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finished homemade Easy Coleslaw Recipe in a white bowl, showing the vibrant mix of shredded green and red cabbage and carrots fully tossed in a thick, creamy dressing. A wooden spoon rests in the salad.

Easy Coleslaw Recipe: The Best Side for BBQ

By Nancy
Looking for a quick salad? This Easy Coleslaw Recipe delivers crunch, flavor, and creamy dressing with no fuss. Learn the steps today.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side dish, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Cabbage green or red
  • Carrots
  • Mayonnaise
  • Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Sugar just a pinch
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions
 

Step 1: Shred the cabbage and carrots

  • Thin slices are key. If you cut it too chunky, it feels heavy in the mouth. I usually halve the cabbage, slice into quarters, then cut into ribbons. Simple.
    Grate the carrots This adds brightness and a subtle sweetness. Use a box grater or food processor — whichever is quicker for you.
    Top-down view of shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and julienned orange carrots tossed together in a large clear glass bowl on a marble surface for an easy coleslaw recipe.

Step 2: Make the dressing

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar (or lemon juice), a touch of sugar, and seasoning. Taste it
    small bowl where the coleslaw dressing is being prepared. It contains a creamy base, white and brown sugar, mayonnaise lemon juice spices, and a whisk, with lemons visible in the background.

Step 3: Combine the veggies and dressing

  • Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots. Gently fold until coated. Don’t go wild here; too much mixing can bruise the cabbage.
    A vibrant mix of shredded purple and green cabbage and julienned carrots in a clear glass bowl. A thick, creamy coleslaw dressing, speckled with herbs, is being poured over the top.

Step 4: Chill before serving (optional but golden)

  • Put the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The flavors blend, the crunch settles, and suddenly it tastes like it took hours instead of minutes.
    finished homemade Easy Coleslaw Recipe in a white bowl, showing the vibrant mix of shredded green and red cabbage and carrots fully tossed in a thick, creamy dressing. A wooden spoon rests in the salad.

Notes

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbs: 12g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Vitamin C: 35% daily value
Note: The nutritional values provided are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, quantities, and brands used.
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