For picnics, barbecues, and make-and-take potlucks, nothing beats a homemade creamy coleslaw!
You’ll love this coleslaw, made with crunchy, colorful shredded cabbage and carrots tossed in a brightly-flavored creamy dressing flavored with earthy, pungent cumin seeds!
This classic, Southern-style coleslaw recipe is the perfect summer side that goes with everything!
![Give your picnics and barbecues a lift with this homemade creamy coleslaw. Shredded carrots combine with green and red cabbage in a creamy mayonnaise dressing flavored with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a hint of sugar. This beloved Southern style classic features sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, ideal for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe close up of creamy coleslaw in a white bowl with silver tongs](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-6.jpg)
The Best Creamy Coleslaw
- Make this recipe with just a few simple ingredients for a quick side dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to make the dressing as sweet, sour, or savory as you like!
- Easily make ahead and enjoy leftovers all week.
![Add pizzazz to your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe. Shredded carrots with green, and red cabbage are dressed with a blend of creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar. This Southern style classic boasts sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, making it a perfect match for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe creamy coleslaw in a white bowl with silver tongs](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-5.jpg)
Ingredients and Variations
Cabbage – A mix of green cabbage, red, or purple cabbage along with some shredded carrots are the base for this salad. Short on time? Use a bag of coleslaw mix, broccoli slaw, or any variety of ‘slaw’ your store might carry. Omit the carrots entirely for a low-carb coleslaw and use other veggies like chopped broccoli or shredded Brussels sprouts.
Dressing – This recipe is all about the creamy dressing! White, red, or apple cider vinegar all work! Switch out the mayonnaise for plain yogurt for less fat and feel free to use your favorite non-sugar sweetener. No cumin seeds in the pantry? Use toasted celery, coriander, or caraway seeds. A store-bought dressing can be used if time is short.
Variations – Homemade coleslaw is the perfect vehicle to add new ingredients into. So match the menu and create a new recipe every time! Try a handful of dried cranberries with a holiday meal, chopped apples or pears for a summer bbq, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a harvest dinner, and toasted slivered almonds for any day!
![This creamy coleslaw recipe could not be easier to make! Simply shred the carrots, green cabbage, and red cabbage, then toss with a creamy homemade mayo dressing seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar. This Southern style classic features sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, perfect to serve at a barbecue or picnic with any grilled meat. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe a large bowl of creamy coleslaw with silver tongs in it, with two serving bowls of coleslaw in front](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
How to Make Creamy Coleslaw
Crunchy cabbage and carrots are tossed in a creamy dressing for this easy peasy summer salad!
The Veggies
I have used a mandoline in the past to shred the cabbage and carrots, along with a protective glove – mandolines are super sharp! More recently I have had success using a spiralizer. But if you have neither, simply and carefully, use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage thin. And a simple kitchen grater will work to shred the carrots!
Dressing
- Whisk dressing ingredients together in a bowl, as per the recipe below. Set aside.
- Place shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl and toss with dressing.
![Make this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe for the best side to grilled meat! Shredded carrots mingle with green and red cabbage, and are dressed in a creamy blend of mayo seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar. This Southern style favorite, with it’s sweet, tangy and earthy flavors, this coleslaw is sure to become a favorite in your home. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe a serving of creamy coleslaw in a small bowl, with a large bowl of coleslaw in the background](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-4.jpg)
Ways to Use Coleslaw
No BBQ, picnic, or potluck is the same without a big bowl of creamy coleslaw! Serve it as a side dish along with burgers, beef, ribs, even chicken!
Creamy coleslaw can also be used to tuck into homemade carnitas and is delicious on top a pulled pork sandwich.
![Transform your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe. Featuring shredded carrots with green and red cabbage in a creamy mayo seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar, this Southern style favorite with its sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors is the perfect companion for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe creamy coleslaw being lifted from a bowl with tongs](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-7.jpg)
Storing Coleslaw
- Keep leftover creamy coleslaw in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Drain the salad before serving again, if necessary.
- Mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well, so enjoy creamy coleslaw until it’s all eaten up!
Other Side Salads To Try!
Did you try this Creamy Coleslaw recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and rating below!
![overhead of creamy coleslaw with carrots and cabbage in a large white bowl with tongs in it](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Creamy-Coleslaw-7540-300x300.jpg)
Creamy Coleslaw
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ small head green cabbage finely shredded (using a mandoline or spiralizer)
- ½ small head purple cabbage finely shredded (using a mandoline or spiralizer)
- 2 carrot peeled and grated (or julienned)
Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon toasted cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, cumin, and pepper to make dressing.
- In a large bowl, add dressing to shredded cabbage and carrots and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
- Toss again immediately before serving.
Notes
- This coleslaw can be made a few hours ahead of time. Toss before serving.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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![Perk up all your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe. Shredded carrots mingle with green and red cabbage, and are dressed in a creamy blend of mayo seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar. This Southern style favorite, with it’s sweet, tangy and earthy flavors, is a perfect companion for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe a small serving bowl of creamy coleslaw, with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SP-Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Level up your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe. Shredded carrots mix with green and red cabbage, coated in a creamy mayo blend seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a hint of sugar. This beloved Southern style dish offers sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, making it an ideal partner for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe creamy coleslaw in a white bowl with silver tongs, with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SP-Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Add some colorful flair to your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw. Shredded carrots, with green and red cabbage are dressed in a creamy mayo seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar. This Southern style classic features sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, perfect for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe a serving of creamy coleslaw in a small bowl, with a large bowl of coleslaw in the background, with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NP-Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-2.jpg)
![Bring color and crunch to your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe. Grated carrots are combined with shredded green and red cabbage and coated in a creamy mayo dressing flavored with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a hint of sugar. This Southern style favorite offers sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, making it an idealpairing alongside grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe close up of creamy coleslaw in a white bowl with silver tongs, with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NP-Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-1.jpg)
![Upgrade your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe. Shredded carrots mixed with green and red cabbage are dressed in a creamy mayo blend seasoned with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a touch of sugar. This Southern style staple provides sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, perfect for serving alongside grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe creamy coleslaw in a white serving bowl and silver tongs, with a title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP-Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-.jpg)
![Brighten up your picnics and barbecues with this homemade creamy coleslaw. Shredded carrots with green and red cabbage are dressed in a creamy mayo blend flavored with tangy vinegar, cumin seeds, and a hint of sugar. This Southern style classic boasts sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, making it a delightful match for grilled meats. #creamycoleslaw #easycreamycoleslaw #ourzestylife #creamycoleslawrecipe creamy coleslaw in a white serving bowl and silver tongs, and creamy coleslaw being lifted from a bowl with tongs under the title](https://ourzestylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP-Creamy-Coleslaw-OurZestyLife-1-.jpg)
Slightly adapted from Barbecue Secrets
This sounds so delicious, I can’t wait to put it on a pulled pork sandwich!
Thank you Bailey! It’s so good!