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    Home > Sides

    Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

    Published: Jun 25, 2020 · Modified: Jun 26, 2021 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Go to Video Print Recipe

    A creamy coleslaw with plenty of crunch.
    There's no need to buy a big tub of coleslaw with an annoyingly short expiration date when you can whip up a perfect sized batch of homemade coleslaw in 5 minutes.
    So good as a side for summer barbecues and lazy lunches, or as a topping for pulled pork and crispy chicken burgers.

    Close up of of a bowl of coleslaw

    Do you have a favourite style of coleslaw? Is it that creamy, extra crunchy luxury supermarket or KFC coleslaw?

    Or the lightly-dressed colourful coleslaw with vibrant green and purple cabbage?

    I think they both have their place and I love them equally.
    The lighter one for the nutritious, zesty crunch with grilled meats and fish.
    The creamy one as a more indulgent side that works best on sandwiches, or with crispy chicken and BBQ food.

    Overhead image of creamy coleslaw surrounded by picnic food

    This is my recipe for that delicious creamy version.
    I'm making quite a big batch (it will last our family of 4 a few days), but you can scale it right down if you prefer just to make a couple of servings (see recipe card notes section for more info on scaling down).

    What do we need?

    Ingredients for making creamy coleslaw in a wooden table

    We're looking for a 3:1 ratio of cabbage to carrots, and then a small amount of onion.
    I'm using half of a large white cabbage, 2 medium carrots and ¼ of a small onion. The cabbage and carrots will be julienned and the onion will be finely grated (this will add a little flavour, but ensure you're not getting the raw crunch of onion).

    What's the best type of cabbage to use?

    Firm white cabbage - the shiny kind with pale green firm leaves - is the one to go for. I use the variety 'Winter White'.
    This is the best cabbage if you're looking for maximum crunch.

    How to cut the vegetables

    I like to use a mandoline to evenly cut the cabbage and carrots.
    You can use a food processor with a julienne disc, or you could slice them thinly with a knife or use a hand julienne peeler if you prefer.

    Shortcut tip:

    You can buy bagged, cut, coleslaw veggies from the supermarket. The result will be a little different, as they often used red onion and red cabbage in the pre-cut mixes. They also usually come with a sachet of mayonnaise.
    You can use these pre-cut veggies with the coleslaw sauce from my recipe for extra flavour.

    How to make coleslaw

    Full recipe with detailed steps in the recipe card at the end of this post.

    • Julienne cabbage and carrots using a mandoline (<- affiliate link). Place in a large bowl.
    • Grate (shred) quarter of an onion and add to the bowl
    • Add in mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, salt, sugar, mustard powder and white pepper.
    • Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
    8 image collage showing how to make creamy coleslaw

    What to serve it with

    You can serve this homemade coleslaw with:

    • It goes fantastically with my Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
    • Oven-Baked Chicken Goujons (or my Crispy Fried Buttermilk Chicken Tenders)
    • Crispy Pulled Pork - like the pork from my Pork Gyros
    • Shredded Beef Brisket
    • Crispy Chicken Burgers
    • Cheesy Chickpea Veggie Burgers
    • Peri Peri Chicken

    KFC style coleslaw in a bowl
    Coleslaw in a bowl

    Extras to add into your coleslaw:

    Sometimes I like to change it up a little so I like to add; Red onion, red cabbage, mustard seeds, honey & mustard and grated cheddar cheese all make interesting additions for your homemade coleslaw.

    More fantastic side dishes

    • Easy Creamy Potato Salad
    • Garlic Green Beans with Parmesan
    • Panzanella Salad with Saganaki
    • Baked Carrot Fries
    • Peach and Pineapple Fruity Salsa
    • Greek Potato Hash
    • Homemade Tzatziki

    Watch how to make it

    Stay updated with new recipes!
    Subscribe to the newsletter to hear when I post a new recipe. I’m also on YouTube (new videos every week) and Instagram (behind-the-scenes stories & beautiful food photos).

    creamy coleslaw in a bowl. Cheese and cherry tomatoes in the background

    Homemade Coleslaw

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    A quick and easy creamy coleslaw with plenty of crunch - just like those luxury supermarket versions. Made at home in 5 minutes.
    5 from 12 votes
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course side dish
    Cuisine American, British, Dutch
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 150 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • ½ large white cabbage - (or 1 small white cabbage)
    • 2 medium carrots - peeled
    • ¼ brown onion - peeled
    • 1 cup (240g) mayonnaise
    • 3 tbsp sour cream
    • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 2 tsp sugar - granulated or superfine
    • ⅛ tsp mustard powder
    • Pinch white pepper

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Julienne the white cabbage and the 2 carrots using a mandoline, so you have fine, even, strips. Place in a large bowl.
    • Carefully grate (shred) the quarter of an onion using a grater and add the onion to the bowl.
    • Add the cup (240g) of mayonnaise, 3 tbsp sour cream, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp sugar, ⅛ tsp mustard powder and the pinch of white pepper.
    • Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.
    • Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until needed (up to 2-3 days).

