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Coleslaw is a favorite side for picnics or BBQs and it's easy to make ahead of time!
In this coleslaw recipe, crisp and colorful shredded cabbage is tossed in a very simple creamy dressing with a hint of sweetness.
With some cabbage (or coleslaw mix) and a few basic ingredients, this will be a go-to side dish for almost any occasion.

A Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This is the best coleslaw recipe, perfect for parties and summer potlucks and it is so simple to make.

You need just a few ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand.

Use green and red cabbage or coleslaw mix to make it even easier.

The creamy coleslaw dressing takes just 2 minutes to make.

This is great for gatherings since it is best made ahead of time.

Ingredients

BASE: We use a mixture of regular green cabbage, a bit of red (or purple) cabbage, and shredded carrots. You can swap this out for a bag of coleslaw mix but don't limit it to cabbage try any "slaw" that your store carries.

DRESSING: Homemade coleslaw is so good because of the zesty creamy dressing. If you're short on time (or ingredients) store-bought dressing can be used, you'll want something tangy and sweet.

How to Make Coleslaw

Colorful coleslaw can be made so quickly! Just 3 simple steps to the perfect creamy side dish.

1. Shred Cabbage: Finely shred cabbage using a mandoline, a food processor, or make thin slices with a knife. For the carrots, I grate them on the larger side of a box grater.

2. Prep Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a large bowl (per the recipe below).

3. Combine & Chill: Add the cabbage and carrots to the dressing and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Variations

Swap the cabbage for pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix in the produce section of the grocery store.

Finely cut an apple (toss it in a bit of lemon juice) to make it into a Creamy Apple Slaw Recipe.

Use the creamy dressing in the recipe below or the vinaigrette dressing in the notes.

To make this recipe lighter, use yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.

How to Make Coleslaw Dressing

The creamy dressing for this easy coleslaw recipe is homemade but ready in about 2 minutes. It's so good!

What's in Coleslaw Dressing? This coleslaw recipe uses mayonnaise as a base for a creamy slaw (my favorite kind) but I've included a vinaigrette-based dressing in the notes too.

Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture while the vinegar adds a slight tang. The small amount of sugar balances the dressing. Make sure you don't skip the celery seed, it really adds a lot of flavor to this dish. This dressing is great on coleslaw but it's also perfect on broccoli salad. Mix the dressing well before adding to the cabbage mixture. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.

Holly's Tips

Don't skip the celery seed, it adds flavor to this classic coleslaw recipe.

Whisk the dressing in a large bowl (instead of a small bowl) and add the cabbage to toss it all together, one less dish to wash!

Coleslaw is best once it's chilled for at least a couple of hours.

If serving at a potluck or summer event, ensure the slaw isn't left out in the sun. Place the bowl of slaw in a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it chilled.

What to Serve with Coleslaw

We know that KFC coleslaw is great with chicken but we love this fresh crisp version even more. We love it with any kind of bbq dish.

How to Store

Store this coleslaw in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. After a couple of days, it may release a bit of water, drain it away (and add a tiny bit of mayonnaise if needed).

Unfortunately, coleslaw made with a mayonnaise base will not freeze well.

More Easy Sides You'll Love
Did you make this Coleslaw recipe? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
The Best Coleslaw Recipe

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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This is the best coleslaw recipe! Homemade with a creamy mayo & vinegar dressing, it's easy to make & perfect on a pulled pork sandwich.

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This fried cabbage is delicious and super easy to make with a few ingredients. It comes together in less than 30 minutes!

I used to hate cabbage until I tried fried cabbage a few years ago and I really enjoy it now. I made it last weekend for a St.Paddy's day potluck and there were no leftovers, which was awesome! It goes really well with corned beef, pot roast, grilled chicken and even pork chops.

Now, fried cabbage can be made in various ways but my favorite way involves pan frying it with bacon and onions. I also like to keep the spices very simple and only use salt, pepper and a bit of paprika to add a smoky flavor.
Here are some notes about this recipe:
- Use whatever type of bacon you like- regular, turkey or even vegan. Just remember that turkey bacon and vegan bacon are not very oily and additional oil or butter must be added.
- Use a non-stick pan so that none of the ingredients stick to the pan.
- Make sure to finely chop your onions because they blend together much better with the cabbage.
- Don't over-cook the cabbage or else the texture becomes very soft and "mushy" and it's just weird. - Instead of bacon, you can also use sausage.

I know that cabbage is one of those weird vegetables that people either hate or love. If you are not fond of it, seriously, give this recipe a shot and you might start enjoying cabbage too.

What is fried cabbage?

It's an Irish side dish that's made by pan-frying cabbage with onions and basic spices and served predominantly with corned beef.

How do you pan fry cabbage?

