American Coleslaw is a crisp, creamy salad that is so fresh and delicious. It is the perfect side dish for any picnic and get together.

This American Coleslaw salad is a blend of shredded cabbage, carrots and the best part, theirs the cool and creamy dressing that pulls all the components together.
Summer salads are great for your bbq or cookout, these are some of the best salads.
MORE SALAD RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Grilled Panzanella Salad | Classic Macaroni Salad | Greek Peasant Salad
What We Love About This Classic American Slaw Recipe
A good coleslaw recipe is the best side for cookouts, picnics and other get togethers. It is cool, creamy crisp and refreshing. It is truly the perfect summer salad. Coleslaw was invented by the Dutch, find out more here.
- 10 Minute Salad: This is a quick and easy salad to prep and then let all the ingredients meld together.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or the fridge.
- Family Friendly: Everyone likes this crisp and refreshing salad.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, or dairy free, etc…

Ingredient Notes
- Shredded Cabbage: Green cabbage and purple cabbage.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots, any color that you have will work.
- Green Onions: finely sliced.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed or from concentrate.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang.
- Sugar: White sugar, just a little sweet to add to the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Any variety that you enjoy.
- Sour Cream
- Creole mustard or other coarse-grained mustard
- Horseradish

Equipment Needed
- Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoon
How to Make Southern Coleslaw Recipe
These are the basic steps for making burger coleslaw. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.

STEP 1: SHRED CABBAGE AND CARROTS
First, shred the cabbage and carrots in a food processor for the coleslaw mix.
STEP 2: MAKE SAUCE
Second in a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and mustard, vinegar, sugar and salt.
STEP 3: MIX AND PLACE IN THE REFRIGERATOR
Lastly, add cabbage, carrots and onion. Mix well. Finally, refrigerate for 1 hour.

Prep and Storage Tips for American Coleslaw
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
There are a few quick and easy fixes to make ahead of time. Buy a bag of coleslaw that is pre shredded. Make the dressing in advance and keep in the fridge in an airtight jar until you are ready to use.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Homemade coleslaw dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for at least 3-5 days. Stir and serve when you are ready to serve.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS AMERICAN COLESLAW RECIPE
This is one of the rare occasions that you can not freeze this salad. Mayo-based coleslaw just doesn’t freeze well, they tend to separate and breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many ways, such as, fat free or low fat mayo, sugar replacement can also be used.
Of course, it is a great way to make your slaw healthier.
Indeed, try a mandolin or a hand grater or even a knife, if you do not want to use the food processor.
While this salad is great as a side dish, you can also use it on top of a pork sandwich or barbecue chicken,. It really adds a sweet crunch.

Expert Tips for Making This Cabbage Salad Recipe.
- Add Vegetables: Try adding shredded brussel sprouts or broccoli to the slaw.
- Short cut tip: Bagged cabbage can be used for this recipe.
- Variation tip: Celery Seed can be added for extra flavor.
- Alternate ingredient: Vegan Mayo can be used for this recipe.
- Season: Salt, black pepper, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, coriander and any other spices to taste for the dressing ingredients.
What to Serve with American Coleslaw
Did you try this recipe?
⭐ Click below to leave a review and rating! ⭐

American Cole Slaw
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded green cabbage
- 5 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- ¼ cup finely sliced green onions
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Creole mustard or other coarse-grained mustard
- 3 tbsp Horseradish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, and mustard, vinegar, sugar and salt.
- Add cabbage, carrots and onion.
- Mix well. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Expert Tips
- Add Vegetables: Try adding shredded brussel sprouts or broccoli to the slaw.
- Short cut tip: Bagged cabbage can be used for this recipe.
- Variation tip: Celery Seed can be added for extra flavor.
- Alternate ingredient: Vegan Mayo can be used for this recipe.
- Season: Salt, black pepper, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, coriander and any other spices to taste for the dressing ingredients.
Easy to prepare and delicious to eat. I prepared it for dinner yesterday with baked pork ribs and we all loved it.
This was a big hit at our family get together over the weekend. Delicious and so much better than store-bought!
Made this creamy coleslaw for my friend’s birthday party. The guests were amazed, it’s great, thanks!
Just the coleslaw recipe I was looking for! Thank You!
This sounds so creamy and delicious! Would be the perfect side dish for summer picnics and barbeques, for sure!