Sweet Creamy Coleslaw comes together in just 5 minutes. It's creamy, delicious and my family loves it with just about any dinner I serve.
I use the same dressing recipe on my Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Bacon. It's tangy, sweet and creamy all at the same time.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS EASY SUMMER SALAD
Sweet Creamy Coleslaw is a great side dish everyone will enjoy. Serve it at a backyard BBQ, a picnic in the park or for any special occasion.
The creamy dressing creates the perfect balance with the tang from the vinegar and the sweet from the sugar. It's a go-to salad for so many different occasions.
WHY DOES COLESLAW GO SO GOOD WITH BBQ
What is it about coleslaw and BBQ? I love these two together so much! My favorite way to serve this homemade coleslaw is on the top of a BBQ pulled pork sandwich. You'll get rave reviews when you serve this classic side dish with my Instant Pot Pulled Pork.
I also wouldn't consider serving BBQ Ribs without this slaw as a side kick. All I can say is Coleslaw and BBQ, YUM!

CAN THIS EASY SUMMER SALAD BE MADE AHEAD
This slaw can be made a day ahead. Just whip up the dressing and store in an airtight container until 1 hour before you are ready to serve. Toss the coleslaw dressing and cabbage and chill for one hour before serving.
Leftover coleslaw will last in the refrigerator for up to two days.
CAN I FREEZE THIS CREAMY COLESLAW SALAD
It is not recommended to freeze this slaw salad. The mayonnaise in the dressing tends to breakdown when it's thawed.
WHAT IS THE BEST CABBAGE TO USE
You can keep this recipe simple by using bagged cabbage mix or if you want to use a head of cabbage see how to to cut your own cabbage here.
MAYONNAISE OR MIRACLE WHIP
For me, mayonnaise is always the answer. I didn't grow up with Miracle Whip, so I always use mayonnaise in my recipes, but you can certainly substitute equal parts Miracle Whip for the mayonnaise. At the end of the day, it is personal preference.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THE BEST COLESLAW RECIPE
- BBQ - Creamy Coleslaw is the perfect side kick for BBQ ribs, chicken and pork.
- Hot Dog and Hamburgers - Keep the backyard BBQ traditional simple with this easy to make side dish.
- Fish Tacos - Spicy fish accompanied by this sweet slaw would be a terrific combination.
- Crispy Fried Chicken is the perfect main course to go with this salad.
INGREDIENTS

Coleslaw Mix - It's easy to make this with a bag of slaw mix, but you can certainly use a mixture of red cabbage, purple cable, and green cabbage.
Julienne Carrots - Purchased prepared or use a box grater to shred a medium carrot.
White Sugar
White Vinegar - If you don't have any on hand, apple cider vinegar is my second choice.
Mayonnaise
HOW TO MAKE SWEET CREAMY COLESLAW
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and ¼ cup sugar until well combined.


- Add shredded cabbage and carrots to a large bowl and toss with the dressing until everything is well coated.

- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for one hour before serving.

MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES

Sweet Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 10 oz Bag of Coleslaw Mix
- ½ c Shredded Carrots
- 1 c Mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
- ¼ c Sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar.
- Add cabbage and carrots to a large bowl and toss with creamy dressing until well coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for one hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, please let me know! I'd love to hear how it turned out in the comments below.
Beth
My family lives this coleslaw!
Charlie Carrah
My granny's slaw dressing! Only she added a TBSP of sweet pickle juice, along with the vinegar and sugar and about a TSP of celery seeds. Delish! 🙂
Jill
I love recipes that remind me of my Grandmother!
Andréa Janssen
This was such a delicious recipe. Fresh and with great flavor. I served it at my BBQ and it was a crowd-pleaser!
Brianna May
Yum! You can't go wrong with a traditional coleslaw recipe. Perfect for the summer!
Amy Roskelley
Coleslaw is my favorite in the summer, and I enjoy leftover coleslaw even better than fresh!! Haha. Totally doubling this recipe to have more leftovers!
Toni
This coleslaw was a huge hit at my house!! Will make it again soon!
Faith Still
Yum! Pinning for summer BBQ's. This looks like a great simple cole slaw.
Pat
This is the same as my Nana's recipe! Cole slaw goes great with beef stew too.
Lori
I made this the night before the superbowl. I had so many people who said it was the best coleslaw they ever had. I had to buy more cabbage for the party the next day.
Jill
I love to hear this! Thanks for sharing how much everyone loved the recipe.
Scott
Absolutely wonderful! The best coleslaw I’ve ever had.
Jill
Wow! Thanks so much!
Kristy Murray, Linger
This is such a wonderful recipe that goes with just about anything under the sun. How can something so easy be full of so much flavor and texture? This one definitely fits that bill and will be going in my repertoire of recipes. Thanks for sharing Jill.
Haydee Venturo
Made it for friends and family of course for myself. It’s was awesome
Everyone keeps asking for more.
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
It forever be served through out the year..
PS I have made them with both vinegar
White and Cider .. Both were a hit!
Jill
I've used both cider and white too! I'm always kicking myself for running out of white vinegar. Thank you for taking a moment to rate and comment on the recipe!
Stacy
I am very picky about coleslaw and I love this one. My daughter will only eat this version and requested it for her birthday dinner.
Jill Machovsky
Thank you Stacy! I'm so glad your guys like the recipe. Happy Birthday to your daughter!