This easy coleslaw recipe is made coleslaw mix and a homemade dressing that is sweet, tangy and creamy. It’s my favorite go-to recipe for picnics, potlucks and BBQs.
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Easy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
This easy homemade coleslaw is one of my favorite things to bring to a BBQ. The dressing gives it great flavor and the cabbage stays nice and crisp. It’s one of those dishes that I can always throw together in a pinch, along with my caprese salad, easy pasta salad and watermelon salad.
Coleslaw is one of those traditional salad recipes that’s great to bring to a cookout or picnic. It’s easy, quick and requires only 5 ingredients. Talk about the perfect side dish to whip up when you’re in a hurry!
I love to mix in lime juice and cilantro with my coleslaw, then use it to top a kalua pork slider or BBQ pork sandwich. Seriously one of my go to dinners in the summer time!
Recipe Ingredients
This coleslaw recipe consists primarily of shredded cabbage, carrots and radicchio with a creamy dressing. It is NOT drowned with mayo because there’s nothing worse than a soggy coleslaw!
- Coleslaw: I love to use a bag of coleslaw mix for convenience, but you could chop up a head of cabbage, carrots and raddiacho too.
- Mayonnaise: I add in about 1/3 cup mayo. If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, feel free to add more.
- Vinegar: Cider vinegar or white vinegar both work great.
- Lemon or lime juice: Can use either depending on preference and what you have on hand.
- Honey: I like to add in honey for a healthier sweetener, although sugar will work just as well.
Optional Mix-In’s
It’s really easy to customize this coleslaw recipe to make it your own. Here are some of my favorite additions:
- Chopped cilantro or parsley
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped bell pepper
- Dried cranberries
- Diced apples
- Sliced almonds
- Diced pineapple
How to Make Coleslaw
- Make the dressing. Whisk together mayo, vinegar, lime juice, and honey. Then salt and pepper to taste. I added about 1/3 cup mayo, which was perfect for my taste. If you prefer a more creamy coleslaw, feel free to double the dressing.
- Combine ingredients and toss. Add coleslaw, dressing, and any desired mix-in’s to a large bowl. Toss until well coated and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Favorites to Serve With
Anything BBQ flavored tastes amazing with homemade coleslaw. I also love serve it with easy summer sides like corn and watermelon. Below are some of my favorites to pair it with:
- BBQ pulled pork sandwich
- Shredded BBQ chicken sandwich
- Kalua pork
- BBQ brisket sandwiches
- On a hot dog
- Slow cooker ribs
- Grilled corn
- Watermelon
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Make ahead: This recipe tastes best if made within a few hours, however it can be made the night before if needed. I wouldn’t recommend making it any further in advance for the best results. I like to make the dressing ahead of time and then mix everything together right before serving.
Store: Fresh coleslaw is best to eat within 2 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a big stir before enjoying.
More Potluck Salad Recipes
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Easy Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounce bag coleslaw mix
- ⅓ cup mayo
- 1 Tablespoon cider or white vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice , more to taste
- 1 ½ Tablespoons honey , or sugar
Optional add in's: S&P, chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, chopped bell pepper, dried cranberries, diced apples, sliced almonds
Instructions
- Whisk together the mayo, vinegar, lime juice and honey. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the coleslaw and dressing in a large bowl. Add desired mix in's. Toss until evenly coated and then store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- I love to use lime juice with chopped cilantro to add to tacos or bbq pork sliders.
- If you prefer a more creamy coleslaw, feel free to double the dressing.
- This dish is best made within a few hours but can be made the night before. It’s best to eat within 2 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 4th of July, American, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Substitute sour cream for the mayo (or use half sour cream / half mayo) and stevia instead of honey. Better choices for diabetics! Very good!
Ha! Me and my husband can never agree on the perfect homemade coleslaw, but I think I’ve just hit jackpoint – the addition of vinegar should marry both our cravings for a (1) creamy dressing but with (2) a little sharp bite about it. Problem solved.
You are right, coleslaw is the perfect Summer side, but I also enjoy putting it in my burger or on my hotdog – delish!
Looks spectacular! I’ll have to try this side dish, just perfect addition on any meal!
I love Coleslaw, I cannot wait to try this!
What a great dish for a summer picnic or party! Perfect with barbecue or grilled chicken! Yum!
This coleslaw is perfect for my summer BBQ! Very crispy and goes great on burgers
This is seriously making me hungry! This couldn’t look any more perfect!
I love a simple and quick side dish for busy weeknights. Heck, this coleslaw would be perfect to serve at a BBQ for Fourth of July too. Thanks for sharing!
I like how simple this recipe is with using a few ingredients. It would be great to take to picnics during the summer. Will go on my must try list!
Homemade coleslaw is a favorite around here! I hope you enjoy it! :)
This goes with everything so well! It can’t be summer without this being served.