There’s something so delightful about the crunch of coleslaw on a warm summer day! I can’t help but think of picnics with friends and family, where this easy coleslaw recipe is always the star of the show. It’s ridiculously simple to whip up, and trust me, everyone loves that refreshing burst of flavor it adds to any meal. The combination of crisp green cabbage and sweet carrots creates a colorful, vibrant side that pairs perfectly with burgers, grilled chicken, or even just on its own! Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish—just let it chill in the fridge for a bit, and you’re ready to impress. So, if you’re looking for the perfect side for your next gathering, this coleslaw will be your go-to! It’s fresh, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Ingredients List

4 cups green cabbage, shredded: Fresh, crunchy cabbage is the base of this coleslaw, giving it that delightful texture and flavor.
1 cup carrots, grated: Sweet, vibrant carrots add color and a hint of natural sweetness to balance the cabbage.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This brings all the ingredients together with a creamy richness. Choose a good quality mayo for the best taste!
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Just a splash of this tangy vinegar brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
1 tablespoon sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the sweetness of the carrots and balances the acidity of the vinegar.
1/2 teaspoon salt: This essential ingredient helps to elevate all the flavors in your coleslaw.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little bit of pepper adds just the right amount of warmth and spice to the mix.

How to Prepare the Easy Coleslaw Recipe

Now, let’s dive into making this easy coleslaw recipe! It’s a breeze, I promise. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, crunchy side dish ready in no time.

Step 1: Combine the Vegetables

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add in the shredded green cabbage and grated carrots. You want to make sure your cabbage is fresh and crisp—it really makes a difference in texture! I always find it’s best to use a box grater for the carrots; it gives them that perfect, delicate shred. Just toss them together gently with your hands, making sure they’re evenly mixed. The colors are so vibrant; it’s like a little rainbow of freshness!

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, let’s whip up the dressing. Combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. I like to start with the mayo, then add in the vinegar, which gives it that delightful tang. Use a whisk to blend everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps—definitely don’t want that in your coleslaw! Taste it, too; adjusting the sugar is always a good idea to get that perfect balance.

Step 3: Mix and Chill

Now, pour that creamy dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Using a spatula, toss everything gently but thoroughly until every shred is coated in that delicious dressing. It’s so satisfying to watch! Once it’s all mixed up, cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial—it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and gives the coleslaw that delightful crunch. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: This coleslaw comes together in just 15 minutes! You can easily whip it up even on the busiest of days.
Fresh and Crunchy: With the vibrant green cabbage and sweet carrots, every bite is bursting with freshness that’s hard to resist.
Versatile: Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a picnic, or a casual weeknight dinner, this coleslaw fits right in with any meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes even better after chilling, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance. Just make it the day before and let the flavors blend!
Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Add fruits, nuts, or herbs to make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

To make sure your easy coleslaw recipe turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, always use the freshest ingredients you can find—crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots make all the difference in flavor and crunch. If you want to adjust the sweetness, start with the sugar and add more gradually; you can always add, but it’s tough to take away! Also, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Adding diced apples or raisins can bring a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some chopped herbs like parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your coleslaw to the next level!

Variations

If you want to switch things up with this easy coleslaw recipe, there are so many fun variations to try! For a zesty twist, add some finely chopped herbs like cilantro or dill—these bring a fresh flavor that’s just delightful. You can also sprinkle in some diced apples or raisins for a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy dressing perfectly. Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating a dash of curry powder or smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile. And if you love a little crunch, toss in some sunflower seeds or sliced almonds. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing any leftovers from your easy coleslaw recipe is super simple! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, though I recommend enjoying it within the first couple of days for the best crunch. When you’re ready to serve it again, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing, as it might settle a bit. No reheating needed here—coleslaw is best enjoyed cold! If you want to freshen it up, feel free to add a splash more vinegar or a dollop of mayo before serving. Enjoy those leftovers!

Nutritional Information

It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. For each serving of this easy coleslaw recipe, you can expect approximately:

Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 3g

So, you can enjoy this delicious side guilt-free while still getting some nutrients in there!

Leave Your Feedback

I’d love to hear what you think about this easy coleslaw recipe! Did you try any fun variations? Or maybe you have a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps fellow cooks create their own perfect coleslaw. Let’s chat about all things crunchy and fresh!

Easy Coleslaw Recipe: 5 Steps to Refreshing Perfection

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and quick coleslaw recipe that is fresh and crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, grated
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots.
Toss until well coated.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust the sugar to taste.
Can add diced apples or raisins for sweetness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: easy coleslaw recipe

Spread the love