Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe: The BEST Easy Summer Side

sweet creamy coleslaw recipe! Nothing says summer quite like a picnic, and no picnic is complete without a side of creamy, dreamy coleslaw. This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe isn’t just any coleslaw; it’s a celebration of crunch, sweetness, and the perfect creamy texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. I remember my grandma making this every Fourth of July, and the taste instantly transports me back to those happy, sun filled days. Today, I’m thrilled to share this beloved family recipe with you. 

Why You Will Love This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s incredibly easy to make, taking only minutes to prepare, and it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. The combination of crisp cabbage, carrots, and a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy dressing is simply irresistible. It’s a comforting classic coleslaw, perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or as a simple side to your weeknight dinners.

What makes this recipe special? The dressing! It’s the perfect blend of mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and a few secret ingredients that create a creamy, sweet flavor that’s not too overpowering. Plus, it’s easily customizable to your liking.

Ingredients Needed for This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

For the Coleslaw:

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)

For the sweet coleslaw dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
sweet creamy coleslaw recipe - Process or ingredients
Preparation process

How to Make This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

  1. 1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion. Make sure the vegetables are evenly distributed.
  1. 2. Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. If you prefer a tangier slaw, add a little more vinegar. For a sweeter slaw, add a touch more sugar.
  1. 3. Combine: Pour the sweet coleslaw dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl.
  1. 4. Mix Well: Gently toss the vegetables with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the coleslaw watery.
  1. 5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best flavor, chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the cabbage to soften slightly and absorb the dressing.
  1. 6. Serve: Before serving, give the coleslaw another gentle toss. This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe is best served cold. Enjoy!

Looking for a delicious drink to pair with your meal? Check out this Margarita Recipe for a refreshing complement. Or, if it is closer to Christmas, you may want to pair this salad with The Perfect Christmas Margarita Recipe. Remember, there is always time to serve a Classic Margarita Recipe.

How to Serve This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe is incredibly versatile! Serve it as a classic side dish at your next barbecue alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. It’s also fantastic as a topping for tacos or as a refreshing element in a salad bowl.

For a complete meal, pair it with your favorite grilled meats, seafood, or veggie burgers. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika for an extra pop of color. Get creative with your plating; a simple bowl or a more elaborate presentation on a platter works equally well.

How to Store This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

Store leftover sweet creamy coleslaw recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 3 to 5 days.

Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed.

Make sure to keep it properly chilled to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. When reheating is not needed, just a quick stir and you are ready to enjoy!

Tips to Make This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

To avoid a watery coleslaw, make sure your cabbage and carrots are as dry as possible after shredding. You can even pat them dry with a paper towel.

For a different flavor profile, try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, chopped celery, or even a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.

If you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or honey.

A common mistake is using too much dressing. Start with less and add more as needed to avoid an overly soggy coleslaw.

Helpful Notes for This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

For the mayonnaise, use a good quality, full fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. You can also use light mayonnaise if you prefer, but it may affect the overall creaminess of the sweet creamy coleslaw recipe.

Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, but you can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Celery seed is a key ingredient in classic coleslaw, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of dried dill.

Variation of This sweet creamy coleslaw recipe Recipe

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the vegetable mix.

In the fall, try adding shredded apples or pears for a seasonal twist. In the summer, consider adding grilled corn kernels for a sweet and smoky flavor.

For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise. You can also add some chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration!

What is the key to a sweet creamy coleslaw?

The key to a truly delicious sweet creamy coleslaw lies in the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch. Using fresh ingredients, a good quality mayonnaise, and a touch of sugar or sweetener will enhance the flavor and texture.

How long does coleslaw last in the fridge?

Homemade coleslaw usually lasts for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Be mindful consuming it if it starts to look or smell off to maintain food safety.

Can I make coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make coleslaw ahead of time! In fact, it often tastes better after it’s had a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. However, be careful not to over-dress it, or it may become soggy.

What kind of cabbage is best for coleslaw?

Green cabbage is the most commonly used and widely available type for coleslaw, offering a mild flavor and crisp texture. However, you can also use a mix of green and red cabbage, or even add some Savoy cabbage for a slightly sweeter taste.

Conclusion

There you have it; my beloved sweet creamy coleslaw recipe! I hope this recipe becomes a staple at your table, bringing joy and deliciousness to every meal. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, making it a surefire hit. Please, share your creations in the comments below; I would love to see how you bring this sweet creamy coleslaw recipe to life. Happy cooking!

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Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe: The BEST Easy Summer Side


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  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A classic sweet and creamy coleslaw recipe, perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
  • 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Toss again before serving and enjoy cold.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

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