Creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and tangy dressing in a white bowl, topped with fresh herbs

Soups & Salads

Creamy Coleslaw – The Perfect Crunchy, Creamy Side Dish!

Name: Creamy Coleslaw – The Perfect Crunchy, Creamy Side Dish!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: North American
Ingredients: 1 green cabbage (about 8 cups); 2 cups red cabbage (feel free to simply use green cabbage instead); ½ red onion; 1 to 2 carrots; ¾ cup sour cream; ¼ cup Mayonaise; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 tsp sugar; 1-2 tsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar); salt and pepper to taste; Optional: mango sliced on a mandoline

My creamy coleslaw is crunchy, tangy, and so easy to make—it's become my go-to side dish for everything from burgers to pulled pork.

5.0 (1)

Prep

15 min

Cook

10 min

Total

25 min

Serves

Style

💰 Everyday

📌 Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp ✉ Email 𝕏

Who doesn't love a good coleslaw? This Creamy Coleslaw is everything you want in a side dish—crunchy, creamy, and just the right amount of tang! It's the perfect pairing for BBQs, burgers, sandwiches, or even as a fresh, light side for your favourite meals.

The best part? It's so easy to make! You just toss together some crisp cabbage, carrots, and a super simple creamy dressing that's tangy, a little sweet, and oh-so-delicious. The secret to that perfect creamy texture? It's all in the balance of mayo and a splash of something to brighten it up—trust me, it's going to be your new go-to coleslaw recipe!

You can whip this up in minutes, and it stays fresh and crunchy for hours, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for picnics or potlucks. And did I mention how versatile it is? Feel free to toss in some extra veggies or tweak the seasoning to make it your own!

Whether you're serving it alongside grilled meats or piling it high on a sandwich, this creamy coleslaw is a must-have recipe for any meal. Quick, easy, and totally crave-worthy!

This goes so well with my pulled pork sandwiches. Or my Turkey Burgers! Or my pineapple pulled pork.

You can make this using various tools, like a food processor or a good, sharp knife. But in my opinion, shredding with a mandoline gives you the best results for a perfectly textured coleslaw.

Creamy Coleslaw – The Perfect Crunchy, Creamy Side Dish! preparation step 1

Creamy Coleslaw – The Perfect Crunchy, Creamy Side Dish! preparation step 2

Ingredients

Servings:

1 green cabbage (about 8 cups)
2 cups red cabbage (feel free to simply use green cabbage instead)
½ red onion
1 to 2 carrots
¾ cup sour cream
¼ cup Mayonaise
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp sugar
1-2 tsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
salt and pepper to taste
Optional: mango sliced on a mandoline

Instructions

1
Shred the cabbages with a mandoline for best results. Alternatively, shred them finely with a good chef's knife or use a food processor. Shred the carrots. Finely shred or slice the onions. Combine everything in a bowl and toss with a large pinch of kosher salt (using salad spoons or your clean hands). Let sit for at least ten minutes. The salt will soften the cabbage without making it lose its crunch.
2
Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the cabbage.
3
Mix everything well. Refrigerate for at least half an hour for the flavours to meld. Toss again before serving and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
4
Optional: I added mango to this coleslaw and it tasted amazing. Consider doing that, but it's totally optional! If using mango, simply add it in Step 3.

FAQ

How long does homemade creamy coleslaw last in the fridge?+

Your coleslaw will stay fresh and crispy for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make it a day ahead if you like—the flavors actually meld together better overnight.

Can you make creamy coleslaw without sour cream?+

Yes! You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier version, or use all mayonnaise if you prefer a richer coleslaw. Both work great and give you slightly different flavor profiles.

Why is my coleslaw watery and soggy?+

This usually happens if you skip salting the cabbage or don't let it sit long enough—the salt draws out excess moisture that you need to drain before adding the dressing. Make sure you're using kosher salt and waiting at least 10 minutes before mixing in the sour cream and mayo.

What can I serve creamy coleslaw with?+

It's perfect alongside pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, grilled fish, or BBQ ribs—basically any main dish that benefits from a cool, tangy, crunchy side. You can also use it as a topping for tacos or hot dogs.