Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

May 27, 2025

Updated:

May 27, 2025

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This Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe is a delightful blend of crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots, tossed in a creamy homemade dressing that’s both sweet and tangy. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side at family gatherings, this coleslaw stands out with its fresh flavors and satisfying crunch. Whip it up easily and enjoy its versatility alongside various dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time, making it an efficient choice for busy days.
Flavorful Dressing: The combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar creates a balanced flavor that enhances the vegetables.
Versatile Side Dish: Ideal for cookouts and potlucks, this coleslaw pairs well with many main courses, from grilled meats to hearty sandwiches.
Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables ensures that every bite is crunchy and full of vibrant flavors.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add other ingredients like apples or nuts to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your delicious coleslaw, gather the necessary tools to streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Whisk: It helps achieve a smooth dressing by mixing the ingredients evenly.
Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

This classic and easy Coleslaw Recipe is made with crisp cabbage and carrots in a creamy, sweet and tangy homemade dressing!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup mayonnaise (we prefer to use full fat for the best flavor and texture)
– 2 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
– 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp ground celery seed
– 1/3 cup minced red onion
– 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 8 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
– 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
– 2 cups thinly shredded carrots

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Make sure onion, parsley, cabbages, and carrots are chopped/sliced/shredded.
Gather a large mixing bowl (one that has a lid is great; otherwise you’ll need some foil or plastic wrap).

Step 2: Make the Dressing

To the large mixing bowl, add mayo, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed.
Whisk until smooth and combined.

Step 3: Toss and Combine

To the bowl, add onion, parsley, green cabbage, red cabbage, and shredded carrots.
Toss until well combined and coated.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or longer if you prefer a softer coleslaw.

Step 5: Serve

Before serving, toss/stir coleslaw once more to redistribute dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl.
Serve chilled with a sprinkle of extra pepper if desired.

How to Serve Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Serving your Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw is all about enhancing its flavors and ensuring it complements your meal perfectly. Here are some great ideas to make the most of this delicious side dish.

As a Topping

On Burgers: Add a generous scoop of coleslaw on top of grilled burgers for a crunchy texture and zesty flavor.
With Tacos: Use coleslaw as a refreshing topping for tacos, balancing out spicy fillings with its sweetness.

As a Side Dish

BBQ Plates: Serve alongside barbecue ribs or pulled pork to add a cool contrast to smoky flavors.
Picnic Spread: Pair it with fried chicken or sandwiches at your next picnic for a classic cookout experience.

In Salads

Mixed Greens: Toss coleslaw into mixed green salads for added crunch and flavor without much effort.
Wraps: Incorporate it in wraps for a tasty twist, especially with turkey or ham.

How to Perfect Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Perfecting your Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw involves small tweaks that can elevate the dish even further. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out amazing every time.

Bold Flavor Boost: Consider adding diced jalapeños for an extra kick if you enjoy spicy food.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables; they contribute significantly to the taste and crunchiness.
Customize Texture: Experiment with different cabbage varieties like Napa or Savoy for unique textures and flavors.
Chill Properly: Allow at least 2 hours in the fridge before serving; this helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Add Crunch: Incorporate nuts like walnuts or almonds for an added crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

When planning your meal, consider these side dishes that pair wonderfully with Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw. Each option complements the coleslaw’s flavor profile beautifully.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken thighs or breasts marinated in herbs enhance the meal’s savory notes.
Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up flavors from your main dishes while contrasting the tanginess of coleslaw.
Baked Beans: Smoky baked beans provide a hearty pairing, balancing the sweetness of the coleslaw well.
Potato Salad: A classic creamy potato salad offers additional texture and creaminess alongside your coleslaw.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy fried green tomatoes add a delightful crunch that goes hand-in-hand with coleslaw’s crisp cabbage.
Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad offers comfort while complementing the tangy notes of your coleslaw.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making coleslaw seems easy, but small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are common pitfalls to avoid for the best Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe.

Poor Veggie Preparation: Not slicing the vegetables evenly can lead to an inconsistent texture. Make sure to slice the cabbage and carrots uniformly for a balanced crunch.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using bottled lemon juice instead of fresh can dull the flavor. Always opt for fresh lemon juice to enhance the dressing’s brightness.
Not Chilling Long Enough: Serving coleslaw immediately can result in a less flavorful dish. Allowing it to chill for at least 2 hours helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Overdressing: Adding too much dressing can make the coleslaw soggy. Start with a moderate amount and add more if necessary after tossing.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each ingredient has different flavor profiles. Taste your coleslaw before serving and adjust salt or sugar as needed for balance.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Ensure you give it a good stir before serving again, as some dressing may settle.

Freezing Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Freezing is not recommended for this recipe due to its creamy dressing.
If necessary, you can freeze the vegetables (cabbage, carrots) without dressing for up to 3 months.
Thaw and dress them just before serving.

Reheating Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Reheating is typically not necessary, but if desired:

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer coleslaw to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place coleslaw in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, gently warm the coleslaw while stirring until heated through. Avoid cooking too long to maintain crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for making in advance. Just prepare it a few hours or even a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

What type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is traditional, but you can also use red cabbage or a mix of both for added color and flavor in your Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe.

Can I customize the dressing?

Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the ingredients by adding ingredients like Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess or honey for extra sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe is naturally gluten-free as all ingredients do not contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement various meals. Whether served at cookouts or family dinners, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or add-ins like apples or nuts for extra flavor! Try it today!

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Sweet and Tangy Coleslaw Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe