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    Home > Side Dishes > Creamy Classic Crunchy Cole Slaw Recipe

    Creamy Classic Crunchy Cole Slaw Recipe

    Published: May 8, 2017 · Modified: Jul 18, 2022 by Lea Ann Brown · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Traditional cole slaw with shredded carrots.

    Coleslaw salad recipe. How to make coleslaw that stays crunchy and doesn’t get soggy. This is our family recipe for Creamy Classic Crunchy Coleslaw. A traditional creamy coleslaw recipe with mayo and vinegar.

    Traditional cole slaw in an oval bowl. With shredded carrots.

    We’re very picky about coleslaw here on the ranch. It’s got to be crunchy, creamy, tangy, sweet and wonderful. I can’t be soggy or too vinegar-y. It’s got to be just right.

    I can take or leave the carrot, but I do put it in when I want to brighten up the overall appearance. This is a recipe that I’ve been making for 40 years. My Aunt Lena’s tried and true Kansas Cole Slaw. She’d bring to to most all family gatherings. And in my books, it’s perfect. She’s also responsible for this Old Fashioned Sweet Tangy Four Bean Salad that we all clamored over.

    But what is the secret to keeping coleslaw as crunchy as possible?

    • Cut the cabbage into quarters, and then remove the cores.
    • With a sharp knife, thin slice the cabbage into shreds
    • Set the cabbage in a large colander and sprinkle with salt.
    • Set the colander in a bowl and put in refrigerator for a couple of hours. The salt will draw the moisture out of the cabbage. which will drain into the bowl.
    • Rinse the salted cabbage under cold water and drain well.
    • Make the dressing. But don’t dress the cabbage until just before serving.

    Crunchy — creamy — perfect.

    Let’s take a look at this buttermilk based recipe for Cole Slaw.

    Coleslaw Salad Recipe with a creamy buttermilk dressing 

    Traditional southern style cole slaw with shredded carrots in a serving bowl.

    I hope you give this coleslaw salad recipe a try, and if you do, please come back and give the recipe a star rating. And leave a comment about your experience with the recipe.

    And if you have a favorite creamy coleslaw recipe, let me know, I’d love to give it a try.

    And if you’re looking for a new and different coleslaw recipe, don’t miss this one for Pineapple Coleslaw.

    Note: This is a great coleslaw for pulled pork sliders … just sayin’

    And if you’re looking for even more side dishes for picnic style gatherings, don’t miss this line-up of Summer cook-out sides. I’m positive you’ll find something you love.

    Traditional cole slaw with shredded carrots.

    Traditional Coleslaw Salad Recipe, Creamy, Classic and Crunchy

    The secret to perfectly flavored creamy cole slaw. And how to keep that slaw crunchy and not soggy.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 199kcal
    Author: Lea Ann Brown

    Ingredients

    • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/3 cup buttermilk
    • 1/3 cup sugar organic
    • 2 tablespoons vinegar White wine, white vinegar or cider vinegar
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion salt or onion powder
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 1 medium cabbage shredded
    • 1 large carrot shredded
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cut the cabbage into quarters, and then remove the cores.
      With a sharp knife, thin slice the cabbage into shreds. Or use the slicer attachment of a food processor.
      Set the cabbage in a large colander and sprinkle with salt.
      Set the colander in a bowl and put in refrigerator for a couple of hours. The salt will draw the moisture out of the cabbage. which will drain into the bowl.
      Rinse the salted cabbage under cold water and drain well.
    • Looking for easy? Can use 2- 16 oz. bags Shredded Cabbage
    • Mix all wet ingredients and whisk in a bowl. 
    • Right before serving, get a large bowl or large container with an air tight lid. Put cabbage in the large container and pour the liquid over.(I love the air tight lid so I can shake it to mix it up)  
    • This goes great with Pulled Pork, Sloppy Joes and Sweet Potato Fries. I love to make this for big family gatherings, or Barbecues so I can make it ahead of time. DELISH!

    Notes

    This is a perfect cole slaw recipe for pulled pork sandwiches.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 447mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1643IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lannisam or tag #CookingOnTheRanch!

    Creamy Classic Crunchy Cole Slaw Recipe … it’s What’s for Summer

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Larry says

      May 12, 2017 at 5:19 am

      Looks good LA. Good tip about the pre-salting

      Reply
    2. Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says

      May 11, 2017 at 6:09 pm

      Lea Ann, I could go for a big bowl of that right this minute! Like you, I’m really picky about my cole slaw. You cut the cabbage just like I do. I don’t like that mechanically shredded cabbage that is in tiny little pieces.

      Reply
    3. Carole from Carole's Chatter says

      May 11, 2017 at 4:37 pm

      Hi Lea Ann, this is great. I hope you bring it over to Food on Friday as part of Pot Luck. Each month there are now 3 different themes plus a Potluck – so you should always be able to share something. If you would like to join in the fun on a regular basis please schedule a reminder for the second Friday of each month (NZ time). Cheers from Carole’s Chatter

      Reply

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    I'm Lea Ann, A Culinary School Grad bringing you Wild West Colorado inspired recipes. You'll find lots of Southwestern, and Mexican food recipes, and some favorites from Culinary School along with pro cooking tips. If you're an adventurous home cook looking to spice up your meal plans, you'll find plenty of inspiration and reliable, approachable, easy to follow recipes.

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