Creamy Cole Slaw
Creamy Cole Slaw has been part of our family meals for as long as I can remember. This isn’t a recipe my family created. It’s a longtime favorite we’ve continued making because it’s the version we’ve always preferred.
The sweet and tangy dressing combines mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar. It’s a simple side to serve with pasta, seafood, or whatever suits your taste.
Growing up in Pennsylvania Dutch country, cabbage dishes were familiar foods at family tables. Pepper cabbage has never really appealed to me, but creamy cole slaw has always been a favorite.
I think of this as part of the PA Dutch inspired cooking we’ve enjoyed in our family. It’s a longstanding recipe rather than our own invention, and this is simply the version we’ve always made and preferred.
A Sweet and Tangy Dressing
Mayonnaise and sour cream make the creamy base, while vinegar and sugar give the dressing its sweet and tangy flavor. Salt and black pepper round it out.
Combine all the dressing ingredients before adding the cabbage. Mixing them separately helps you blend everything evenly without having to keep tossing the cabbage while you work out pockets of mayonnaise or sour cream.
Once the dressing is well combined, add the cabbage and toss until coated throughout.
Use Fresh Cabbage or Coleslaw Mix
You can make this with a pound of shredded cabbage or a 16-ounce package of coleslaw mix. Choose whichever you prefer or have available.
Packaged mix keeps the preparation quick, with no cabbage to cut or shred. Shredding your own is another option if that’s how you like to prepare it.
Use a large bowl with enough room to toss the cabbage comfortably. That extra space makes it easier to distribute the dressing without spilling over the sides.
Give It Time in the Refrigerator
Plan to make this several hours before serving, or prepare it the night before. Cover and refrigerate it so the flavors have time to blend.
This makes it a convenient side when you’re getting other parts of a meal ready. The mixing takes very little time, and then the refrigerator does the rest.
Give the cole slaw another toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What I Serve With Creamy Cole Slaw
I enjoy this alongside pasta dishes and seafood, but there’s no need to limit it to those meals. Serve it with whatever your family likes.
It’s the side I like with my Pizza Casserole. The cool cabbage and creamy dressing are a nice contrast to the warm pasta, sauce, and melted cheese.
Not every recipe in my collection has an elaborate story behind it. Some are simply familiar favorites that have stayed on our table for years. This creamy cole slaw is one of those dishes.
More From My Kitchen
Browse my recipes for more family favorites and side dishes, or visit Kitchen Tips & Ideas for practical tips to use at home.
Creamy Cole Slaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the coleslaw mix and toss until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
- Toss again before serving. Serve chilled.
