Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

Last Updated on December 2, 2022 by Ellen Christian

My homemade coleslaw recipe is one that I look forward to each spring.  We often enjoy it for our Easter dinner as a side dish and then again in the summer when it’s time for cookouts and barbecues.

Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

While some people choose to buy coleslaw already prepared, my homemade coleslaw recipe tastes far better than anything I’ve purchased from the grocery store. Thankfully, this coleslaw recipe is also very easy to make. 

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe That's Very Easy to Make

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

A traditional coleslaw recipe is a salad made with fresh cabbage and carrots. But, I have seen people add in everything from shredded apples to shredded zucchini. Experiment with it until you find a recipe that your family loves.

We use traditional cabbage and carrots in ours because it’s inexpensive and everyone loves it. And, we have added in shredded broccoli and purple cabbage when we have it as well. This is a simple coleslaw recipe everyone will enjoy. It’s just like the Fresh Express coleslaw recipe.

While cabbage is typically thought of as a summer dish, it’s great for fall and winter too. Cabbage and carrots both store quite well in a cold area so they’ll be available long after your summer produce is gone.

This healthy homemade coleslaw recipe uses Greek yogurt and sour cream rather than traditional mayonnaise or coleslaw dressing. That means it’s lower in fat content.

Now, you can certainly still use mayonnaise if you want to. I generally make my own mayonnaise but when pressed for time, I will use mayonnaise from the store.  

Making your own mayonnaise is very simple.  I show you to make your own mayonnaise in this video if you’d like to try it yourself.

shredded vegetables in a bowl

Can you freeze coleslaw?

As I mentioned above, you cannot freeze coleslaw. However, you can freeze the shredded cabbage and carrots before you add the mayonnaise to the recipe.

So, if you have a lot of cabbage to use up, simply shred it and put it in freezer bags. When you want coleslaw, it will be ready. Or, you can use the bagged version to save time.

Just remember that coleslaw will always taste best when it is made right before it is served.

How do you shred cabbage for coleslaw?

You have a few different options when it comes to the cabbage. You can buy it already shredded at the grocery store which is the easiest option.

Or, you can use your food processor to shred it. Or, you can use a large knife and chop it into tiny pieces.

When I make this homemade coleslaw recipe and I’m pressed for time, I buy it pre-shredded. You can choose whichever option is easiest for you.

Coleslaw in a clear glass bowl

How long is homemade coleslaw good for?

Because you cannot freeze coleslaw, I usually only make enough of this homemade coleslaw recipe for one or two days. If you store the coleslaw properly, it will stay good in the refrigerator for three to five days using this Greek yogurt and sour cream mixture.

Or, it should stay good for the same amount of time using store-bought mayonnaise.

Keep in mind that homemade mayonnaise has no preservatives. So, if you are going to make your own mayonnaise, you should use the coleslaw up within two days to prevent the growth of bacteria.

That’s why when we use homemade mayonnaise, we make a smaller batch of this homemade coleslaw recipe. If you’re worried about using it up in time, use the Greek yogurt and sour cream method described below.

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe That's Very Easy to Make

If you want a few different coleslaw recipes, you might want to try this Southern Coleslaw Recipe from Dinner then Dessert. You can get the full recipe here.

Or, try the Spicy Citrus Cilantro Recipe from Paleoish Krista. Find it right here. This Mexican Coleslaw from Spicy Southern Kitchen sounds delicious too. Check it out here.

Healthy Broccoli Salad with Bacon recipe

If you enjoy vegetable salads, you might want to try my Healthy Broccoli Salad with Bacon, my Cucumber Salad with Dill, or this delicious Mediterranean Tuna Antipasto Salad.

Salads make a wonderful side dish during the summer or any time you’ll be entertaining because you can make them ahead of time.

Or, if you have extra cabbage to use up, why not try this Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage or my Unstuffed Paleo Cabbage Rolls. You can never have too many cabbage recipes. 

Related Reading

My homemade coleslaw recipe is one that I look forward to each spring. We often enjoy it for our Easter dinner as a side dish and then again in the summer when it’s time for cookouts and barbecues.

Yield: 6

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe

My homemade coleslaw recipe is one that I look forward to each spring. We often enjoy it for our Easter dinner as a side dish and then again in the summer when it’s time for cookouts and barbecues.

Homemade Coleslaw Recipe That's Very Easy to Make

Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 bag premixed coleslaw - or 2 cups shredded cabbage, 1 shredded carrot, 1/2 head chopped broccoli

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the greek yogurt, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to preferences.
  2. Add the shredded vegetables or coleslaw mix and stir to combine thoroughly. 
  3. The flavor will get even better overnight, but you can serve immediately if desired.

Notes

Make the night before for the best taste.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 73Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 98mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this, tag me on Instagram so I can see @ellenblogs

25 thoughts on “Homemade Coleslaw Recipe”

  1. I love cole slaw, but boy can it differ from one place to another.  I prefer to make my own, but not very well.  I really like the addition of lime juice and homemade mayonnaise!  Yummy!
    Reply
  2. This sounds really good and easy to make. I've never made my own coleslaw so I may have to try this out this summer. 
    Reply
  3. This looks great! I love cole slaw but my hubby has to have it just right - I can't wait to try this recipe, it sounds perfect. :)
    Reply
  4. The coleslaw is great... Could you tell me how much olive oil you use for your homemade mayo? And does it matter if it is EVOO? thanks
    Reply
    • Thanks, Charlie. The recipe should be included in the video along with how much I use. I usually use EVOO but you could certainly just use regular olive oil if you prefer.
      Reply
  5. I was just telling the kids the other day that mayonnaise was made from eggs. I may have to make it myself. That's a perfect amount. I know you said egg yolk only. Does egg substitute work? I try to use lower calorie/fat things when possible. I love the cole slaw recipe. That reminds me of my Mom's except for the lime. I cannot stand cole slaw with vinegar base..mayo is my only way!
    Reply
  6. I want to try this out. Both of my kids love cole slaw so I want to make it at home. Maybe I'll try this recipe tomorrow for Easter, thanks.
    Reply
  7. Hello Ellen. I like this recipe for coleslaw. Its kind of like mine...same idea anyways. I figured I would share with you what I do with my left-over coleslaw. I put the link in the "website" area if you are interested. I make a lot of re-creations with left-overs and for coleslaw...its spring rolls! We all love them, and now that I see this recipe, I will have to use lime next time! Thanks!
    Reply

Leave a Comment

Rate this recipe:
Skip to Recipe