This creamy red cabbage coleslaw recipe is an easy and quick side for all kinds of recipes. Made in 1 bowl with less than 10 ingredients!
Homemade coleslaw from scratch is better than the shop-bought version, so why not give it a go? This post includes tips and serving suggestion ideas including recipes.
How to make red cabbage coleslaw with mayonnaise
Thinly slice cabbage, onion and shred carrot. Finely chop celery. Transfer these into a large bowl and add mayonnaise, celery salt, pepper, vinegar and lemon juice. Mix well.
Taste and add more seasoning/vinegar/lemon juice, if you feel it is needed.
Tips for making red cabbage slaw
- You can change the quantities of the ingredients, if you like.
- This recipe can be easily doubled, if needed.
- Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- You can use any mayonnaise you like and if you don’t have it on hand, you can make homemade mayonnaise.
- I used yellow onion, but you can use any kind you like. It does not really matter here. What is important though is slicing it thin so that the slices blend with the rest of the ingredients and are not over-powering.
- For seasoning, I opted for celery salt. It does give this homemade coleslaw a nice flavor, but if you don’t have it, just use regular salt instead.
- The best tool to mix all the ingredients well is a pair of kitchen tongs (see the link below) or at least that is what I love using, as it helps toss the ingredients around well and the mayo and seasoning are distributed evenly which is great. It is also the easiest and quickest way to do this. Or you can use your hands (preferably with gloves on) instead.
- For easy and mess-free mixing, use a large bowl. You can also use a cooking pot.
Can I make coleslaw in advance?
Yes. You can prepare it 30 minutes up to a day ahead, if needed.
Serving suggestions
Are you wondering what goes with red cabbage coleslaw? Here are some recipe ideas for you:
- Tacos
- Pulled pork sandwich (Have you tried making pulled pork in instant pot? It’s so easy and more importantly, hassle-free!)
- Grilled meats (e.g. grilled chicken thighs)
- Hot Dogs
Or anything you enjoy. Everyone is different and every single one of us has a different taste, so try what you like, and you’ll see!
How long does coleslaw last in the fridge?
When making this purple cabbage coleslaw with mayonnaise, you should eat it within 3 days. To enjoy it at its best, I recommend serving it within a day or two.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ½ red cabbage , small head (4 cups finely sliced)
- 1 onion , small (thinly sliced), see note 1
- 1 carrot , large (1 cup shredded)
- 1 celery stalk , large (1/2 cup finely diced)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon celery salt , see note 2
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar , see note 3
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice , or to taste
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Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and give everything a good mix.
- You can enjoy it right away or chill it before serving (see note 4).
Notes
- Either white, red or yellow onion can be used.
- If you don’t have celery salt, use regular salt.
- You can substitute apple vinegar with white wine vinegar.
- This creamy coleslaw will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in your fridge, but I recommend consuming it within 2 days. It can also be prepared in advance (up to a day).
- You will find serving suggestion ideas and more tips in the post above this recipe card.
Lauren Vavala says
What a perfect side dish for summer. I always use green cabbage, but think I’ll try this next time!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Any cabbage works, but the red one makes it look more vibrant and we love the color :)
Samantha Lewis says
I made this with green cabbage. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Also used white vinegar b/c that’s what I had. My boyfriend said it’s really good.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks for your feedback, Samantha!
Ayngelina Brogan says
Coleslaw is definitely in my top 5 comfort foods and for some reason I’ve never made it. I guess I have plenty of time now to try.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
You will love it, Ayngelina!
Nart says
I tried this and it was super delicious and easy to make!
Demeter says
We love this side dish especially for pot lucks or picnics. It’s add such a beautiful color to the spread and is delicious!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Right? :)
Mahy says
I remember eating this coleslaw in my childhoo. It was one of those recipes that is always healthy and delicious. Can’t wait to recreate it some time soon now!
Karen Willchuk says
Very yummy and very easy to make.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Karen!
Dee Mittie says
I had about 2 cups of red cabbage so I halved the recipe. It came together quickly and easily so it’s good for a last minute side dish. I used slightly less reg. mayo added about a quarter tsp. of thick & creamy horseradish just for an extra kick with sliced radishes to garnish. The colors in this dish make such a pretty presentation.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Dee! Adding horseradish sounds delicious!
Lydia says
This cabbage slaw recipe is delicious! I love the creamy dressing and the crunchy cabbage.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
I am glad to hear you enjoyed this recipe, Lydia. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Mary says
This recipe is amazing! I am not a vinegar fan and didn’t use it and it was still great! My husband is picky and it has his approval as well. :) I will be making this again.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for finding time to leave the feedback and rating, Mary!
Karen says
Made this tonight. I skipped the onions and added some red bell pepper. I also added some sugar as I like my slaw a little on the sweeter side. Delish, and perfect with our stuffed shrimp and fries.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks a lot for your feedback, Karen. By the way, stuffed shrimp sound delicious! :)
MikeStL says
Incredible. Substituted chopped green onions for the yellow or red onions and the recipe didn’t miss a beat. First time making my own slaw and even my wife was impressed. She likes her slaw a little tangier so I upped the ACV and lemon a bit and ended with a creamy cole slaw with a kick.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for finding time to write the feedback, MikeStL! Happy Cooking!
Simone says
Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe. Just made a batch of this. I subbed soured cream for half the mayo. Love the zingy refreshing nature of this – I find regular coleslaw rather too rich and creamy.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
You are welcome! I am happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe.
Tiffany says
I am obsessed with this recipe. It is very bright and refreshing. It is so easy to make. I’ll be making it again today for our mothers day lunch.
Courtney says
This is going to be a new favorite bbq side dish and summer potluck staple. I actually prefer red cabbage to green cabbage so I love this recipe. I also had all the ingredients on hand. Came together fast. Perfect side dish for rib night.
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Courtney!
Alaina says
Really tasty and fresh! I halved the recipe for two people and cut back on vinegar and lemon juice to taste. I let it sit in the fridge for couple of hours before serving and it seemed to taste even better. Thank you!
Julia | Happy Foods Tube says
Thanks so much for your feedback, Alaina!
andy says
Love it but I used cider vinegar