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Creamy Old Fashioned Coleslaw Recipe with Easy Buttermilk Dressing for Perfect Side

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A simple, creamy coleslaw with a tangy buttermilk dressing that balances crunch and flavor perfectly. Ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and finely shredded
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, cut into quarters, and core each piece. Shred the cabbage finely using a sharp knife or mandoline. Peel and shred the carrots using a box grater or food processor. Thinly slice the red onion if using. Transfer all shredded veggies into a large mixing bowl. (Optional: rinse shredded cabbage under cold water and drain well for extra crispness.)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, and celery seed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to cling to the veggies. Taste and adjust vinegar or sugar as preferred.
  3. Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Using a large spatula, toss gently but thoroughly to coat all veggies evenly. The cabbage should be glossy and the slaw creamy without being drenched. Avoid overmixing to prevent sogginess.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly while keeping crunch. If in a rush, 30 minutes will suffice but flavor improves with longer chilling.
  5. Before serving, give the slaw a final toss and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish.

Notes

Use fresh, crisp cabbage for best crunch. Rinse shredded cabbage under cold water and drain well for extra crispness. Whisk dressing well to dissolve sugar completely. Add dressing gradually and toss gently to avoid sogginess. For best flavor, chill slaw for 2-4 hours but not longer than overnight to maintain crunch. Store in airtight container up to 3 days; enjoy within 1-2 days for best texture. For vegan or dairy-free options, substitute vegan mayo and use unsweetened almond or oat milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, buttermilk dressing, barbecue side dish, easy coleslaw, summer salad, old fashioned coleslaw

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-old-fashioned-coleslaw-recipe-with-easy-buttermilk-dressing-for-perfect-side/