Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (2024)

Published June 12, 2020

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Homemade Coleslaw with the simplest coleslaw dressing! This recipe only requires 4 basic ingredients, it couldn’t be easier to make, and it’s so creamy and refreshing.

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (1)

The Easiest Coleslaw Recipe!

I used to think coleslaw would require a lot of ingredients and insisted on freshly shredded cabbage but this version uses FOUR ingredients and includes a pre-shredded cabbage blend and it tastes perfect!

This coleslaw recipe is one of those back pocket recipes, especially during the summer with all the cookouts. It’s the perfect last minute side and goes perfectly with grilled meats and hot or cold sandwiches.

It’s just one of those recipes you’ll use over and over, plus it’s super versatile and you can customize it how you like. Keep reading below for some delicious ideas!

Coleslaw Salad and Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

  1. Shredded coleslaw mix
  2. Good quality mayonnaise
  3. Apple cider vinegar
  4. Honey

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (2)

How to Make Coleslaw

  1. Make coleslaw dressing: In a small mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and honey. If needed season with a bit of salt.
  2. Pour dressing over shredded cabbage mixture: Place shredded coleslaw mix in a large bowl then pour the dressing mixture over.
  3. Toss together: Toss to evenly coat. Easy as that!
  4. Tip: I like to serve it right away while the cabbage is nice and crisp but if want it a little more tender let it rest 10 minutes in the fridge.

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (3)

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (4)

Variations

More Mix-In Ideas

You can also add other mix-ins to the coleslaw things like:

  • apples
  • dried cranberries
  • sliced almonds
  • bleu cheese or cheddar cheese
  • pineapple
  • poppyseeds
  • fresh strawberries

Additional Ways to Season It

If you want extra flavor add other seasonings such as:

  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • celery seed
  • dry mustard or dijon mustard
  • pepper
  • cilantro (with lime in place of vinegar)
  • green onions

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (5)

How Long Does Coleslaw Keep?

  • The salt and vinegar in the coleslaw dressing start to break down the cabbage and draw the moisture out, so once the dressing is added I recommend that you serve within a couple of hours for best results.
  • If you have leftovers it can still be eaten the next day the dressing just becomes runnier.
  • Unfortunately it can’t be frozen. The overall texture will change too much.
  • For make ahead: Mix dressing up to 3 days in advance. Pour over cabbage mixture when ready to serve.

How to Make It Healthy

To make this healthier replace half of the mayo with a thick plain Greek yogurt.

Is It Keto?

As is this Coleslaw won’t fit into the ketogenic diet, but you can make it keto friendly by replacing the honey with a sweetener such as swerve.

What to Serve with Homemade Coleslaw

Coleslaw goes well with just about anything but here are a few things I love to pair with it:

  • Pulled Pork or pulled chicken sandwiches
  • BBQ chicken with Homemade Barbecue Sauce
  • French Dip Sandwiches
  • Kalua Pork
  • Huli Huli Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Ribs

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (6)

More Delicious Coleslaw Recipes to Try

  • Apple Cranberry Almond Coleslaw
  • Broccoli Carrot and Cauliflower Coleslaw Salad
  • Strawberry Kale Coleslaw
  • Thaw Slaw with Peanut Dressing

16 Quick & Easy 30 Minute Recipes! (plus weekly recipe updates)

Coleslaw Recipe

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The easiest homemade coleslaw with only FOUR ingredients and it only takes minutes to make! It's so creamy, so refreshing and so delicious. The perfect summer side dish!

Servings: 4

Prep5 minutes minutes

Ready in: 5 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz.) pkg. coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp honey (or granulated sugar)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise honey, apple cider vinegar and a pinch or two of salt if needed.

  • Place coleslaw mixture in a medium mixing bowl pour mayonnaise mixture over then toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Try it with mix-ins too! I love it with bleu cheese, apples, dried cranberries or sliced almonds.
  • If you are looking to boost flavor try it with some of these seasonings to taste: onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, dry mustard or dijon mustard, and black pepper

Nutrition Facts

Coleslaw Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 240Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Fat 21g32%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 11mg4%

Sodium 196mg9%

Potassium 168mg5%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 10g11%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 115IU2%

Vitamin C 36.3mg44%

Calcium 40mg4%

Iron 0.5mg3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Coleslaw recipe

Author: Jaclyn

Categorized:

Tagged:

  • apple cider vinegar
  • cabbage
  • honey
  • mayonnaise

You Might Also Like:

  • Strawberry Kale Coleslaw
  • Apple Slaw
  • Thai Slaw with Peanut Dressing
  • Salmon Rice Bowls

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174 Comments

  • Jerald Lobo

    Very good recipes.

  • Patricia Frick

    Am I missing something …. Where are the measurements for the coleslaw 4 ingredient recipe????

    • Jaclyn

      Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (12)

      If you scroll down the page a little ways the recipe is there near the bottom. Hope you enjoy!

  • Reuben

    I appreciate the knowledge

  • Alexi

    I liked it as written but ended up with a few additions – finely julienned carrots, chopped parsley (including stems), fresh thyme, black pepper, finely chopped shallot and a pinch of adobo seasoning which gave it a kick. It’s a great basic and a great place to start if you have leftover herbs or extra spice mixes etc.

