Easy homemade coleslaw for any meal.

1️⃣Mexican Street-Corn Coleslaw (Creamy, Loaded)

Ingredients
Slaw Base
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup corn kernels (grilled, roasted, or canned & drained)
1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained
½ cup Roma tomatoes, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)

Creamy Mexican Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1–2 tbsp honey or sugar (to taste)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional but great)
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins
1 small jalapeño, minced (heat)
½ tsp garlic powder
Extra cotija for topping

Instructions

  1. Combine the slaw
    In a large bowl, add cabbage, carrots, corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
  2. Make the dressing
    Whisk mayo, sour cream, lime juice, vinegar, honey, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Toss
    Pour dressing over the slaw and toss until fully coated.
  4. Finish
    Fold in cotija cheese. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or sweetness.
  5. Chill (optional)
    Refrigerate 20–30 minutes for best flavor.

2️⃣KFC Copycat Coleslaw

Ingredients
Slaw
8 cups green cabbage, very finely chopped
¼ cup carrot, finely minced
2 tbsp onion, finely minced

Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sugar
¼ cup whole milk
¼ cup buttermilk
2½ tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp white vinegar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Finely chop veggies
    Pulse cabbage, carrot, and onion in a food processor until tiny (do not puree).
  2. Make dressing
    Whisk mayo, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Combine
    Pour dressing over vegetables and mix well until evenly coated.
  4. Chill
    Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) for authentic flavor.
  5. Serve
    Stir before serving. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness if needed.

3️⃣BBQ Coleslaw (Smoky, Creamy & Tangy)

Ingredients
Slaw
4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup purple cabbage, shredded (optional)
1 cup carrots, grated

BBQ Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite smoky or sweet style)
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1–2 Tbsp sugar or honey (to taste)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix the slaw: Add cabbages and carrots to a large bowl.
  2. Whisk the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine mayo, BBQ sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Toss & chill: Pour dressing over slaw and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Rest: Refrigerate 30–60 minutes for best flavor.

Optional Add-Ins (so good)
Chopped dill pickles or relish
Thin red onion slices
Crumbled bacon
Jalapeño for heat
Splash of pickle juice for extra tang

Make-ahead tip: Holds well up to 24 hours chilled—stir before serving.

4️⃣Asian Sesame Coleslaw

Ingredients
Slaw
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
3 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp cilantro (optional)

Sesame Dressing
¼ cup neutral oil (canola or avocado)
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce (or low-sodium)
2 tbsp honey or sugar
1 tsp grated ginger
1 small garlic clove, minced

Toppings (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds
Slivered almonds or peanuts
Crispy wonton strips

Instructions

  1. Mix the slaw
    Toss cabbages, carrots, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk dressing
    Combine all dressing ingredients until smooth and glossy.
  3. Combine
    Pour dressing over slaw and toss until evenly coated.
  4. Rest (optional)
    Chill 15–30 minutes for best flavor. Toss again before serving.

5️⃣Southwestern Coleslaw (Creamy & Zesty)

Ingredients
Slaw
4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
¾ cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
½ cup black beans, rinsed & drained
¼ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
¼ cup green onions, sliced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

Southwestern Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
1½ tbsp lime juice (fresh)
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tsp honey (to taste)
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing
    Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  2. Assemble the slaw
    In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, corn, black beans, bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
  3. Toss & chill
    Pour dressing over slaw and toss until evenly coated. Chill 20–30 minutes for best flavor.

6️⃣Apple Cranberry Holiday Coleslaw

Ingredients
Slaw
6 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced (optional but festive)
1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Gala), julienned
¾ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup carrot, shredded
¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional)

Creamy Dressing
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
1. Combine slaw
In a large bowl, toss cabbages, apple, cranberries, carrot, and nuts (if using).
2. Make dressing
Whisk mayo, vinegar, honey/maple syrup, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Mix & chill
Pour dressing over slaw and toss well. Refrigerate 30–60 minutes before serving.
4. Serve
Toss once more, taste, and adjust sweetness or vinegar if needed.

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