Creamy Classic Coleslaw

Creamy Classic Coleslaw

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients 

• 5 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1½ cups carrots, shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons sugar or honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon celery seed, optional
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions 

1. Place the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper.
3. Taste the dressing and adjust it if necessary. Add a little more sugar for sweeter coleslaw or another splash of vinegar for extra tanginess.
4. Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture.
5. Toss thoroughly until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
6. Add the chopped parsley and gently toss again.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the cabbage to soften slightly while still retaining its crunch.
8. Give the coleslaw one final stir before transferring it to a serving bowl. Sprinkle a little fresh parsley over the top.

Tips

For crunchy coleslaw, don’t add the dressing too far in advance. About 30–60 minutes before serving is ideal.

Shred the cabbage fairly thin so the dressing coats it evenly. If you want a lighter version, replace some of the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or sour cream.

For a sweeter Southern-style coleslaw, increase the sugar to about 2–2½ tablespoons.

Storage

Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It may release a little liquid as it sits, so simply stir it again before serving.

This coleslaw is best served cold alongside BBQ beef, pulled pork, grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or roasted meats.