Best Homemade Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

The best coleslaw recipe is easy to make in under 5 minutes! This homemade coleslaw is lightened up and only sweetened with honey, and is a delicious summer BBQ side dish!

Coleslaw is a classic, refreshing summer side dish that is a must-have at every summer BBQ (and you can’t forget the pasta salad with homemade dressing or easy stovetop mac and cheese)!

This easy coleslaw recipe take 5 minutes to prepare, and is the best coleslaw ever! It’s naturally sweetened with honey and is lightly dressed with a delicious homemade coleslaw dressing (instead of being drowned in it)! Nothing beats this homemade coleslaw!

Coleslaw Recipe: Ingredients & Substituions

• Mayonnaise. There really isn’t a substitute for mayonnaise in this coleslaw recipe. You can use light mayo or homemade mayonnaise. You can also use miracle whip but it will make the coleslaw significantly sweeter.
• Honey.granulated white sugar or maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
• Apple Cider Vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar.
• Lemon Juice. I don’t recommend making a substitution for the lemon juice.
• Celery Seeds. I love the authentic flavor celery seeds impart in the coleslaw recipe. However if you’d prefer you can very finely chop celery and add it to the mix for a similar flavor, and a little more crunch.
• Coleslaw Mix.If you prefer to make your own coleslaw mix instead of buying it bagged, simply use 6 cups green cabbage, 1 cup purple cabbage, and 1 cup shredded carrots.

How to Make Coleslaw

It only takes 5 minutes to prepare this homemade coleslaw recipe! Let’s walk through the steps together, and as always don’t forget to watch the video!

Make the dressing

To make the coleslaw dressing, start by adding all the ingredients (except celery seeds) into a medium bowl.

Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Add celery seeds and whisk until they are evenly distributed. Then set the coleslaw dressing aside for a moment.

Assemble the Coleslaw

Mix this homemade coleslaw recipe in halves to ensure even distribution of the dressing. Start by adding half of the coleslaw mixture in a large mixing bowl. Then, pour half of the dressing over the coleslaw in the bowl.

Next, add the rest of the coleslaw mixture and pour the rest of the dressing over it.

Then, stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Chill

Transfer the coleslaw to a serving dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.

Serve

When you’re ready to serve, stir the coleslaw. Then garnish with salt, pepper, extra celery seeds, chopped onion, etc. and enjoy on the side of your favorite BBQ or potluck fare (like this chicken satay, pasta salad, etc.).

Store

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

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this easy coleslaw recipe.

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