SaveColeslaw
Crisp, tangy, and just the right amount of creamy. Apple cider vinegar keeps it bright. The perfect sidekick to anything grilled, fried, or smoked.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $4.00 · $0.50/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head green cabbage (thinly shredded)
- 1/4 head red cabbage (thinly shredded)
- 2 medium carrots (grated)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp celery seed
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Toss shredded cabbage with 1/2 tsp salt in a colander. Let sit 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Squeeze out liquid and transfer to a large bowl with grated carrots.
Salting and draining the cabbage prevents a watery slaw. This step is what separates good from great.
- 2
Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, Dijon mustard, celery seed, remaining salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
The vinegar-to-mayo ratio is critical. You want tangy, not gloppy.
- 3
Pour dressing over cabbage and carrots. Toss thoroughly to coat. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Restaurant secret: Make it an hour ahead. The cabbage softens slightly and absorbs the dressing, and everything tastes better.
Pairs With
Ice-cold light lager
Clean and refreshing next to the tangy dressing
Half iced tea, half lemonade
Sweet-tart balance complements the vinegary slaw
Bourbon, lemon, simple syrup
The sour citrus and bourbon warmth are perfect with BBQ sides
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Outlaw country, Southern rock, and blues. Turn it up, crack a beer, fire up the grill.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Use a mandoline or sharp knife for thin, even shreds. Thick chunks don't absorb dressing.
- •Make it ahead. Coleslaw improves after 1-2 hours in the fridge.
- •Restaurant secret: A pinch of celery seed gives that classic deli flavor everyone loves but can't identify.
Substitutions
- mayonnaise → Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- apple cider vinegar → white wine vinegar
- Dijon mustard → yellow mustard
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 3 days. It gets softer over time but the flavor stays great.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
