Easy Summer Coleslaw Recipe

There are certain side dishes that just belong at a summer barbecue, and a big bowl of homemade coleslaw is definitely one of them. This easy summer coleslaw recipe is cool, creamy, crunchy, and has just the perfect tang from apple cider vinegar.

It’s the kind of classic summer side dish that works with almost anything. Serve it alongside burgers and hot dogs at a summer BBQ, pile it onto pork sandwiches, or add a bowl to the table next to baked beans and all your other favorite summer sides. It’s also a great one to take along to summer potlucks, a family reunion, or any casual family gathering.

This easy coleslaw recipe takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, and you can serve it right away or give it a little time in the fridge first. Simple, fresh, and exactly the kind of easy recipe I want during the summer months!

Easy Homemade Coleslaw for Summer

There are so many different slaw recipes out there. You can make a sharp vinegar slaw, an Asian slaw with sesame oil, or add fresh cilantro and a spicy kick. But sometimes what you really want is a creamy slaw that feels familiar and goes with all your favorite main dishes.

This recipe starts with shredded green cabbage and carrots, then everything is coated in a simple creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, buttermilk or milk, salt, and black pepper. The fresh ingredients keep it crisp while the dressing gives the cabbage mixture plenty of flavor without completely drowning it.

If you love traditional coleslaw or a classic mayo coleslaw, this is a great basic recipe to have on hand. It has that familiar creamy texture you might expect from a classic coleslaw recipe or even KFC coleslaw, but it is incredibly easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

You’ll Love This Summer Slaw Recipe

This summer slaw recipe is quick, simple, and doesn’t require anything complicated. You don’t need celery seed, sour cream, lemon juice, green onions, bell peppers, or a long list of extras. The original recipe keeps things simple and lets the fresh cabbage and carrot do the work.

It is also a perfect side dish when you’re feeding a crowd because coleslaw goes with so many different foods. Make it for a weeknight dinner, serve it at a summer barbecue, or bring it along to summer potlucks. It’s one of those dishes that can quietly become a big hit because everyone knows exactly what to do with it!

The blueberries are optional, but I love them for a 4th of July gathering. Along with the fresh parsley, they add a fun pop of color and turn a simple cabbage slaw into a pretty summer salad that looks right at home on a patriotic table.

Ingredients for Summer Coleslaw

You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to make this homemade coleslaw. This recipe serves about 3 people, so it is easy to double or triple if you are making it for a larger family gathering.

• 3 cups shredded green cabbage, about ¾ head of cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrot, about 2 medium carrots
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk or milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Blueberries, optional for garnish

How to Prepare the Cabbage and Carrots

You can shred your own cabbage using a sharp knife, a mandoline slicer, or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Shredding your own cabbage is a great option when you want the best texture, because you can control exactly how fine or chunky the pieces are.

For the carrots, a simple box grater works perfectly. You can also use the food processor if you already have it out.

Of course, if you are short on time, a bag of coleslaw mix will work too. The finished result may have a slightly different balance of cabbage and carrot, but it is an easy shortcut for a busy home cook.

Place all of your shredded vegetables into a large bowl and give them a quick toss to mix everything together.

How to Make the Creamy Coleslaw Dressing

The creamy dressing for this coleslaw couldn’t be much easier.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, buttermilk or milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The vinegar cuts through the richness of the mayo and gives the dressing that perfect tang, while the milk or buttermilk loosens everything enough to coat the cabbage.

This is a simple dressing rather than an overly heavy one, so you still get plenty of crunch and fresh cabbage flavor in every bite.

How to Make Summer Coleslaw

1. Add the shredded green cabbage and carrot to a large bowl. Toss the vegetables together and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, buttermilk or milk, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.
3. Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture.
4. Toss everything together until the cabbage and carrots are evenly coated.
5. Give the coleslaw a light final toss, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Add blueberries too if you want that fun red, white, and blue inspired look for the 4th of July.
6. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15 to 60 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Taste before serving and adjust the salt or creaminess if needed.

Should You Chill Coleslaw Before Serving?

You can absolutely serve this coleslaw immediately, which is helpful when you need a last-minute side dish. However, if you have time, letting it sit in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to an hour gives the flavors a chance to come together.

I wouldn’t leave it sitting out at a summer barbecue for long because of the creamy dressing. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to eat, especially on a hot day.

Can You Make Coleslaw Ahead of Time?

Yes! This summer coleslaw can be made a few hours ahead of time and kept chilled in an airtight container until you are ready to serve it.

For the freshest look, add the parsley and any other fresh herbs just before serving so they stay bright. If you are adding blueberries for that patriotic pop of color, I would add those at the end too.

The coleslaw can also be eaten the next day, although the cabbage will soften as it sits in the creamy dressing. If you love a really crunchy coleslaw, it is at its best on the day it is made.

Easy Coleslaw Variations

One of the nice things about homemade coleslaw is how easy it is to change the recipe to suit what you have in the kitchen.

For a lighter option, use just 1 or 2 tablespoons of mayo and replace the rest with Greek yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while making a lighter version. If you are looking for a healthy coleslaw option, this is a simple change to try.

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free mayo and choose a suitable dairy-free alternative in place of the milk or buttermilk.

If you want extra crunch, add ¼ cup of finely sliced red cabbage or a handful of shredded kale. Red cabbage also adds another gorgeous pop of color to the bowl.

You can also experiment with your own favorite coleslaws over time. Some people love green onions, celery seed, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Just remember that adding too many extras can change the simple, classic flavor of the original recipe.

What to Serve With Summer Coleslaw

This really is the perfect side dish for so many summer meals. Serve it with burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or pretty much anything coming off the grill.

For a full summer BBQ spread, add baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, and plenty of fresh fruit. The cool and creamy slaw is especially good next to smoky, savory foods because the apple cider vinegar adds a little brightness to the plate.

Whether you are planning a huge summer barbecue, heading to a family reunion, or just trying new recipes for a weeknight dinner, this easy summer coleslaw recipe is one worth keeping. It is quick, crunchy, creamy, and made with simple ingredients you can find almost anywhere.

• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Old-Fashioned Potato Salad Recipe
• Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
• Cowboy Chicken Patties | Grilled Chicken Burgers Recipe

More Patriotic Recipes for the 4th of July

This creamy coleslaw is perfect for 4th of July weekend, and you’ll want to keep making it all summer long! If you’re planning a patriotic celebration and want even more red, white, and blue recipes for your table, here are some more delicious ideas to try.

• American Flag Cheesecake
• Patriotic Sprinkle Sugar Cookies
• 4th of July Charcuterie Board
• Blueberry Mojito Mocktail Recipe

If you love this easy summer coleslaw recipe, please share it with your friends and family! Pin it for later or send it to someone planning their next summer BBQ.