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Then, add shredded cabbage, salt, pepper and saute for a few minutes until the cabbage is tender and that's it. Some recipes (such as mine) also include additional ingredients like onion and bacon.

If you are looking for other sides, you may like these easy honey glazed carrots or these jalapeno garlic mashed potatoes.

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This fried cabbage is delicious and super easy to make with a few ingredients. It comes together in less than 30 minutes!

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⅓ cup vegetable oil

3 slices bacon, cut into thirds

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

1 head cabbage, cored and sliced

1 white onion, chopped

1 pinch white sugar

Directions

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat; add bacon and season with salt and pepper. Cook until bacon is crisp, 5 to 7 minutes.

Add cabbage, onion, and sugar; cook and stir continuously until cabbage and onion are tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.

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When it comes to vegetables, cabbage is an unsung hero. With its layers of green or purple leaves, this humble vegetable-the brunt of many childhood dinner complaints-is in fact a nutrient powerhouse.

Despite its unassuming appearance, cabbage plays a starring role in a diverse number of dishes, from tangy sauerkraut to spicy kimchi-and don't forget the hearty coleslaw for your backyard barbecue.

If you include cabbage in your eating plan, your body may reap many impressive benefits, especially if you eat it regularly as part of a balanced and healthy diet. (But there are potential side effects, too.) Read on for what may happen to your body when you eat cabbage regularly.

Nutrient Profile of Cabbage

Cabbage isn't just a staple in your St. Paddy's Day meal. This cruciferous veggie comes with a plethora of nutrients per serving.

1 cup of raw, shredded cabbage contains the following nutrients, according to the USDA:

Health Benefits of Cabbage

May Improve Immune Health

Cabbage is a natural source of vitamin C, a nutrient that plays a role in white blood cell production, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Including vitamin C in your diet by eating foods that contain this nutrient, like cabbage, may help support a robust immune system.

May Provide Anti-Cancer Nutrients

Cabbage packs plant compounds that are crucial for our overall health. These include glucosinolates, which are transformed into isothiocyanates in the body. Isothiocyanates are known for their protective effects against certain cancers, according to a 2023 review in International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Cabbage also contains another cancer-protective nutrient called sulforaphane, notes additional research in 2019 in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

May Help with Better Gut Health

As a natural source of dietary fiber, cabbage aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation. Furthermore, cabbage is a natural source of prebiotics, an indigestible fiber that acts as "fuel" for live and beneficial probiotics. Prebiotics may also decrease the gut pH, potentially preventing potentially harmful bacteria, like E. coli, from thriving, according to a 2019 review in . If you eat your cabbage as an ingredient in kimchi or certain types of sauerkraut, you will also reap the benefits of the probiotics found in this fermented food.

May Reduce Inflammation

Did you know that, according to 2022 research in Frontiers in Pharmacology, crushed cabbage leaves are one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory remedies in Polish folk medicine? This veggie is packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds sulforaphane and anthocyanins, which are known to tamp down inflammation.

May Improve Total Cholesterol

Approximately 25 million Americans have high total cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Having high blood cholesterol raises the risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death. According to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Phytotherapy Research, after evaluating nine studies, researchers found that eating brassica vegetables, like cabbage, appears to have a positive effect on total cholesterol levels.

May Support a Healthy Pregnancy

Folate is a nutrient that is encouraged on a pregnancy-friendly diet, as this nutrient appears to support the healthy development of the spinal cord. One serving of cabbage provides 10% of your Daily Value of folate, helping pregnant people get this key nutrient in their diet simply by including this veggie in their dishes.

May Sharpen Eye Health

Cabbage is a natural source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that are linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration, according to research in 2022 in . This leafy vegetable is also a source of beta carotene, another carotenoid that supports healthy vision as you age.

Cabbage and Weight Management

If you have heard of the Cabbage Soup Diet, then it shouldn't come as a surprise that cabbage is a known food people keep in their arsenal when they want to lose weight. This versatile veggie is your best ally in being a low-calorie and high-fiber food, containing only 18 calories and a whopping 2 grams of fiber per raw cup. Moreover, the high water content in cabbage adds volume to your meals without adding extra calories, promoting a feeling of fullness.

It is important to note that, while it is true that eating cabbage may support weight-management goals, this veggie should not be overconsumed, as too much cabbage can lead to gastrointestinal side effects, like bloating. It is also important to enjoy cabbage as a part of a balanced and healthy diet. If you are focused on losing weight, following the guidance of a health care provider can help ensure you are embarking on your weight-loss journey in a healthy way.

Cooking and Incorporating Cabbage into a Healthy Diet

Cabbage Soup: Soup is an easy and healthy way to consume cabbage while also staying hydrated. Be sure to uniformly slice the cabbage so it cooks evenly. Try our Healthy Cabbage Soup recipe for a nourishing bite.

Cabbage Salad: Raw cabbage adds an excellent crunch to salads. Toss shredded cabbage with some olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for a quick and healthy salad, or try our Simple Cabbage Salad. You can also add other vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Stir-Fried Cabbage: This makes a great side dish. Stir-fry cabbage with vegetables like peas, carrots and bell peppers, then season with soy sauce and garlic. Our Quick & Easy Cabbage Stir-Fry is a versatile and simple recipe.

Stuffed Cabbage Leaves: This is a more elaborate way to enjoy cabbage. Boil whole cabbage leaves until they are soft and pliable, stuff with a mixture of ground meat, rice and spices and bake in tomato sauce. For a plant-based spin, try our Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage or our make-ahead-friendly Cabbage Roll Casserole.

The Bottom Line

The humble cabbage is truly a powerhouse of nutrition. With its rich reserves of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it supports overall health and wellness in many ways. Whether it's immune, digestive or anti-inflammatory benefits, cabbage steps up to the plate. So, next time you're planning a meal, don't forget to invite cabbage to the table-your body will thank you for it!

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What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Cabbage Regularly

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Eating cabbage can be a part of a weight-loss-friendly diet and it may also help support many aspects of overall wellness, like your gut and heart health.

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A member of the Brassica genus of cruciferous vegetables, cabbage shares its botanical heritage with veggie power players like kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Like these leafy green cousins, cabbage contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may be responsible for its surprising list of potential health benefits. Besides being chock-full of inflammation-fighting compounds, cabbage is high in vitamins C and K, which bring their own wellness boosts.

Although it's rumored that Prince Phillip used "cabbage" as a term of endearment for his wife, Queen Elizabeth II - and the veggie symbolizes wealth and prosperity in Lunar New Year celebrations - cabbage doesn't exactly have a royal reputation. This rather humble head of greens is rarely the centerpiece of meals and is often used more for its crunchy texture than its flavor. Still, once you discover its many advantages for your health, you may want to give cabbage a place of honor on your plate.

Here are seven reasons to get crunching on cabbage.

1. Cabbage Helps Lower Inflammation

Underlying much of cabbage's potential for health is its ability to reduce inflammation. Each crisp leaf harbors numerous antioxidants, the edible substances known for ousting harmful free radicals. Research in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition revealed that kaempferol, quercetin, and apigenin are the most abundant antioxidants in green cabbage, while cyanidin is most prevalent in red cabbage. These may have significant health effects. Kaempferol, for example, has been linked to cancer prevention, and cyanins possess anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity effects, research suggests.

Other helpful compounds in cabbage include glucosinolates. "When these compounds are eaten and absorbed into the tissues, they react with signaling proteins in the cells that produce antioxidant and anti-inflammatory enzymes, proteins, and other protective molecules by the cell," says food scientist Bryan Q. Le, PhD, of Puyallup, Washington. "[This process] helps the body rid itself of highly reactive oxygen species and other toxic waste products. This can lead to a reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, which may provide some protection against cardiovascular diseases, carcinogens, and metabolic disorders like diabetes."

2. Cabbage May Play a Role in Fighting Cancer

In recent years, there's been plenty of discussion around cruciferous veggies' potential for fighting cancer. Cabbage falls under the cruciferous umbrella, possessing a unique matrix of nutrients that fit well in an anti-cancer diet.

For starters, cabbage is high in vitamin C, with 25 milligrams per cup, making it an excellent source, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Research suggests that a diet high in vitamin C could play a role in preventing pulmonary, breast, and pancreatic cancers.

Then there are those helpful glucosinolates again. "After cutting, chewing, or digesting cabbage, glucosinolates break down into bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties," explains Santa Monica, California-based oncology dietitian and chef Cindy Chou, RDN, of The Sound of Cooking and Cancer Nutrition in a Bowl. Research supports this notion. "This may help with the detoxification of carcinogens," she adds. One example: A study on Chinese adults exposed to air pollution found that those who consumed more glucosinolates had lower measures of toxic substances in their urine. Additionally, a study published in April 2018 in The British Journal of Nutrition showed that eating cruciferous veggies like cabbage was associated with lower breast cancer risk. Other research in Annals of Oncology linked cabbage with reduced risk of colon cancer.

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From fighting inflammation to improving digestion and potentially helping prevent cancer, the benefits of consuming cabbage are numerous. Discover why you should be reaching for this crunchy cruciferous veggie more often.

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3 cups green cabbage finely shredded

2 cups purple cabbage finely shredded

1 cup carrot finely shredded

½ cup mayonnaise/dressing

1 tablespoon white vinegar

½ tablespoon cider vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

½ teaspoon celery seeds

salt & pepper to taste

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Cabbage 101 - Selecting & Storing Cabbage