This quick coleslaw recipe comes together in 10 minutes with cabbage, carrots, and a slightly sweet dressing. It's a lighter side dish or sandwich topping.
Quick coleslaw from scratch
Learn how to make coleslaw from scratch in 10 minutes! You'll love that this easy slaw recipe is made with cabbage, carrots, and a lightened up dressing for a healthy twist.
It's so flavorful and festive, you won't believe how good it is, especially because it uses so few ingredients.
This is the best homemade coleslaw for pulled pork sliders and honey hot wings. It's also a great side for air fryer pork tenderloin, air fryer whole chicken, and grilled salmon. So yummm!
What is coleslaw made of?
A traditional coleslaw recipe is made with green and/or red cabbage and shredded carrots, tossed in a creamy dressing or vinaigrette. Cabbage slaw is completely customizable and you can add other veggies or get creative with the dressing.
Recipe ingredients
Recipe amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
- green and red cabbage - Use a packaged coleslaw mix or cut your own cabbage and save money.
- carrots - for added flavor, color, texture, and nutrients
- green onions or fresh chives - not required but great for flavor and color
- mayonnaise - use your favorite mayo or sub Greek yogurt
- plain Greek yogurt - use preferred fat content, or sub mayonnaise for old fashioned coleslaw.
- apple cider vinegar - or preferred vinegar
- Dijon mustard - or preferred mustard
- sugar - use just enough to balance the vinegar and don't overdo it
- celery seed - if using celery salt, there's no need to add salt
- sea salt
How to make coleslaw from scratch
Shred cabbage and carrots thinly, chop green onions, and combine everything in a mixing bowl. Use coleslaw mix for the ultimate time saver.
Whisk together coleslaw dressing ingredients which consists of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Toss the cabbage slaw with with the dressing, then cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
The sooner you serve homemade coleslaw, the crispier it will be. The longer you let it rest under refrigeration, the softer it will become because the dressing softens the cabbage over time. I love it either way!
How to cut cabbage for slaw
The best tool for making coleslaw depends on your comfort level with using kitchen tools. I made a list of the most common methods.
- chef’s knife and cutting board - Easy to use and readily available.
- cheese grater or mandoline slicer - I recommend using a cut-resistant glove for either method.
- food processor fitted with the slicing blade - This is my personal favorite when making larger amounts of homemade coleslaw.
How to serve coleslaw
- Pulled Pork Sliders topping
- Next to sloppy joe's
- as a side dish for Baked Chicken Thighs, Chicken Legs, or Broiled Salmon
- side dish for Super Bowl food
More salad recipes to love
Quick Coleslaw Recipe
INGREDIENTS
Coleslaw mix
- 6 cups Green and Red Cabbage, 1 pound, shredded
- 1 large Carrot, 1 cup, shredded
- 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
Homemade coleslaw dressing
- ⅓ cup Plain Greek Yogurt, or substitute with mayo
- ⅓ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Celery Seed
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- To Prep coleslaw mix, place CABBAGE, CARROTS, and GREEN ONIONS (or packaged coleslaw mix) in a mixing bowl.
- To make coleslaw dressing, whisk together YOGURT, MAYONNAISE, VINEGAR, DIJON, SUGAR, CELERY SEED, and SALT in a small mixing bowl.
- Pour dressing over coleslaw mix and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled. Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days. *see recipe footnote
Traci's Recipe Notes
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
Cyndi D Evans says
My husband loves coleslaw! But buying it from the local deli, we feel is not the best idea, as we aren’t sure what they are making it with! Thanks for an easy fresher recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
You are so welcome! I'm so glad you're enjoying my recipe and I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks so much! Enjoy 🙂
Tayler says
This is the best coleslaw recipe I've ever tried! We make it all the time!
The Kitchen Girl says
Well, that just makes my day 🙂 Thanks so much and I'm glad you're enjoying it!!
Sisley White - Sew White says
This recipe is so far sponsoring all our summer meals. We can't get enough.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yayyy! This happens to me every summer 🙂 Glad to hear it from you...thanks!
Jess says
This is the perfect recipe for summer BBQs on repeat!
The Kitchen Girl says
Heck ya! Gimme all the delicious coleslaw with my BBQ lol. Thank youuu! 🙂
veenaazmanov says
Delicious dressing and healthy combination of colorful veggies. Perfect as a salad or as a topping too.
The Kitchen Girl says
Yesss! Glad you like it and it really is great as a salad or slaw. Thanks 🙂
Liza says
What a fantastic recipe! The cole slaw is so fresh and colorful, and I love that the homemade dressing has wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt and apple cider vinegar. Another winner from The Kitchen Girl!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thank youuuu, Liza 🙂 Such a compliment and I'm glad you appreciate the ingredients. Cheers to that! Enjoy!
Jeff says
Wow! This coleslaw recipe really is crazy easy and simply delicious. It's a must-have condiment for your pulled pork sandwiches. Can't wait to make it all again!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome...so glad you like this coleslaw recipe! It really does go well with that pork. Thanks for saying so 🙂