Easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe

Name: Easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 5 cups coleslaw mix (or shredded red and green cabbage and carrots); ½ cup Miracle Whip (or mayo of your choice); ¼ cup half-and-half (10% milkfat); 1 tbsp cane sugar (or sweetener of your choice)

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Summer is here, and this Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect side dish to serve. It is insanely creamy, and goes great served alongside grilled burgers, chicken, smokies, or pretty much anything! It is quick and easy to make with only four ingredients. When I think of easy summer sides, this creamy coleslaw recipe is the first that comes to mind. It is ready to eat in only 5 minutes, perfect for a backyard barbecue!

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A closeup of homemade coleslaw in a white bowl.

I'm so happy to bring you what I think is the best coleslaw recipe. I have been making this dreamy creamy coleslaw with Miracle Whip dressing for as long as I can remember.

This cole slaw is the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or picnic.

Made with creamy Miracle Whip, crunchy cabbage, and sweet carrots, this coleslaw is sure to be a hit with everyone. And best of all, it only takes a few minutes to whip up!

This homemade slaw goes with so many dishes, including our favorite Smashed Burgers or Smoked Burgers on Pellet Grill, Smoked 3-2-1 Ribs, Smoked Chuck Roast, Instant Pot Ribs, Classic Meatloaf with Oatmeal, and Smoked Pork Loin Roast.

It's also a perfect accompaniment to Air Fryer Tilapia and Air Fryer French Fries, fish tacos, a Smoked Pulled Pork sandwich, or Smoked Whole Chicken or Smoked Beef Back Ribs.

This is an easy slaw recipe that I know you and your family will love.

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More delicious recipes
What is coleslaw?
Why you will love this recipe
Ingredients
How to make homemade creamy coleslaw
Substitutions
Variations
Storage
Equipment
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What to serve with this easy coleslaw recipe
Other side dish recipes
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What is coleslaw?

Coleslaw, also known as cole slaw, "New England Salad," or simply slaw, is a delicious side dish consisting of mostly finely shredded green and red cabbage and carrots with either mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressing.

Why you will love this recipe

Not only is this classic Miracle Whip coleslaw extremely creamy and delicious, it is also:

A simple side dish that doesn't contain any apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
This creamy coleslaw recipe has a prep time of only 5 minutes; that's right, 5 minutes! (If you use bagged coleslaw mix).
You don't need to turn on the oven or stove.
You will love the simple tangy homemade coleslaw dressing.
This coleslaw reminds me of KFC coleslaw.
It tastes so much better than store bought coleslaw.
Make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until it is time to serve. The longer it chills, the more flavor it has!
You will love the super creamy texture.
Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the sugar.

Ingredients

This delicious coleslaw only requires simple ingredients:

Coleslaw mix. I used a bag of coleslaw mix from the store. I like to have it on hand in the fridge so I can whip up this coleslaw in a pinch!
Miracle Whip. I used Miracle Whip to get that tangy flavor.
Half-and-half. This is 10% milkfat. It makes the coleslaw super creamy and adds richness to the slaw.
Sugar. I used cane sugar to sweeten the coleslaw up a bit. It doesn't take much; just a little will do.

How to make homemade creamy coleslaw

This is a simple recipe made with cabbage and carrots.

First of all, if not using bagged coleslaw mix, chop the cabbage and carrots into thin slices with a sharp knife, or use a food processor.

I like to use both green and red cabbage if I have it because not only does it add a pretty pop of color to the salad, it is very healthy for you.

Place shredded cabbage and carrots into a large bowl.

Shredded cabbage and carrots added to a large mixing bowl.

Add Miracle Whip, half-and-half, and sugar to the cabbage mixture.

Alternatively, you can add these ingredients to a large jar, shake it up, and pour it over the cabbage mix.

Miracle Whip, cream, and sugar added to the cabbage mix.

With a large spoon, stir until well mixed, and everything is coated with the homemade dressing.

A large spoon mixing all ingredients together in the large mixing bowl.

Transfer the coleslaw into a serving bowl.

Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to use.

For optimal flavor, let the coleslaw sit for 30 minutes in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld together. Give it a good stir before serving.

Enjoy!

A closeup of the homemade cabbage salad in a white bowl.

Substitutions

Miracle Whip: Use regular mayo, low-fat mayo, or avocado mayo.
Coleslaw mix: Yes, I took a shortcut using a mix. However, the flavor is much better if you use fresh ingredients. You can shred or finely chop green cabbage, purple cabbage, and carrots. To make this process go even faster, run the vegetables through the shredder on a food processor. This is what I use when my own cabbage is ripe and ready. The flavor of the fresh vegetables is so much better.
Half-and-half: Use sour cream instead, or plain Greek yogurt. You can also use regular milk, it just won't be as creamy, but it will still be delicious.
Sugar: Use your favorite sweetener instead of cane sugar.

Variations

Crunchy: This variation is for those who like a little extra crunch. Just add a sprinkle of celery seeds or sunflower seeds to the recipe.
Traditional: If you're looking for a more traditional recipe, you can omit the Miracle Whip and use mayonnaise instead. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
Healthy: For a healthier version, use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise in place of Miracle Whip. You can also add in extra shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
Sweet: If you're looking for something a little different, try adding diced apples or cranberries to the mix with a splash of maple syrup.
Optional add-ins: Create different flavors in this basic recipe by adding in some chopped green onions, a splash of lemon juice, black pepper, chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, or spicy brown mustard.

A closeup of the summer salad in a white bowl.

Storage

This coleslaw must be served immediately or placed in the fridge in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.

You should eat the salad within 3 days. The longer it sits, the softer the cabbage and carrots get, and the dressing soaks into each piece of the coleslaw. I think it tastes best on the second day, but that's just my personal opinion. 😉

Equipment

To make this easy cabbage salad, you will need a big bowl to mix everything up in. Then, after it is mixed together, I put it into a smaller serving bowl.

You will also need a sharp knife and cutting board, or a food processor to chop up the vegetables (if not using bagged coleslaw mix).

A side picture of homemade cabbage slaw.

Top Tips

Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Look for firm, crisp cabbage that doesn't have any browning or wilting around the edges. Avoid cabbages that are soft to the touch or have brown leaves.
Prep your cabbage properly. Start by removing any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the whole cabbage in half, then slice it into thin strips. If you're using pre-shredded cabbage, give it a quick rinse under cold water.
Taste as you go, and add more sugar if desired.
Let the coleslaw sit for 30 minutes in the fridge before serving to let the flavors meld together.
If the coleslaw sits out for more than a couple hours, discard it as it may not be safe to consume.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Is coleslaw good for your gut?

Cabbage is very healthy for your gut. It contains glutamine which is known for improving gut health. In addition, it soothes the gut and helps with intestinal permeability, e.g., leaky gut syndrome.

Is mayo coleslaw healthy for you?

Cabbage is very healthy, particularly red cabbage, which is high in antioxidants and gives you the best nutritional boost per serving. It is also especially high in Vitamin C, and vitamin K. Carrots are also very healthy and high in beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, potassium, and antioxidants.

How long does homemade coleslaw last in the fridge?

Coleslaw will last 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

What to serve with this easy coleslaw recipe

The creamy coleslaw in a white bowl with a wooden spoon beside it.

Other side dish recipes

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