10 Delicious, Easy Coleslaw Recipes to Crunch On

Coleslaw is a must at barbecues and a potluck favorite — but essential as it is, we often overlook it in favor of the splashy centerpiece dishes. With its refreshing crunch and versatility, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to munch on healthy vegetables like cabbage and carrots. We found 10 easy coleslaw recipes to add to your repertoire, so you can whip up different versions of this popular dish to suit your taste.

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1. Classic Vinegar-Based Coleslaw

Courtesy of Downshiftology

There are two kinds of classic coleslaw: Creamy and vinegary. This one, with a simple dressing made with cider vinegar, olive oil, celery seed, and honey, is light and zesty, perfect for anyone who prefers this type of slaw. Let the onion sit in the dressing for 30 minutes before combining all of the ingredients to tame its bite, if you like. 

Try this recipe from Downshiftology.

2. Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Courtesy of Once Upon a Chef

If creamy coleslaw is more your thing, this will become your go-to. Mayo and sour cream take the place olive oil would play in a vinegar-based slaw (swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream, if you like). The dark green parts of scallions add a slight oniony bite and an additional pop of color.  

Try this recipe from Once Upon a Chef.

Related: 8 Bright and Healthy Red Cabbage Recipes

3. Apple and Poppy Seed Coleslaw

Courtesy of Damn Delicious

A tart Granny Smith apple adds delicious tang to this coleslaw — plus, crunchy little poppy seeds add calcium, iron, and zinc. With both olive oil and a little mayo, this coleslaw is slightly creamy but not heavy. 

Try this recipe from Damn Delicious.

4. Mediterranean Cabbage Salad

Courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish

Bell peppers, radishes, fresh herbs, and crunchy toasted almonds make this Mediterranean spin on slaw super flavorful. The easy dressing, with garlic, lime, and Dijon, adds plenty of zip to this make-ahead slaw. Toss in the almonds right before serving.

Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

5. Mexican-Inspired Slaw

Courtesy of Real Food Whole Life

A chipotle-lime dressing with honey and garlic sets this sweet-spicy slaw apart. Serve it at a barbecue, or use it to top your favorite taco recipe. Alternatively, toss in black beans and corn, top it with grilled chicken and pepitas, and make it your main dish.

Try this recipe from Real Food Whole Life.

6. Red Cabbage, Apple, and Pomegranate Slaw

Courtesy of Everyday Delicious

There’s nothing ho-hum about this bright, crunchy, sweet-tart slaw. With crisp red cabbage, sweet apple and pomegranate, and rich walnuts, it’s loaded with texture, flavor, and good nutrition. A simple, light, vinegary dressing with a shot of lemon balances the boldness of the salad.

Try this recipe from Everyday Delicious.

Related: 8 Delicious Ways to Turn a Head of Cabbage into Dinner

7. Asian-Inspired Slaw

Courtesy of RecipeTin Eats

There are so many fun and interesting additions to classic cabbage in this slaw, it’s worthy of main-dish status. With bean sprouts, cilantro, and fresh mint, plus a tasty dressing featuring soy sauce, fish sauce, and an optional red chili pepper, it’s delicious on its own, or you can top it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a meal. 

Try this recipe from RecipeTin Eats.

8. Blue Cheese Coleslaw

Courtesy of The Endless Meal

If rich blue cheese dressing is your jam, wait until you try it in this coleslaw. It only requires a few simple ingredients, because each one is full of bold flavor, from the blue cheese to the Dijon mustard to the crunchy cabbages. Top it with crumbled bacon, or some slivered almonds, for additional texture.

Try this recipe from The Endless Meal.

9. Creamy Dill Pickle Coleslaw

Courtesy of Lord Byron’s Kitchen

Are you a pickle person (you know who you are)? This unique slaw gets its tang from dill pickles, as well as pickle brine in the creamy dressing. Fresh dill adds brightness to this delicious coleslaw, which is a perfect side for burgers or any other grilled protein.

Try this recipe from Lord Byron’s Kitchen.

10. Cranberry Pecan Slaw

Courtesy of A Southern Soul

Chewy dried cranberries, sweet apple, and rich pecans are easy additions that take this slaw to the next level. A touch of honey in the creamy dressing goes well with these add-ins. This coleslaw is just as at home on a holiday table as it is at a potluck or cookout, so keep the recipe in your back pocket to whip up anytime.

Try this recipe from A Southern Soul.

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