If you’re on the hunt for a dreamy, perfectly balanced side dish, this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe might just become your new go-to. I absolutely love how fresh and crisp the cabbage stays, all wrapped in that luscious, tangy dressing that’s not too sweet or overpowering. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite—everyone keeps asking for seconds! So, if you’re ready to add a vibrant, refreshing crunch to your table, keep reading because this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance: The blend of creamy mayo, tangy vinegar, and sweet maple syrup creates a dressing that’s just right — not too heavy, not too sweet.
Fresh & Crisp: Using both green and red cabbage gives you vibrant color and a satisfying crunch that stays even after tossing in the dressing.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items; everything’s easy to grab from the store or your pantry.
Kid-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this slaw, and you’ll find even picky eaters happily munching it down.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a creamy mashed dish. The mashed layer is light beige and slightly chunky with small bits of nuts or grains mixed in. The top has soft ridges made by a utensil, and it is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A silver spoon scoops a portion from the right side of the plate, showing the moist, dense texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw, healthy coleslaw side dish, easy cabbage slaw, tangy coleslaw recipe, homemade creamy slaw

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe come together to create a delightfully creamy yet fresh flavor. I always suggest using good-quality mayonnaise because it really elevates the dressing, and fresh veggies are key for that perfect crunch.

Flat lay of a large white ceramic bowl filled with shredded fresh green cabbage, next to a similar bowl with shredded vibrant red cabbage, a small white bowl with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl of golden apple cider vinegar, another small white bowl holding smooth golden maple syrup, a small white bowl containing bright yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl with tiny tan celery seeds, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white bowl filled with freshly ground black pepper, a couple of fresh whole medium orange carrots with thin peels laid beside the bowls, and three bright green scallions with white bulbs and leafy tops, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw, healthy coleslaw side dish, easy cabbage slaw, tangy coleslaw recipe, homemade creamy slaw

Mayonnaise or Vegan Mayo: I recommend a good-quality brand like Sir Kensington’s or homemade mayo for the creamiest, freshest taste.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds just the right tang to balance the creamy mayo without being too sharp.
Dijon Mustard: Brings depth and a bit of zing; it’s my secret weapon for dressing flavor.
Pure Maple Syrup: A small amount of sweetness that brightens the dressing naturally.
Celery Seeds: Adds a subtle, earthy spice that complements the cabbage perfectly.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors — I’m all about seasoning properly.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Always freshly ground for maximum flavor kick.
Green Cabbage: Fresh and crunchy, the base of your coleslaw’s volume.
Red Cabbage: Adds beautiful color and a slight peppery note.
Carrots: Thinly peeled for sweetness and texture contrast.
Scallions: Adds a mild onion kick without overpowering the slaw.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to mix things up a bit depending on the season or what I have on hand. Customizing it makes each batch feel special and keeps everyone guessing!

Add Fresh Herbs: I sometimes toss in chopped fresh dill or parsley for an herby twist that brightens the whole dish.
Swap Maple Syrup for Honey: For a slightly different sweetness, honey works beautifully if you prefer.
Make it Spicy: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or add some finely diced jalapeño for a little kick — my partner loves this touch!
Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo and maple syrup, and you’re good to go for a plant-based feast.

How to Make Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing

This is where the magic begins! Grab a medium bowl and whisk the mayo, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, celery seeds, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy. I love using a wire whisk for this because it blends everything perfectly. Make sure your mayo is room temperature to help the ingredients combine easily without clumps.

Step 2: Toss Your Fresh Veggies

In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, thinly peeled carrots, and chopped scallions. When prepping, I like to shred the cabbage finely but not pulverize it — you want bite, not mush! If prepping ahead, keep these veggies separate from the dressing so they stay extra crisp.

Step 3: Combine and Season

Pour your dressing over the veggies and toss gently until everything is well coated. This is where you can really get a feel for the flavor — taste and adjust! Some extra salt or pepper might be just what it needs. If you make this a bit ahead of time, the flavors meld even better, but I love the fresh crunch when served right after mixing.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

Quality Mayo Matters: I learned early on that investing in a great mayo transforms the entire dish—avoid the lowest-budget options for best flavor.
Use Sharp Knives: When shredding cabbage, a sharp knife (or mandoline) makes prep faster and safer, plus the shreds come out prettier.
Taste as You Go: Tweak seasoning gradually—you can always add more salt, pepper, or vinegar, but you can’t take it out once mixed.
Keep It Chill: Refrigerate the coleslaw at least 30 minutes before serving to really let flavors marry and keep that refreshing coolness.

How to Serve Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe

A close-up of a plate with two layers of light beige mashed potatoes, soft and creamy in texture. On top, there is a thick layer of brown gravy with a shiny, smooth texture, containing small orange bits, possibly carrots. The gravy is spread evenly, slightly dripping on the sides. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The white plate rests on a white marbled surface with a silver fork partially visible on the bottom left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw, healthy coleslaw side dish, easy cabbage slaw, tangy coleslaw recipe, homemade creamy slaw

Garnishes

I often finish mine with a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped fresh parsley on top—it adds a lovely nutty crunch and a pop of color. Sometimes, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few fresh dill sprigs takes it from everyday to wow.

Side Dishes

This creamy cabbage coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like barbecue chicken, juicy burgers, or even as a tangy contrast to fried fish. My go-to is serving it alongside pulled pork sandwiches for that true summertime vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this slaw in hollowed-out mini cabbages or in small mason jars for single servings—it’s fun and makes for easy grab-and-go finger food. You can even layer it in clear glasses with other picnic favorites for a colorful, layered salad presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, cover any leftovers tightly in an airtight container and store in the fridge. I’ve noticed it actually tastes better after resting overnight—the flavors deepen. Just give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Freezing

Because of the fresh cabbage and creamy mayo base, I don’t recommend freezing this coleslaw. The texture and flavor can be affected, and the dressing might separate once thawed.

Reheating

This coleslaw is really best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually don’t reheat it. If you want to take the leftovers somewhere or serve a bit later, just let it sit out a few minutes to lose the chill, then toss lightly before plating.

FAQs

Can I prepare this Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately up to a day ahead. Just toss them together right before serving to keep the cabbage crisp and fresh. If you prefer, mixing it a few hours ahead and chilling helps the flavors meld nicely too.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you want a lighter option or are avoiding eggs, vegan mayonnaise works great here. Some people also swap in Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed twist, but that will change the thickness of the dressing slightly.
How long does this coleslaw keep in the fridge?

This creamy cabbage coleslaw lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to keep that fresh crunch.
Can I add other vegetables to this coleslaw recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in shredded radishes, thinly sliced bell peppers, or even some chopped apples for a sweet crunch. I’ve found adding crunchy additions makes the salad even more interesting and colorful.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cabbage Coleslaw Recipe is one of those few dishes that always feels like a celebration in a bowl—simple, fresh, and utterly comforting. I’m so grateful to have discovered it because it effortlessly brightens up any meal and pleases all ages. You really can’t go wrong here, so I hope you give it a try soon and maybe even share it with friends and family like I have. Trust me, your picnic or dinner plate will thank you!