Name: Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Scant 3/4 cup mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup; 3/4 teaspoon celery seeds; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 6 cups shredded green cabbage; 2 cups shredded red cabbage; 2 medium carrots, sliced into thin peels; 3 scallions, chopped

If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, delicious twist on a classic side dish, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe. I absolutely love how it balances tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors with that great cabbage crunch. Whether you’re bringing it to a backyard BBQ or just want a vibrant salad to brighten up dinner, this recipe is a total winner!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Perfect Balance of Flavor: The combo of apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and celery seeds adds depth without overpowering the cabbage.
Versatile Side Dish: Goes great with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a crunchy topping on burgers or tacos.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this coleslaw, and you’ll hear compliments all day long.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy mashed dish. The mashed layer is light beige and slightly chunky with small bits of nuts or grains mixed in. The top has soft ridges made by a utensil, and it is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A silver spoon scoops a portion from the right side of the plate, showing the moist, dense texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw, cabbage coleslaw side dish, easy coleslaw recipe, healthy coleslaw salad, flavorful cabbage slaw

Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe, fresh veggies and a flavorful dressing are the stars. The apple cider vinegar is key for that bright tang, while the Dijon mustard adds subtle heat. I always go for good-quality mayo, like a rich store-bought brand or homemade, to get that perfect creamy texture.

Flat lay of a large white ceramic bowl filled with shredded fresh green cabbage, next to a similar bowl with shredded vibrant red cabbage, a small white bowl with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl of golden apple cider vinegar, another small white bowl holding smooth golden maple syrup, a small white bowl containing bright yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl with tiny tan celery seeds, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with freshly ground black pepper, a couple of fresh whole medium orange carrots with thin peels laid beside the bowls, and three bright green scallions with white bulbs and leafy tops, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw, cabbage coleslaw side dish, easy coleslaw recipe, healthy coleslaw salad, flavorful cabbage slaw

Mayonnaise: Choose a quality mayo or vegan alternative to keep the dressing luscious.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds just the right zing without being too harsh.
Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle kick that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Pure maple syrup: Balances the acidity with a natural touch of sweetness.
Celery seeds: They bring that classic coleslaw flavor note you don’t want to skip.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season as you go for the best flavor.
Green cabbage: Crisp and fresh is the way to go for great texture.
Red cabbage: Adds color and a slight earthiness.
Carrots: Thinly sliced for crunch and a pop of sweetness.
Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor rounds out the mix perfectly.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Personalizing it is super easy and makes the recipe feel fresh every time you make it.

Add crunch with nuts or seeds: Once, I sprinkled toasted sunflower seeds on top, and my family couldn’t get enough of the extra texture.
Make it spicy: A dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeño gives it a lively kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Swap maple syrup for honey: If that’s what you have on hand, it works beautifully for balancing the dressing.
Try red onion instead of scallions: For a sharper onion flavor, red onion thinly sliced adds a nice twist.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, celery seeds, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I always suggest tasting as you go—this is where you build the flavor foundation, so if you like it a bit tangier or sweeter, tweak it now. Whisk until everything is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings the whole dish together!

Step 2: Toss the Veggies

In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced carrots, and chopped scallions. I recommend shredding the cabbage with a sharp knife or a mandoline for consistency, which really helps the dressing cling perfectly. Give everything a good toss so it’s evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pour the creamy dressing over your tossed veggies. Use your hands or tongs to gently fold everything together until every bite will be coated with that irresistible dressing. The salad tastes best after chilling it for at least 30 minutes — this lets the flavors marry and the cabbage soften just enough without losing its crunch.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

Use Fresh Cabbage: I learned that fresher cabbage means better crunch, so avoid pre-shredded bags that can get soggy fast.
Let It Rest: Chilling the coleslaw at least half an hour helps soften the cabbage slightly and lets flavors blend beautifully.
Adjust Dressing to Taste: Don’t hesitate to add extra vinegar or maple syrup based on your personal preference. I do this every time!
Keep It Creamy: Avoid making this too far in advance—you want the cabbage crunchy and the dressing fresh, so I recommend prepping it same day or one day ahead.

How to Serve Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

A close-up of a plate with two layers of light beige mashed potatoes, soft and creamy in texture. On top, there is a thick layer of brown gravy with a shiny, smooth texture, containing small orange bits, possibly carrots. The gravy is spread evenly, slightly dripping on the sides. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork partially visible on the bottom left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw, cabbage coleslaw side dish, easy coleslaw recipe, healthy coleslaw salad, flavorful cabbage slaw

Garnishes

For a little extra pop, I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or dill over the top—adds a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. Sometimes, a handful of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) also brings in a wonderful nutty crunch and a bit of color contrast.

Side Dishes

This creamy cabbage coleslaw pairs like a dream with grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, and even fried fish. When I make it for family cookouts, I always serve it alongside roasted potatoes or corn on the cob—it rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests at a summer party, try serving this coleslaw in mini mason jars or colorful bowls. Layer it with some sautéed corn or black beans for a Southwest vibe. I once even paired it with grilled pineapple slices for a tropical twist that was a big hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe typically stays fresh for up to 3 days. I recommend giving it a quick stir before serving leftovers, as the dressing may settle or separate slightly.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t usually freeze coleslaw because the texture of cabbage gets soggy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled. If you want to prep the dressing ahead, you can freeze that separately, but toss with cabbage right before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat this creamy cabbage coleslaw—it’s best served cold or at room temperature. If it chills for too long and tastes a bit stiff, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften up before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo brand. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, so it’s an easy adjustment that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
How far ahead can I prepare this coleslaw?

I recommend making it the same day or up to a day in advance. The cabbage can release water and get soggy if it sits too long dressed. Keep the dressing separate if you want to prep it a few days ahead.
What’s the best way to shred cabbage for coleslaw?

A sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline works best. Aim for thin, even shreds to ensure the dressing coats the cabbage well and the texture stays crunchy but tender.
Can I add other veggies to this coleslaw?

Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced fennel, or even apple slices add a lovely twist. Just keep the veggies thinly sliced for the best texture balance.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe countless times, and it never fails to brighten up the table. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy that feels both comforting and fresh at the same time. I honestly can’t recommend it enough if you want a side dish that’s simple, reliable, and delicious every single time. Give it a go—you’ll be hooked just like I am!