shredded cabbage and julienned carrots (for health!) and tossed in the holy triumvirate of coleslaw dressing ingredients: apple cider vinegar for acidity, honey for balance, and mayonnaise to tie it all together (feel free to substitute up to half the mayo for tangier Greek yogurt or sour cream for an ...

What can I add to store-bought coleslaw to make it taste better? ›

<br/><br/>Adding horse radish or onion or celery seeds or bacon bits or some other tasty flavors to make it your own is a really good idea.

Is it okay to eat coleslaw every day? ›

Yes. Coleslaw can absolutely be part of a healthy eating plan as long as you choose your dressing carefully.

Is coleslaw good for your gut? ›

Slaw – what are the benefits number 1

The fibre passes through the stomach undigested giving friendly bacteria species like bifidobacterial and lactobacilli food to digest in your gut (meaning that cabbage is a natural “prebiotic”).

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

How to pimp up shop bought coleslaw? ›

The contrasting textures will intensify it. You can add many things to it as well for taste, if it is vinagry and tangy, then add sweet to it i.e- diced apples, raisins, craisins (my favorite), mandarin oranges, currents.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What makes coleslaw go bad? ›

Even if the coleslaw was stored in the refrigerator prior to serving, it could quickly dip into what food safety rules call the "Danger Zone" after being set out. The danger zone is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit; this is the range of temperatures where bacteria thrive.

What is the healthiest cabbage to eat? ›

However, the purple variety is richer in beneficial plant compounds that have been linked to health benefits, such as stronger bones and a healthier heart. Purple cabbage is also thought to lower inflammation and protect against certain types of cancers.

Is coleslaw a carb or protein? ›

Coleslaw (1 tbsp) contains 1g total carbs, 0.9g net carbs, 0.2g fat, 0.1g protein, and 6 calories.

Which is healthier, coleslaw or sauerkraut? ›

Sauerkraut is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Its probiotics also help your body absorb these nutrients more easily, which is what makes sauerkraut more nutritious than raw cabbage or coleslaw.

What foods are hardest on the gut? ›

11 Foods to Avoid When You're Having Digestive Problems
  • Some people treat their bodies like a Ferrari; others, like a clunker. ...
  • Dairy Products. ...
  • Acidic Foods. ...
  • Fatty Foods. ...
  • Fried Foods. ...
  • Processed Foods. ...
  • Artificial Sweetener. ...
  • Alcohol.
Jun 21, 2017

What does coleslaw contain? ›

The only consistent ingredient in coleslaw is raw cabbage, while other ingredients and dressings vary widely. Some popular variations include adding red cabbage, pepper, shredded carrots, onions, grated cheese, pineapple, pears, or apples, and using salad dressings like mayonnaise or cream.

What is the difference between cabbage slaw and coleslaw? ›

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

What are the ingredients in shop bought coleslaw? ›

Ingredients. INGREDIENTS: Cabbage, Carrot, Mayonnaise Dressing (15%) [Rapeseed Oil, Water, Spirit Vinegar, Sugar, Pasteurised Egg Yolk, Salt, White Wine Vinegar, Stabilisers (Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum), Concentrated Lemon Juice, Mustard Flour, Brown Mustard Seed], Onion.

What is creamy coleslaw made of? ›

Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth! Then, combine the veggies. Add the scallions, red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrot to a large bowl, and toss to combine.

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