    Video

    ✎ Notes

    Adjusting the quantity of coleslaw

    You can increase or decrease the amount of coleslaw by adjusting the ingredients proportionately. 
    If you're just looking to make a small amount of dressing - for example you want to make one cup of coleslaw, use:
    A matchbox-sized piece of cabbage, ¼ of a carrot, a tsp of grated onion, 2 tbsp mayo, 1.5 tsp sour cream, a few drops of white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, ¼ tsp sugar and a tiny pinch each of mustard powder and white pepper.
     
    Nutritional information is per serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 232mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1766IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg
    Keywords barbecue, bbq, Homemade Coleslaw, Party Food, perfect picnic food, salad
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

    FAQ's

    What is coleslaw dressing made of?

    Coleslaw dressing is usually made with mayonnaise, seasoning (salt and pepper), an acid (such as lemon juice or white wine vinegar) and a sweetener (such as sugar or honey).
    Some dressings also include buttermilk, sour cream, mustard or celery seeds.

    Why does coleslaw get watery?

    Coleslaw gets more watery the longer you leave it due to the vegetables releasing their water over time.

    Can I freeze coleslaw?

    No, I don't advise freezing coleslaw. The vegetables release their liquid upon defrosting, as does the mayonnaise. This can split the sauce or make it over-liquidy.

    Can you make it ahead?

    Yes - you can make this coleslaw ahead. Once prepared, cover and refrigerate. It should last for around 3-4 days. You'll need to give it a stir before serving.

    Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More
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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Heather says

      June 16, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Just made your creamy coleslaw - absolutely delicious. Far superior to any shop bought. Used a whole small brown onion, as we like onions a lot - perfect!!

      Reply
    2. Andrew Wills says

      June 13, 2022 at 4:19 pm

      I've made this recipe a number of times and it always pleases. It's far better than shop bought coleslaw, even "Finest".

      Reply
    3. Selkielass says

      May 09, 2022 at 9:34 am

      Made this awesome slaw but thru in some chopped dates I had, was so good.

      Reply
    4. Gail says

      July 18, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Best ever coleslaw recipe and my family absolutely love it, so glad I found your website. Brilliant

      Reply
    5. Richard Woollacott says

      May 02, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      A great slaw

      Reply
    6. Jo Wedin says

      April 07, 2021 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      Hands down best coleslaw I’ve ever made!

      Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        April 08, 2021 at 9:43 am

        Thanks Jo 🙂
        Glad you liked it! Hope you and the family are well xx

        Reply
    7. Valentina Smirnova says

      April 03, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe

      Reply
    8. Sue Painter says

      February 26, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      Really creamy and delicious ! Made it to go with the cheese and veggy burgers. Wonderful combination. Thanks again Nicky and Chris!

      Reply
    9. Pat Wakefield says

      February 15, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      Where did you get your mandolin from to cut the veg?
      Thanks

      Reply
    10. Sue says

      August 30, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      Best ever thank u xxxx

      Reply
    11. Sue Painter says

      July 03, 2020 at 10:32 am

      5 stars
      This is the best ever coleslaw! I’ve tried many times to make a coleslaw that was just right and now I’ve found it - thanks to you Nicky!
      I didn’t have sour cream so used crème fresh. Didn’t have mustard powder so put in a small amount of ready made Dijon mustard.
      Many thanks again. I make loads of your recipes and they all turn out to be delicious!

      Reply
    12. Ellen Burkhardt says

      July 01, 2020 at 2:29 am

      5 stars
      Delicious - love it that it does not have vinegar, very creamy was great right after I mixed it together and put in the fridge for a half hour. Very Very good and so easy to make! This will be a staple at our house, no need to buy store bought !

      Reply
    13. Tony says

      June 30, 2020 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      Just made my first batch of coleslaw but added some grated Red Leicester and cheddar. Best cheesy coleslaw I ever had 👍

      Reply
      • Chris Corbishley says

        July 01, 2020 at 1:59 pm

        Yes love the addition of the red Leicester cheese, I need to give that a go.

        Thanks

        Chris

        Reply
    14. Christine says

      June 29, 2020 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      This is exactly what I've been looking for, so tasty. The dressing is wonderful😋

      Reply
    15. Roger Kille says

      June 25, 2020 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Nicky,
      Hi Nicky,

      Hope you and all are well.

      In the ingrediants list you use "1 cup (240g) mayonnaise". However in the instructions you say "Add the 2/3 cup of mayonnaise"...... So is it 1 cup or 2/3 cup ?
      Either way who uses cups these days in the UK?!! So old fashioned!

      Please advise is it 240g of mayo or 160g?

      Thanks,
      Roger

      Reply
      • Connie Hoffman says

        June 25, 2020 at 11:26 pm

        You may there but I hate looking up grams all the time. And I'm from the U.S.A and old school. Just never got the hang of it in school.
        Also is there a substitute for mayo?

        Reply
      • Nicky Corbishley says

        June 26, 2020 at 12:58 pm

        Hi Roger, Thanks for spotting my typo - it's 240g of mayo. I updated the recipe during testing and updated the ingredients list, but forgot to update the amount in the instructions part.
        I try to include cups wherever possible in addition to grams as we have a lot of US readers who often use cup measurements. Thanks again 🙂

        Reply

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