Best Coleslaw Recipes You Have To Try

1. Rainbow Coleslaw

This coleslaw lives up to its name by using a mix of green, purple and white shredded cabbages for a vibrant, multicolored look. The contrasting colors create visual appeal in addition to adding flavor nuances from the different cabbage types.

The creamy base dressing allows the rainbow cabbage medley to really pop. Extra add-ins like shredded carrots can be added for further color and texture contrast. Overall, the bright, appetizing rainbow colors are what make this coleslaw distinctive.

2. Vinegar Coleslaw

Vinegar-based coleslaw has a tangy zip thanks to a bright dressing of cider vinegar and sugar. Toss together shredded green and/or purple cabbage with fresh cilantro, scallions and sesame oil. Then dress it with a mixture of rice vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and a touch of sugar. The tartness of the vinegar dressing cuts through rich foods like fried chicken beautifully. Chill to let the flavors meld.

3. Asian Slaw

Asian flavors like ginger, lime and sesame oil bring an exotic flair to coleslaw. Shredded cabbage and carrots form the base while sliced scallions add delicate onion flavor. The light, gingery dressing is the stand-out ingredient that provides a signature Asian zest.

For textural contrast and crunch, you can also add in toasted nuts and seeds to the mix. Asian slaw's fresh flavor profile with Thai and Japanese flavor influences sets it apart from traditional mayo-dressed coleslaws. The lime, soy and sesame in the dressing make this slaw uniquely Asian.

You may also like: Easy Asian Recipes For Busy Families

4. Creamy Coleslaw

Classic creamy coleslaw defines the familiar flavor with its mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing. The creamy base coats the shredded cabbage, onions, and carrots to give a rich, smooth flavor and bind the ingredients together. The slight tang of lemon juice or vinegar is then added to cut through the creaminess.

The judiciously seasoned creamy dressing allows the cabbage's subtle sweetness and crisp texture to shine. This coleslaw's creaminess makes it a comforting counterpart to spicy or acidic dishes.

5. Apple Coleslaw

For a fall-flavored twist, apple coleslaw is the way to go. It is prepared with shredded apples and apple cider vinaigrette. Thin apple matchsticks add fruity notes, subtle sweetness, and delicate crunch which pair perfectly with the crispness of cabbage.

The vinaigrette is made with apple cider vinegar and oil so that the apple flavor is further enhanced. You can go ahead and add some celery and onion for crunch and lightness to balance the richness of the dressing. As a result of the ingredients, this dish has a very autumnal feel.

6. Nutty Broccoli Slaw

By using broccoli stems as the base, this lighter coleslaw gets an extra nutrition boost. Shredding the broccoli stems raw makes for a sturdier, crunchier texture than cabbage and raw broccoli florets. It is then followed by the addition of toasted almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds.

The nutty flavor of the coleslaw comes prominently from the dressing, made with a touch of mayo or Greek yogurt. The dressing coats the broccoli for a creamy nut flavor while the green veggies give it a stand-out nutritious crunch.

7. Poppy Seed Coleslaw

This coleslaw features the nutty crunch and subtle flavor of poppy seeds. The tiny black seeds get toasted to intensify their flavor before mixing into the dressing. Combined with lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper, the dressing coats the shredded cabbage with nutty sweetness.

The crisp pop of the poppy seeds pairs perfectly with the cabbage's fresh crunch, making this a make-try coleslaw recipe. Onion and carrot slivers can be added if you prefer more texture and flavor contrast but we recommend you keep it simple.

8. Greek Coleslaw

Greek yogurt and lemon provide the base for this creamy, tangy slaw. Their tanginess pairs deliciously with the chopped cucumber, bell pepper and red onion used in the recipe. Classic Green seasonings like oregano and dill along with briny feta and kalamata olives provide a Mediterranian flair to the dish.

The richness of the yogurt and the flavor from the herbs, spice and lemon juice ensures that the coleslaw remains bright and vibrant with all the flavors. You can bring this out for your Mediterranean dinner or simply share it to add a new element to your meals.

9. Creamy Avocado Coleslaw

As the name suggests, this dish stands out from the others on the list due to the addition of mashed avocadoes into the mix. In addition to the avocadoes, sour cream and plain yogurt are further added to ensure that the mash remains creamy and lump-free. 

To this mix, Shredded cabbage and carrots are tossed for a coating of velvety green goodness. Onion and cilantro add texture and fresh flavor while the avocado dressing gives this slaw unique creaminess without the eggs or oil of traditional coleslaw.

10. Macaroni Coleslaw

Macaroni coleslaw combines the beloved elements of traditional coleslaw with the heartiness of pasta. This variation typically features shredded cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, mixed with cooked macaroni noodles and a creamy dressing.

The addition of pasta adds a chewiness and helps to bulk up the dish, making it a more substantial side or even a meal on its own. Macaroni coleslaw is often a hit at potlucks and picnics, offering a combination of unique textures and flavors in every bite.

11. Pennsylvania Dutch Coleslaw

Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw, also known as Amish coleslaw, is a sweet and tangy version of the dish that originated in the Pennsylvania Dutch region of the United States. This coleslaw is distinguished by its creamy dressing, which is typically made with mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar.

The addition of sugar gives Pennsylvania Dutch coleslaw a sweeter flavor profile compared to other variations, while the vinegar adds a tangy kick.

12. Mexican Coleslaw

This one is for those who prefer a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic dish. This version is prepared with ingredients commonly found in Mexican cuisine so there is a fiesta of flavors at play here.

In addition to the Mexican flavors coming from lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers, the dish also features traditional coleslaw ingredients like shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers. The vinaigrette is prepared with lime juice, Mexican herbs and some peppers. Because this coleslaw is spicier as compared to the other recipes on this list, this can be a great side for grilled meats and other spicy dishes.

13. Honey Mustard Coleslaw

This classic rendition is sunshine in a bowl. The honey mustard dressing is the star of the show here which coats the crisp cabbage perfectly. Creamy and smooth, yet offering a playful bite, this coleslaw is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or adding a touch of cheer to any meal.

You can also add mustard seeds to the mix to really bring out the mustard flavor. In addition, honey makes this coleslaw sweeter than the traditional coleslaw which can be a great option if you're looking to pair it with hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.

14. Jicama Slaw

This Latin-inspired coleslaw throws tradition out the window. Forget the mayo, hello lime juice! Jicama, a crisp, white root vegetable, joins the shredded cabbage party, adding a new texture. Spices like cumin and chili powder remain in the background, hinting at a Latin flavor without overpowering the entire dish.

This vibrant slaw isn't afraid to be bold, making it a perfect side for tacos, grilled fish, or any dish that craves a refreshing kick. Think of it as a fiesta for your taste buds, a fiesta where crunchy textures rule and fresh flavors reign supreme.

15. Pickle Coleslaw

This gutsy coleslaw is for those who dare to be different. Shredded cabbage gets a makeover with the addition of brined, chopped pickles. This savory, bold slaw isn't shy about making a statement. Due to the addition of the pickles, the coleslaw gets a brighter flavor with bites of the pickle.

If you're a fan of pickles, go ahead and add in as much as you like so that the tangy pickles lead the way in terms of flavor. You can have it alongside pulled pork sandwiches where its zesty punch cuts through the richness of the meat. Or envision it atop hot dogs, adding a layer of complexity that elevates the classic street food experience.