Old Fashioned Cole Slaw

Looking for a timeless coleslaw that’s just like grandma’s? This old fashioned coleslaw recipe uses classic ingredients like fresh cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing to make a tangy, satisfying side dish perfect for backyard barbecues, potluck dinners, or even a weeknight family meal. 

Whether you’re pairing it with pork sandwiches, hot dogs, or BBQ ribs, this coleslaw brings the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and flavor. Plus, it’s simple to make with ingredients you can easily find at your grocery store.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Taste: This creamy coleslaw combines green and red cabbage, giving it a beautiful color and authentic flavor.
• Simple and Versatile: With basic ingredients, it’s an easy coleslaw recipe that pairs well with almost any main dish.
• Perfect for Gatherings: A great addition to summer potlucks, backyard barbecues, or family gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepping ahead and storing in an airtight container enhances its flavor by the next day, making it even tastier for leftovers.
• Customizable Ingredients: Use store-bought coleslaw mix if you’re short on time, or add apple cider vinegar for an extra tangy twist.

This is the best coleslaw salad recipe for a barbecue or picnic, in my opinion. It goes great with fish tacos, BBQ ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork tacos and sandwiches.

There is just something about paring the slightly sweet and tangy crunchy coleslaw with a favorite main dish that is fabulous

While, this coleslaw dressing recipe is mayonnaise-based, but you can make it with yogurt as well.

Ingredients for homemade coleslaw

• Pepper
• Green cabbage
• Red cabbage
• Carrots
• Chopped onion
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Sugar
• White vinegar
• Celery salt
• Salt

I like to make it ahead of time and have it ready when I need it. I also have a light coleslaw dressing that is delicious!

Other great takeaway salads are this creamy macaroni salad, or this Broccoli pepper salad.

How to make homemade coleslaw

1. Shred cabbages and place in a large bowl.
2. Peel carrots and grate.
3. Add carrots to bowl.
4. Note: You can substitute a bag of coleslaw mix for the first three ingredients.
5. In a small bowl, mix together other ingredients for dressing.
6. Pour dressing mixture over cabbage mix and mix together.
7. Season to taste and add more salt or sugar, if desired.
8. Chill at least 1 hour prior to serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Choose Fresh Cabbage: For a crunchy coleslaw, use a fresh head of cabbage. Shred it yourself with a mandoline slicer, food processor, box grater or lettuce knife.
• Balance the Flavors: This recipe uses white vinegar for tanginess and sugar for a hint of sweetness. Adjust these to match your taste preference or try substituting with apple cider vinegar for a more intense flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Let your coleslaw chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the cabbage mixture to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
• Avoid Overdressing: Add just enough dressing to coat the cabbage. Too much can make it soggy, so adjust according to your preferred creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the Mayo: While this coleslaw dressing recipe is mayonnaise-based, you can make it with yogurt as well.
• Bag of Coleslaw Mix: Substitute a pre-shredded bag of coleslaw mix for cabbage and carrots to save time.
• Dressing Options: Use Miracle Whip for a lighter, tangier dressing, or try homemade mayonnaise for a more traditional taste.
• Add-Ins: Mix in a handful of shredded broccoli slaw or diced green pepper for extra crunch and flavor.
• Tangy Twist: For vinegar-based coleslaw, increase the vinegar and reduce the sugar for a tangier version that’s low-carb and pairs well with potato salad or BBQ.
• Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of dry mustard or Dijon mustard to the dressing to give it a mild kick.

FAQs About Old Fashioned Coleslaw

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