Creamy Coleslaw
Creamy Coleslaw is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 327 calories per serving. Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 22 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 32 min
Cost: $4.97 total, $0.83 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds Green Cabbage (Thinly sliced then chopped into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 medium Carrot (Shredded)
- 0.25 medium Raw Onion (Grated; enough to yield 1 teaspoon for the dressing)
- 0.75 cup Mayonnaise (Good quality, full‑fat)
- 0.5 cup Milk (Whole or 2% milk)
- 0.5 cup Buttermilk (Plain buttermilk)
- 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Adjust for sweetness)
- 0.25 teaspoon Onion Powder (Optional, for extra onion flavor)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (To taste; can adjust)
- to taste Black Pepper (Freshly ground preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
Thinly slice 1‑1.5 lb of green cabbage, then give it a quick chop so the pieces are bite‑size.
Time: PT10M
Shred the Carrot
Peel one medium carrot and shred it using the grater’s medium holes.
Time: PT3M
Grate the Onion
Grate a raw onion until you have roughly one teaspoon of grated onion for the dressing.
Time: PT2M
Make the Dressing
In a 1‑cup measuring cup combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Add 3 Tbsp sugar, the grated onion, 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional), 1.5 tsp salt, pepper to taste, and 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Time: PT5M
Combine Vegetables and Dressing
Place the sliced cabbage and shredded carrot in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (up to 24 hours) to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT0M
Temperature: 4°C
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 327
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Allergens: Eggs, Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Red cabbage
- Instead of Carrot: Jicama, Daikon radish
- Instead of Raw Onion: Shallot, Green onion (use less)
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, Vegan mayo
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk (unsweetened), Soy milk
- Instead of Buttermilk: Milk + 1 tsp lemon juice, Cultured kefir
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Garlic powder (use half)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Apple cider vinegar (½ tbsp)
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Box Grater or Microplane
- Measuring Cups (1‑cup set)
- Whisk
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Rubber Spatula or Large Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Thinly slicing the cabbage ensures a tender bite and proper absorption of the dressing.
- Whisking the dressing until smooth prevents lumps and guarantees even coating.
- Tossing the vegetables just enough to coat without crushing them.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Troubleshooting
Coleslaw is watery after chilling.
Drain any excess liquid before serving and add a little extra mayo or buttermilk to re‑emulsify.
Dressing is too thick.
Thin with a splash of milk or buttermilk until the desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland.
Add a pinch more salt, a dash more lemon juice, or a little extra sugar to balance the tang.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in a sealed jar.
- Keep the cabbage and carrot dry; excess moisture can make the slaw soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy coleslaw in American cuisine?
Coleslaw originated from Dutch settlers who mixed shredded cabbage with vinegar. In the United States it evolved into a creamy, mayo‑based side that became a staple at picnics, barbecues, and Southern fish‑fry meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of coleslaw in the United States?
In the South, coleslaw is often made with a rich mayo‑buttermilk base and a hint of lemon. In the Midwest, a sweeter version with sugar and sometimes apple cider vinegar is common. The Pacific Northwest favors a lighter vinaigrette style.
How is coleslaw traditionally served with fried fish in Southern cuisine?
In Southern cuisine, creamy coleslaw is served chilled alongside fried fish or shrimp, providing a cool, tangy contrast to the hot, crispy batter. It is usually placed on the same plate or in a separate side dish.
What occasions or celebrations is creamy coleslaw traditionally associated with in American culture?
Coleslaw is a classic side for Fourth of July barbecues, family picnics, Thanksgiving leftovers, and seafood boils. Its refreshing crunch makes it a popular accompaniment to many festive meals.
What other American dishes pair well with this creamy coleslaw?
It pairs beautifully with fried chicken, grilled burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, shrimp po’boys, and any fried fish or seafood platter.
What makes this creamy coleslaw special or unique in American side‑dish cuisine?
The combination of mayonnaise, milk, and buttermilk creates a silky texture while the lemon juice adds brightness. Grating a small amount of raw onion into the dressing gives a subtle onion flavor without overwhelming the palate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy coleslaw?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing, which can bruise the cabbage; using too much dressing, leading to sogginess; and not allowing the slaw to chill, which prevents the flavors from melding.
Why does this coleslaw recipe use both milk and buttermilk in the dressing instead of just one dairy product?
Milk adds richness while buttermilk contributes a gentle tang and helps thin the dressing to the perfect coating consistency. Together they create a balanced flavor profile that’s smoother than using either alone.
Can I make this creamy coleslaw ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare the dressing a day ahead and keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Combine the vegetables and dressing just before serving, or store the mixed slaw in an airtight container for up to 3 days, stirring once before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specializes in approachable, family‑friendly Latin‑inspired and American comfort food recipes, often focusing on quick meals that can be prepared ahead of time.
How does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks' approach to American side‑dish cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Simply Mamá Cooks emphasizes using everyday pantry staples, offering clear step‑by‑step visuals, and often includes cultural anecdotes that connect traditional dishes to modern home cooking, setting it apart from more technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
