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Creamy Coleslaw Recipe with Tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

creamy coleslaw with tangy apple cider vinegar dressing - featured image

A quick and easy creamy coleslaw with a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing that balances creaminess and bright zing, perfect for summer BBQs and a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups finely shredded green cabbage (about 300g)
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 120g)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120ml)
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus 1 teaspoon for salting cabbage)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Finely shred the green cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline to get about 4 cups (300g). Grate the carrots (1 cup or 120g) using a box grater, and thinly slice half a small red onion. Toss them all in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the cabbage mixture and toss well. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, gently squeeze the cabbage with your hands to remove any released water.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon celery seed, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Pour the dressing over the drained cabbage mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until every shred is coated. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley if using.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly while retaining crunch.

Notes

Salting and letting the cabbage sit to sweat out moisture is key to preventing soggy coleslaw. Adjust honey and vinegar to taste for balance. Use fresh, firm veggies for best texture. For vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and honey with maple syrup. Avoid overmixing to keep cabbage crisp. Let coleslaw chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, apple cider vinegar dressing, summer BBQ side, easy coleslaw recipe, tangy coleslaw, picnic salad