  • Bryson

    I genuinely cant express how much this recipe meant for me. For years my family have been trying to find a good coleslaw recipe. We began to lose hope until you came and saved us. Thank you Jaclyn

    • Jaclyn

      Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (13)

      Glad you’ve enjoyed this Bryson!

  • Louis John Nagy

    Huh?…..Coleslaw BETTER than “KFC”…Back in the mid 90’s my mom and I would go to KFC for chicken,corn on cob,biscuits….but coleslaw we would buy 3 large @ $2.99 each….Ouch…So I came up with my recipe well over 22 years ago ..and it is a BBQ Fave!!!!!…Green & Purple cabbage,carrots….2% milk,Best Foods Mayo, Nutra Sweet/Equal substitutes or white sugar, Red wine vinager, fresh lemon,hot preppared horse raddish…..I have kept the measurments of recipe close to my chest….You won’t believe how easy and awsome this slaw is! Key is to marinate /mix at least 5 times prior to serving slaw….. serve next day…..You will be amazed~! I can and WILL share my recipe for ” 0 ” price…100% free and measurements…you will love it……Healthier than KFC , but not by much…Slaw has a nice bite ~Proven excellent as a hamburger topping during 27 plus @ family BBQ ,,,,,,

    • Nell Carvell

      To: Louis John Nagy
      Please send recipe details asap. I want to make this for my friend!
      Thank you.

    • Ruth

      Hi. Could you please send me your recipe that is like KFC coleslaw? Thanks

More Comments

Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!} - Cooking Classy (2024)

FAQs

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

What is Amish coleslaw made of? ›

Amish Vinegar Slaw or Old Fashioned Coleslaw is lighter and tangier than a classic mayo based slaw. Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard. This is the perfect quick Side Dish that you can bring along to BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

What is the best pre made coleslaw? ›

With its nice, thick dressing, Walmart's deli coleslaw is the best creamy coleslaw of the bunch. The dressing is heavy on the mayo, which makes it the best coleslaw to slather on a burger or pulled pork sandwich, and the copious amounts of shredded carrot will contribute some crunch, too.

What is the most unhealthy thing from KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy

Here's where "crispy" is a code word for "steer clear." The extra crispy recipe is by far the least healthful of KFC's chicken options. A single breast will set you back 530 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is in Mary Brown's coleslaw? ›

If you're in the mood for something creamy, sweet, and tangy, coleslaw is an excellent option. Mary Brown's shreds fresh cabbage and carrots in house, and tops it with a creamy dressing.

Why did Chick Fil A stop selling coleslaw? ›

"But as our sales volumes grew, it just wasn't feasible to keep adding to the menu without taking anything away." Chick-fil-A cut cole slaw from the menu in January to make room for a new "superfood" side of kale and broccolini in a maple vinaigrette dressing.

Is coleslaw healthy or unhealthy Why? ›

Improves Gut Health

Coleslaw salad is rich in fiber because of the presence of raw cabbage. The RDA of fiber for an adult is 30g per day. It can become challenging to consume this much amount of fiber per day. However, 120 g portion of cabbage is sufficient to meet 10% of daily fiber needs.

What is a coleslaw slang? ›

In a bizarre new trend sweeping online forums and apps, cheaters have taken to calling their affair partners 'coleslaw' because they are a 'side dish'. While most people are familiar with the terms 'ghosting' and 'love bombing', the little-known new term has left many in the dark.

What is coleslaw called in America? ›

Coleslaw (from the Dutch term koolsla meaning 'cabbage salad'), also known as cole slaw, or simply as slaw, is a side dish consisting primarily of finely shredded raw cabbage with a salad dressing or condiment, commonly either vinaigrette or mayonnaise.

Which is healthier salad or coleslaw? ›

Classic coleslaw is full of shredded cabbage and carrots. The dressing, however, is made with mayonnaise and sugar. There is usually about ½ a cup of mayonnaise and usually a couple tablespoons of sugar. That adds up to more calories and more fat than you're probably looking for in a salad.

Why does coleslaw go bad so quickly? ›

The more cut surface area a food item has, the more moist nooks and crannies there are for bacteria to thrive in. So when looking at a cookout staple like coleslaw, where the cabbage is shredded, there's plenty of opportunity for bacterial growth.

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

It's a clever defense mechanism for the cabbage plant to discourage hungry foragers. Of course, slivering or dicing cabbage to make coleslaw also ruptures plant cell walls, so the same reaction is triggered. At first, any bitterness may seem pleasantly tangy as the salad's dressing mellows cabbage flavors.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

Why does KFC taste better cold? ›

When fried chicken starts to cool down, the skin contracts and bonds itself to the meat. This process causes the top part of the skin to separate slightly from the crust, which prevents moisture absorption and sogginess, allowing the breading to maintain its satisfying chomp.

Why is KFC original recipe so good? ›

KFC Uses A Special Signature Blend Of Herbs And Spices

A big part of what makes KFC's chicken so tasty is its highly coveted blend of herbs and spices. The restaurant's chicken is savory and herbaceous with lingering notes of pepper. The flavoring is simple but it hits all the right notes.

Why does KFC taste better? ›

The chicken is traditionally deep-fried, which results in a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. The frying process helps seal in the natural juices of the chicken while creating a delightful contrast of textures. Another factor that contributes to KFC's appeal is the concept of “umami” or savory taste.

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