Irresistibly Creamy Coleslaw Recipe for Your BBQs

Introduction

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that brings a refreshing crunch and creamy tang to any meal, especially backyard BBQs and summer gatherings. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and ability to cut through the richness of grilled meats, making it an essential dish for balancing flavor and texture on your plate.

Why This Creamy Coleslaw Stands Out at the BBQ

What sets this coleslaw recipe apart is its ultra-creamy dressing—a blend of tangy and sweet flavors, with just the right amount of crunch from fresh cabbage and carrots. The result is a slaw that’s never soggy, always crisp, and so flavorful it’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving pulled pork, burgers, or grilled chicken, this coleslaw is the refreshing side your cookout needs!

Crafting the Perfect Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

The secret to irresistible creamy coleslaw is a balanced dressing: a mixture of mayonnaise for richness, apple cider vinegar for tang, a touch of honey for sweetness, and Dijon mustard for depth. Mix the dressing until fully smooth before pouring over your veggies to ensure every bite is perfectly coated. Let the dressed coleslaw chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to remain crisp.

Assembling Your Irresistibly Creamy Coleslaw

Start with a combination of green and red cabbage for color and visual appeal. Shred your vegetables finely for the ideal texture, and add carrots for a touch of natural sweetness. Toss everything gently with your creamy dressing to coat evenly, being careful not to overmix which can make the slaw watery.

Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Coleslaw

This coleslaw is the ultimate BBQ side—serve it alongside grilled ribs, sandwiches, or as a topping for pulled pork sliders. For extra flair, sprinkle with sliced green onions or a handful of toasted sunflower seeds just before serving. It pairs just as well with fried chicken as it does with veggie burgers!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 6 generous servings. Each serving contains roughly 180 calories, depending on the mayo and sweetener used. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that offers crunch and creaminess without the guilt.

Irresistibly Creamy Coleslaw (Recap)

Perfectly balanced between tangy, sweet, and creamy, this coleslaw recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your barbecue spread. Its fresh flavors and satisfying crunch make it a must-have all season long.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—ideal for efficient grocery shopping and effortless BBQ planning.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the grated green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrot. Mix to distribute evenly.
2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and celery seed (if using) until smooth.
3. Pour the creamy dressing over the shredded vegetables. Toss gently until all veggies are well coated.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the green onions if using.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors merge and the texture stay crisp.
6. Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch, if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This creamy coleslaw holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it a smart choice for weekly meal prep and quick weekday lunches. Save and schedule this recipe to effortlessly organize your BBQ menu, generate smart shopping lists, and enjoy stress-free meal planning.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Keeps your weekly meal prep streamlined and stress-free

Pro tip: If planning more than one cookout or meal for the week, schedule your recipes together for seamless shopping. For example, if this coleslaw and another planned dish both use cabbage, CookifyAI totals it for you so you buy just the right amount—eliminating waste and guesswork.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes