Best Coleslaw

The ultimate summer side — creamy, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy.

This isn’t your average backyard coleslaw. With a zesty vinegar-based dressing, a hint of sweetness, and just enough creaminess, this Zesty Creamy Coleslaw strikes the perfect balance between bold flavor and fresh crunch. It’s easy to whip up in minutes and even better after chilling, making it a must-have for BBQs, picnics, or weekday dinners.

Why You’ll Love This

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes flat
• Flavor-Packed: Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet — no bland bites here
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge
• Customizable: Use bagged slaw or shred your own
• Perfect for BBQs: Pairs with grilled meats, sandwiches, and more
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone asks for the recipe!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2½ tablespoons white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Pepper, to taste
• 14–16 oz coleslaw mix (or ~8 cups shredded cabbage and carrots)

Instructions

1. Make the Dressing:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery salt, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
2. Mix the Coleslaw:
   Place coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated. Adjust amount of dressing to taste.
3. Chill (Optional):
   Let sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if needed.

Tips / Storage / FAQs

Tips for Success

• Balance the flavor: Add a touch more sugar or vinegar depending on your personal taste.
• Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.
• Crunchier texture: Add sunflower seeds, sliced green onions, or even chopped apples for extra texture.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.

FAQs

• Can I make it ahead? Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Can I use homemade slaw mix? Definitely. Use ~8 cups of shredded green/red cabbage and carrots.
• Can I skip the sour cream? You can replace it with more mayo or use Greek yogurt instead.

Final Thoughts

This Zesty Creamy Coleslaw will be your go-to all summer long. Whether you’re serving it at a cookout, packing it for a picnic, or topping off pulled pork sandwiches, it delivers that crave-worthy combo of tang, creaminess, and crunch — every time.

The Goods

Best Coleslaw

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This zesty creamy coleslaw recipe blends tangy vinegar, creamy mayo, and crunchy slaw for the perfect summer side. Ready in 10 minutes!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Recipes

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2½ tablespoons white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Pepper to taste
• 14 –16 oz coleslaw mix or ~8 cups shredded cabbage and carrots

Instructions

• Make the Dressing:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, sugar, celery salt, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
• Mix the Coleslaw:
• Place coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss until evenly coated. Adjust amount of dressing to taste.
• Chill (Optional):
• Let sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately if needed.

Notes

Balance the flavor: Add a touch more sugar or vinegar depending on your personal taste.

Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist.

Crunchier texture: Add sunflower seeds, sliced green onions, or even chopped apples for extra texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Stir before serving to redistribute dressing.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead? Yes! It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Can I use homemade slaw mix? Definitely. Use ~8 cups of shredded green/red cabbage and carrots.

Can I skip the sour cream? You can replace it with more mayo or use Greek yogurt instead.