Easy Creamy Coleslaw That’s Always a Hit at Every BBQ
This easy creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for just about anything—BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, or even burgers. It’s rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and full of crunch thanks to the pre-shredded coleslaw mix that makes prep a total breeze. If you need a dependable go-to slaw that’s fast, delicious, and no-fuss, this is it.
What I love most is how versatile this creamy coleslaw recipe is. You can tweak the sweetness, adjust the vinegar for more tang, or even add extras like chopped green onions or a pinch of celery seed for extra flavor. Looking for more easy side dishes? Try my broccoli salad, instant pot potato salad, or sheet pan roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
With just a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your fridge or pantry—this slaw comes together in minutes and gets even better after chilling. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether it’s for weeknight dinners or big backyard cookouts.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
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Just 6 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep
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No chopping required thanks to bagged coleslaw mix
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Customizable sweetness and tang
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Perfect make-ahead side for BBQs, picnics, and potlucks
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Creamy and crunchy with a classic flavor everyone loves
Tips & Tricks
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Let the coleslaw chill for at least 30 minutes before serving—this gives the flavors time to meld and softens the cabbage slightly.
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Taste and adjust the sugar and vinegar to suit your preference; more sugar for sweeter, more vinegar for extra tang.
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A pinch of celery seed or a splash of lemon juice can add extra zing.
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Want it lighter? Try using a mix of mayo and plain Greek yogurt.
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This recipe doubles easily if you’re feeding a crowd.
FAQs
Can I make creamy coleslaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
How long does coleslaw last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to 3 days. After that, it may start to get watery.
Can I use homemade shredded cabbage instead of bagged mix?
Yes! You’ll need about 6–7 cups of finely shredded cabbage and carrots.
Is this coleslaw recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure the mayo and other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw makes the perfect side dish for dinner or your summer cookout. This creamy coleslaw recipe is not only creamy and delicious, it takes less then 10 minutes to make.
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 Cup Sugar, you can adjust to your taste preference
- 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 TSP Onion Powder
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, onion powder, & pepper and mix thoroughly.
- Place coleslaw mix into a large bowl and then pour your mayonnaise mixture over.
- Mix well and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes or longer before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 243Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
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