This Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is a refreshing, crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for summer barbecues, packed lunches, or a quick weeknight dinner side. It balances crisp shredded cabbage and carrots with a tangy, creamy dressing that you can make in minutes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Simple Coleslaw Ingredients
This coleslaw keeps things simple and relies on a few fresh ingredients to deliver big flavor and great texture:
- Shredded cabbage (about 6 cups)
- Matchstick or shredded carrots (about 2 cups)
- Half a small white onion, thinly sliced
- Finely chopped fresh parsley (about 1/3 cup)
Creamy Coleslaw Dressing
The dressing is light but creamy thanks to a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Whisk everything together in a bowl or combine in a jar with a lid and shake until smooth.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar (or honey, to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional additions: a pinch of garlic powder, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, or substitute apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a slightly different tang. Adjust sweetness with a little extra honey if you prefer.
How to Make It
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, thinly sliced onion, and chopped parsley. Toss to distribute evenly.
- In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well, or whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly so every shred is lightly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a touch more salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Chilling also softens the cabbage slightly for a creamier texture.
Recipe Pairings for Coleslaw
This creamy coleslaw pairs well with many mains, sides, and refreshing summer drinks. Here are suggestions to build a complete menu:
Main Dishes
- Grilled chicken legs or thighs
- BBQ chicken skewers
- Grilled flank steak or burgers
Other Sides
- Foil-pack grilled red potatoes
- Grilled Brussels sprouts
- Grilled kale and watermelon salad
Drinks
- Strawberry peach frozen drink or frose-style beverage
- Frozen margarita or another chilled cocktail
- Homemade iced tea with fresh fruit
How to Store Coleslaw
Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will soften over time as the dressing continues to mingle with the cabbage, so if you prefer crunch, toss the coleslaw lightly with a little extra shredded cabbage just before serving. This recipe scales easily—double or triple it for meal prep or a gathering.
Tips and Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped red bell pepper or sliced radishes.
- Make it lighter by increasing the Greek yogurt and reducing the mayonnaise.
- Add a little celery seed for a classic coleslaw flavor.
- To keep colors vibrant, dress the coleslaw right before serving when possible.
- Swap in red cabbage or a mix of green and purple cabbage for a colorful presentation.
More Healthy Sides
- Foil pack grilled red potatoes
- Creamy cucumber salad
- Quinoa tabouli
Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (Summary)
Yield: Serves 6 • Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 0 mins • Total: 15 mins
Author: Emily Richter
Ingredients (detailed)
- 6 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cups matchstick carrots
- 1/2 small white onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3 teaspoons granulated sugar (or 1 tablespoon honey)
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions (concise)
- Combine cabbage, carrots, onion, and parsley in a large bowl.
- Whisk or shake together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to form a smooth dressing.
- Toss the dressing with the vegetables until evenly coated. Chill briefly or serve right away.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 111 kcal • Carbohydrates: 10 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 7 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 6 g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically and should be used as an estimate.
If you enjoyed this recipe, try it with your favorite grilled proteins and seasonal sides. The balance of crunchy vegetables and light creamy dressing makes this coleslaw a versatile and satisfying addition to any meal.