I make this colorful salad quite often because it literally takes just 5-minutes to prepare, always tastes amazing, and adds a nice pop of acid and much needed crunch to any hearty meat dish. And now that it’s grilling season – I figured I would share this quick, hassle-free recipe since coleslaw is the perfect side dish for any spring or summer barbecue! I personally have always preferred a bright, crisp coleslaw made with large strips of cabbage to the finely grated, mayonnaise drenched, sweeter alternative. So if you, too, appreciate the flavors of fresh cruciferous veggies and a light, tangy dressing, you’ll surely enjoy this easy recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- Shredded Cabbage & Carrot Mix [ 9oz Bag / About 4 Cups ]
- Mayonnaise [1 Heaping Tablespoon ]
- Whole Grain Mustard [ 1 Teaspoon ]
- Apple Cider Vinegar [ 2 Tablespoons ]
- Black Pepper [ A Few Turns of the Mill ]
- Salt [ Just a Pinch ]


TOOLS
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Tablespoon
- Teaspoon
- Tongs
EXTRAS
Any type of grilled or smoked meat!
YIELD
This recipe serves 2 – 4 people.
Simply double or triple the recipe to make more.
Step One
Make the dressing by adding the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt into your mixing bowl.
Stir to combine until there are no clumps.
The mayo will add creaminess and depth to the dressing while the whole grain mustard will add literal pops of flavor and a bit of tang. Finally, the apple cider vinegar brings in the sweet acidic notes that tie everything together.


Step Two
Add in your bag of crunchy produce.
FUN FACT: Whenever I make coleslaw, I always buy the Organic Shredded Green & Red Cabbage with Orange Carrots from Trader Joe’s. It’s fresh, colorful, and saves me quite a bit of prep time. There’s a photo above – under the Ingredients Section of this recipe – in case you missed it.
NOTE: Please feel free to shred or finely slice your own purple cabbage, green cabbage, & carrots instead of using a pre-packaged bag of veggies.


Step Three
Use a pair of tongs to toss everything together until all of the vegetables are coated in the dressing.
NOTE: If you prefer your coleslaw to be a bit more dressed, just add in a touch more mayo and a splash more apple cider vinegar! You’re the one who’s going to eat it after all so please make it to your preference 🙂
Step Four
Cover the bowl and allow the slaw to sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the dressing can soak in and slightly soften the hearty strips of cabbage and carrots.
OPTIONAL: I usually take the coleslaw out of the fridge 15 minutes prior to serving in order to 1: give everything another good toss and 2: bring the coleslaw closer to room temperature.
Step Five
Plate & enjoy!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST
I typically serve this slaw whenever I grill up Hot Italian Sausages or Brats. It also pairs perfectly with barbecue ribs, chicken, brisket, pulled pork, burgers, and hot dogs! It really is the perfect side dish for any backyard barbecue or potluck since it not only tastes delicious but travels well. Oh and if you like onions, some freshly chopped scallions would be a great addition to this classic cabbage salad!
Happy Cooking!
I can’t wait to try this recipe out!
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Thanks so much, Ayesha!! I cannot wait to hear what you think 🙂
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