Coleslaw Recipe {Only 4 Ingredients!}

Published June 12, 2020

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Homemade Coleslaw with the simplest coleslaw dressing! This recipe only requires 4 basic ingredients, it couldn’t be easier to make, and it’s so creamy and refreshing.

Coleslaw in a blue serving bowl set over a grey surface.

The Easiest Coleslaw Recipe!

I used to think coleslaw would require a lot of ingredients and insisted on freshly shredded cabbage but this version uses FOUR ingredients and includes a pre-shredded cabbage blend and it tastes perfect!

This coleslaw recipe is one of those back pocket recipes, especially during the summer with all the cookouts. It’s the perfect last minute side and goes perfectly with grilled meats and hot or cold sandwiches.

It’s just one of those recipes you’ll use over and over, plus it’s super versatile and you can customize it how you like. Keep reading below for some delicious ideas!

Coleslaw Salad and Coleslaw Dressing Ingredients

  1. Shredded coleslaw mix
  2. Good quality mayonnaise
  3. Apple cider vinegar
  4. Honey

Coleslaw ingredients show here including mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, and cabbage coleslaw mix.

How to Make Coleslaw

  1. Make coleslaw dressing: In a small mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and honey. If needed season with a bit of salt.
  2. Pour dressing over shredded cabbage mixture: Place shredded coleslaw mix in a large bowl then pour the dressing mixture over.
  3. Toss together: Toss to evenly coat. Easy as that!
  4. Tip: I like to serve it right away while the cabbage is nice and crisp but if want it a little more tender let it rest 10 minutes in the fridge.

Making coleslaw dressing in mixing bowl with 3 ingredients including mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar.

Adding coleslaw dressing to coleslaw in mixing bowl.

Variations

More Mix-In Ideas

You can also add other mix-ins to the coleslaw things like:

  • apples
  • dried cranberries
  • sliced almonds
  • bleu cheese or cheddar cheese
  • pineapple
  • poppyseeds
  • fresh strawberries

Additional Ways to Season It

If you want extra flavor add other seasonings such as:

  • onion powder
  • garlic powder
  • celery seed
  • dry mustard or dijon mustard
  • pepper
  • cilantro (with lime in place of vinegar)
  • green onions

Tossing coleslaw mixture and dressing in mixing bowl

How Long Does Coleslaw Keep?

  • The salt and vinegar in the coleslaw dressing start to break down the cabbage and draw the moisture out, so once the dressing is added I recommend that you serve within a couple of hours for best results.
  • If you have leftovers it can still be eaten the next day the dressing just becomes runnier.
  • Unfortunately it can’t be frozen. The overall texture will change too much.
  • For make ahead: Mix dressing up to 3 days in advance. Pour over cabbage mixture when ready to serve.

How to Make It Healthy

To make this healthier replace half of the mayo with a thick plain Greek yogurt.

Is It Keto?

As is this Coleslaw won’t fit into the ketogenic diet, but you can make it keto friendly by replacing the honey with a sweetener such as swerve.

What to Serve with Homemade Coleslaw

Coleslaw goes well with just about anything but here are a few things I love to pair with it:

Close up image of coleslaw with dressing in a dark blue bowl.

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Easy Coleslaw Recipe Homemade Dressing 4 Ingredients
4.95 from 77 votes

Coleslaw Recipe

The easiest homemade coleslaw with only FOUR ingredients and it only takes minutes to make! It's so creamy, so refreshing and so delicious. The perfect summer side dish! 
Servings: 4
Prep5 minutes
Ready in: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 (14 oz.) pkg. coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp honey (or granulated sugar)
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl whisk together mayonnaise honey, apple cider vinegar and a pinch or two of salt if needed.
  • Place coleslaw mixture in a medium mixing bowl pour mayonnaise mixture over then toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Try it with mix-ins too! I love it with bleu cheese, apples, dried cranberries or sliced almonds.
  • If you are looking to boost flavor try it with some of these seasonings to taste: onion powder, garlic powder, celery seed, dry mustard or dijon mustard, and black pepper
Nutrition Facts
Coleslaw Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 240 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 11mg4%
Sodium 196mg9%
Potassium 168mg5%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 10g11%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 115IU2%
Vitamin C 36.3mg44%
Calcium 40mg4%
Iron 0.5mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.