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    Meals » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information. Published: May 13, 2021 by Dee

    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe uses vinegar and mayonnaise for a classic homemade side dish or sandwich topper that's easy, creamy and delicious -- just like Mom used to make!  Once you make coleslaw from scratch, you'll never go back to storebought again! via @meamel

    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe uses vinegar and mayonnaise for a classic homemade side dish or sandwich topper that's easy, creamy and delicious -- just like Mom used to make! Once you make coleslaw from scratch, you'll never go back to storebought again!

    Jump to Recipe -
    bowl of coleslaw from scratch on the table

    This easy coleslaw recipe is just like my mom and grandma used to make. It's super simple and takes just minutes to make. Plus, it's creamy, crunchy and so dang good!

    You can serve this cabbage slaw as a quick summer side dish. Or, you can use it to top pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ chicken sandwiches all year long. Personally, we think it's the BEST coleslaw recipe out there!

    Only 4 Ingredients

    Even though Mom's coleslaw recipe is simple, I've made it even easier by using a bag of coleslaw mix from the store. So, you only need 4 main ingredients to make this coleslaw:

    • Coleslaw mix -- Look for one with purple cabbage and carrots for color
    • Mayonnaise -- or Miracle Whip if you prefer
    • Vinegar -- regular white or rice vinegar
    • Milk
    • Salt and pepper to taste, if needed

    How to Make Coleslaw from Scratch

    This is seriously one of the easiest recipes on the planet. If you're ever asked to bring a side dish to a potluck, make coleslaw!

    First, dump the bag of coleslaw mix into a medium or large mixing bowl. Then, spoon in your mayo, vinegar and milk.

    coleslaw mix with mayonnaise in mixing bowl

    Next, mix everything together until it's nice and creamy. You may think it's a little dry at first, but don't add more mayo yet. It gets even creamier as it sits.

    Taste the mixture first. Then, add salt and a little black pepper, to taste. I've been making this so long, so I just eyeball it and add more seasoning later, if needed.

    mix coleslaw ingredients together in mixing bowl

    Cover the coleslaw, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors get stronger the longer this sits. If you feel it needs more mayo, add some right before serving.

    Make Ahead and Storage

    Can you make coleslaw recipe ahead of time? Yes you can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance. It does tend to get watery the longer it sits, so I don't recommend making it too far in advance.

    If it seems too watery, you can drain out the liquid and add a little more mayo to thicken it up. Store leftover coleslaw in a tightly covered container. It keeps for about 2 days - if you have any leftover!

    spoon in a bowl of coleslaw

    Recipe

    overhead bowl of coleslaw on the table

    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe

    Published by Dee
    Mom's Best Coleslaw Recipe uses vinegar and mayonnaise for a classic homemade side dish or sandwich topper that's easy, creamy and delicious -- just like Mom used to make! Once you make coleslaw from scratch, you'll never go back to storebought again!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 110 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bag coleslaw mix
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon milk
    • 1 teaspoon white vinegar or rice vinegar
    • salt and pepper, to taste if needed

    Instructions
     

    • Empty bag of coleslaw mix into a medium mixing bowl
    • Stir in mayo, milk and vinegar until well blended
    • Add salt and pepper, to taste
    • Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Add more mayo if needed

    Notes

    Coleslaw might seem dry at first, but it gets creamier the longer it sits. Add more mayo before serving, if desired.

    Nutrition information is estimated. Please do your own calculation to fit special diets.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 101mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 66IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please comment and rate it! Show me your dish on Instagram!Mention @meatloafandmelodrama or tag #meatloafandmelodrama!
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tisha says

      May 25, 2021 at 10:01 am

      Such a simple recipe idea for a backyard bbq5 stars

      Reply
    2. Jim says

      May 21, 2021 at 12:39 pm

      Yummy! Could eat this everyday. Great for summer and BBQs5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 25, 2021 at 7:54 am

        So glad you liked the coleslaw. Thanks, Jim!

    3. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says

      May 21, 2021 at 9:49 am

      This Coleslaw looks amazing! I can't wait to try it!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

        Hope you like it! Thanks so much!

    4. katerina @ diethood.com says

      May 21, 2021 at 9:49 am

      I love a good Coleslaw!! This looks incredibly delicious!5 stars

      Reply
    5. Beth says

      May 17, 2021 at 7:35 am

      Wow! This coleslaw was absolutely delicious and very yummy! My hubby and I loved it with our burgers the other night! Perfect side and so quick!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 17, 2021 at 8:58 pm

        Thank you so much, Beth! I'm glad you liked it!

    6. Toni says

      May 16, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      I love how easy and delicious this is!! A new favorite way for me to make coleslaw!5 stars

      Reply
      • Dee says

        May 17, 2021 at 8:59 pm

        I'm so glad to hear this, Toni. Thanks!

    7. Catalina says

      May 15, 2021 at 4:35 pm

      I am looking for a good coleslaw recipe! This one sounds good!5 stars

      Reply
    8. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      May 15, 2021 at 2:01 am

      I'm drooling! This coleslaw is everything I love! Definitely a must try!5 stars

      Reply

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    I’m the blogger, chief cook, recipe developer and photographer behind Meatloaf and Melodrama. I absolutely love to create easy, budget-friendly, homemade meals and treats for my family. I also love to think of new ways to repurpose leftovers so that my family will actually eat them!

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