16 Best Coleslaw Recipes

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. Take coleslaw, for example. This mixture of chopped vegetables and a flavorful dressing is incredibly easy to prepare, yet this side dish is often the most delicious part of the meal. You're sure to find the perfect recipe here, whether it's a classic salad or a zesty one with a vinaigrette.

All the types of coleslaw you might need

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the most successful. Take coleslaw, for example. Shredded vegetables in a dressing—what could be simpler?! And yet, this side dish is often considered the most delicious part of any meal. Serve it with pulled pork in barbecue sauce, or any meat from the smokehouse or grilled, and you can expect a ton of rave reviews. Whether you're hosting a picnic or a summer backyard party, you'll definitely need a few variations of this versatile side dish for hot weatherThat's why we've compiled all our favorite coleslaw recipes in one place. But start with a refreshing, crisp salad that gets just the right amount of tartness from sour cream and vinegar. A touch of honey balances the acidity, making this coleslaw a welcome addition to any summer table.

The best coleslaw in mayonnaise dressing

We've prepared a crisp, cooling salad with a zesty note of vinegar and sour cream. A little honey will balance the acidity. This classic summer side dish is perfect for any picnic or barbecue.

Recipe: The best coleslaw in mayonnaise dressing

Cabbage salad with poppy seeds

Poppy seeds have a pleasant nutty flavor, making them the perfect complement to a homemade coleslaw. A nice bonus: the tiny black seeds add a touch of color to the dish!

Recipe: Coleslaw salad with poppy seeds

Almost Famous Coleslaw

This is our take on the KFC coleslaw. Sweet and refreshing, it pairs perfectly with savory fried chicken or a barbecue sandwich.

Recipe: Almost Famous Coleslaw

Rainbow Cabbage Salad

This colorful salad is super easy to make. Dress a mixture of shredded vegetables with a sweet and tangy combination of honey, vinegar, and olive oil.

Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Spicy cabbage salad

What's the easiest way to transform a coleslaw? Add a little heat! A few pickled jalapeños (plus some pickle juice from a jar) will do the trick.

Recipe: Spicy coleslaw

Red cabbage salad with grapes

This zesty salad with vinegar dressing is great on its own or as a topping for burgers, pork sandwiches, and more.

Recipe: Red cabbage salad with grapes

Cabbage salad

Robert's classic recipe requires only six ingredients (plus salt and pepper). Best of all, it's super quick to prepare. For best results, prepare the salad ahead of time and refrigerate before serving.

Recipe: Cole Slaw Salad

The Best Coleslaw with Vinegar Dressing

We love the flavor the vinegar-based dressing imparts to this salad—it's the perfect accompaniment to hearty meat dishes like spare ribs or pulled pork. You can also feel free to add plenty of spices and vinegar to the cabbage. But the real secret to this colorful salad is that the vegetables marinate in the refrigerator for a long time, allowing the dressing to soak in.

Recipe: The Best Vinegar-Drenched Coleslaw

Cabbage salad with caraway seeds

The key to this simple salad is to toast the cumin and mustard seeds before combining them with the other ingredients. Their flavor intensifies when heated, ensuring the finished dish is far from bland.

Recipe: Cumin Coleslaw

Italian Cabbage Salad with Fennel

The dish looks like a typical coleslaw, but it has a surprisingly vibrant flavor. A touch of spicy horseradish and grated fennel add a special touch.

Recipe: Fennel Coleslaw

Cabbage salad with pickles

Michael Symon makes a unique coleslaw using a simple trick: chop up some of your favorite pickles and add them to the mixture (along with a little brine). Genius!

Recipe: Coleslaw with pickles

Cabbage salad in creamy dressing

How does Bobby enhance the flavor of this salad? He grates some Spanish onion and mixes it into the dressing.

Recipe: Cabbage salad

Cabbage salad with grapes and walnuts

This simple salad boasts a sophisticated flavor thanks to walnuts, sweet and tart grapes, and an abundance of fresh herbs. It's the perfect choice when you want to impress your guests.

Recipe: Cabbage salad with grapes and walnuts

Classic cabbage salad

Here's a cooling and simple classic salad with a creamy dressing. Everything you could want in a summer side dish!

Recipe: Classic coleslaw

Tricolor cabbage salad with blueberries

This beautiful salad, decorated with the colors of the American flag and studded with blueberries, is perfect for any holiday menu and a wonderful addition to any summer barbecue.

Recipe: Blueberry and Pecan Salad Mix