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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.

Homemade coleslaw in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.
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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 dressing being whisked in a glass bowl.
  • 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

Pouring dressing over coleslaw mix in a glass bowl.
  • 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.
Coleslaw in a glass bowl with a silver spoon.

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:

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.

Coleslaw in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

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coleslaw in a white bowl

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

5 from 15 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This easy coleslaw recipe is made with only 5 ingredients in just 10 minutes. The perfect summer time side dish that's always loved by all!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounce bag coleslaw mix
  • 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

    Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 72mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 16.1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

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