If you’ve been searching for that perfect side dish to brighten up your meals with vibrant crunch and irresistible creaminess, this Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of finely shredded green cabbage and fresh carrot, all lovingly swirled in a luscious homemade dressing that balances tanginess, a touch of sweetness, and just the right hint of spice. Whether you’re serving it alongside summer barbecues, picnics, or cozy weekday dinners, this coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast that’s simultaneously comforting and lively.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe so special is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture and flavor harmony. These essentials will give you a crisp, colorful salad with a creamy tang that sings.
- 7 cups green cabbage, finely shredded: The crisp core of the salad providing a fresh, crunchy texture and that beautiful pale green color.
- 1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups): Adds a sweet earthiness and vibrant orange hue which makes the dish pop visually.
- 1/2 cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together with richness and smoothness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat yoghurt: Offers tangy depth and balances the mayo for a silky dressing.
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess and enhances the cabbage flavor.
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard: Imparts a subtle kick and complexity to the dressing, elevating the overall taste.
- 2 tbsp white sugar: Just enough sweetness to mellow the vinegar and mustard without overpowering the salad.
- 3/4 tsp celery salt: A savory punch that enhances the natural flavors and seasoning of the dish.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and a bit of spice to round out the dressing.
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream or yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, white sugar, celery salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This dressing is the heart of your coleslaw — smooth, tangy, and perfectly seasoned. Whisk until all the ingredients combine into a creamy, harmonious sauce that’s ready to embrace the veggies.
Step 2: Combine the Vegetables
Place the finely shredded green cabbage and shredded carrot into a large mixing bowl. These fresh, crisp veggies will soak up the dressing’s flavors beautifully, creating that ideal balance of crunch and creaminess we all love in coleslaw.
Step 3: Toss and Marinate
Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots and toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every shred is coated. Now, here’s the secret to truly great coleslaw: let it rest! Set it aside for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the cabbage soften slightly and the flavors meld. For best results, 2 hours or even overnight chilling in the fridge will transform the texture and taste into pure magic.
Step 4: Final Toss Before Serving
Give the coleslaw one last gentle toss just before plating. This breathes life back into the salad and ensures each bite is evenly coated in that delicious creamy dressing you made from scratch.
How to Serve Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe a little extra flair, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top. Toasted sunflower seeds or finely chopped nuts can also add a delightfully unexpected crunch that contrasts with the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This coleslaw is an incredibly versatile side that pairs effortlessly with smoky grilled meats like pulled pork or barbecue chicken. It also complements fried foods beautifully, especially classic fish and chips, or adds a refreshing crunch alongside sandwiches and burgers for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your coleslaw the star of the table? Serve it in charming individual jars for picnic-ready portions or as a colorful bed under grilled shrimp skewers. Layer it in sandwiches for a satisfying crunch, or use it as a lively topping on tacos to bring a fresh, creamy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe, no worries — this salad keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop, although the cabbage will soften further, so try to enjoy it sooner rather than later for optimal crunch.
Freezing
Freezing coleslaw is not recommended because the high water content in cabbage and carrot will cause the salad to become mushy upon thawing. To preserve the fresh texture and flavor, it’s best to enjoy this coleslaw fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply give it a gentle stir straight out of the fridge to revive the dressing’s creaminess before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage will give your coleslaw a lovely pop of color and slightly earthier flavor. Just keep in mind it might stain lighter dressings or utensils a bit.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use a dairy-free mayonnaise. The flavors will remain deliciously creamy and tangy.
How long should I let the coleslaw rest before serving?
While 20 minutes is the minimum to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften, letting it chill for 2 hours or overnight really takes this Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe to the next level.
Can I adjust the sweetness or acidity?
Definitely! Taste your dressing and adjust by adding a bit more sugar if you prefer it sweeter, or more vinegar if you like a sharper tang. It’s all about customizing to your personal preference.
Will the coleslaw stay fresh if I pack it for a picnic?
Yes, it’s a perfect picnic companion! Just keep it chilled in a cooler until ready to eat to maintain its freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a simple dish done really well, and this Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe fits that bill perfectly. The fresh veggies combined with a tangy, creamy dressing make each bite a little celebration of flavors and textures. I encourage you to give it a try — your meals will be brighter and your taste buds happier!
Print
Creamy Coleslaw with Green Cabbage and Carrot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus resting time of up to overnight)
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic coleslaw recipe combines finely shredded green cabbage and shredded carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. Perfectly chilled and allowed to rest, this coleslaw offers a refreshing, crisp side dish ideal for barbecues, picnics, or as a complement to sandwiches and burgers.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 7 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 medium carrot, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise (or other whole egg mayo)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or full-fat yoghurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar as a substitute)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream or yoghurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, white sugar, celery salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Prepare Vegetables: Place the finely shredded cabbage and shredded carrot into a large bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Rest and Marinate: Allow the coleslaw to sit for at least 20 minutes before serving, ideally 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This resting period softens the cabbage and carrots, releases moisture to thin the dressing, and enhances the overall flavor.
- Final Toss: Give the coleslaw a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and ensure every bite is flavorful.
Notes
- Using full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream or yoghurt gives the dressing a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- The resting time is crucial for softening the vegetables and blending the flavors, so try to prepare the coleslaw in advance.
- Celery salt adds a subtle depth and slight saltiness unique to classic coleslaw.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar if needed without compromising taste.
- For a healthier version, consider using low-fat yoghurt but be aware the texture and creaminess might vary slightly.
