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Fresh Creamy Coleslaw Recipe with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing Easy and Best

fresh creamy coleslaw - featured image

A fresh and creamy coleslaw with a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing that balances creaminess and brightness, perfect for summer barbecues and easy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (Hellmann’s preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • ½ cup thinly sliced apple (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables (10 minutes): Rinse the cabbages well. Remove any wilted outer leaves. Slice the green and red cabbage finely using a sharp knife or mandoline. Peel and grate the carrots. Thinly slice the green onions. If using apple, core and thinly slice it now. Place all the veggies in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dressing should taste tangy but balanced with sweetness.
  3. Toss the coleslaw (3 minutes): Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Using two large spoons or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until all the cabbage and carrots are lightly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the slaw crunchy.
  4. Rest and chill (at least 30 minutes): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Let the coleslaw chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly without losing its crunch.
  5. Final touch and serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick toss and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Taste once more and add salt or vinegar if it needs a little extra brightness.

Notes

If coleslaw seems watery after resting, drain excess liquid before serving to keep it creamy. Shred cabbage immediately before preparing to avoid limpness. For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo. Adjust salt and vinegar to taste after mixing. Resting the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes improves flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, apple cider vinegar dressing, easy coleslaw, summer side dish, barbecue side, fresh coleslaw