This quick and easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe is a simple side dish perfect for any meal or backyard barbecue! Made with just 4 ingredients, it's ready in 5 minutes and goes great with grilled burgers, chicken, smokies, or pretty much anything!
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This dreamy, creamy, old-fashioned coleslaw with mayo is the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or picnic. Made with creamy Miracle Whip, crunchy cabbage, and shredded carrots, it's always a crowd favorite. And best of all, it only takes a few minutes to whip up!
This award-winning coleslaw recipe is a treasure from my husband's family. I serve it at BBQs, family dinners, and holiday meals. It goes perfectly with my Pit Boss Pulled Pork.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- An easy recipe that you can make with mayonnaise or Miracle Whip.
- It does not contain apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Use store-bought coleslaw mix for a prep time of 5 minutes.
- You will love the homemade coleslaw dressing with Miracle Whip.
- Similar to KFC coleslaw.
- You can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Recipe Ingredients
See the printable recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
This delicious cole slaw recipe only requires basic ingredients:
- Coleslaw mix. I used a bag of coleslaw mix from the store. I like to keep a bag handy in the fridge to whip up this easy salad in a pinch!
- Kraft Miracle Whip. This is the base for the tangy homemade dressing. Miracle Whip has a sweeter, tangier flavor than regular mayonnaise. You can also Learn how to make your own Miracle Whip or make homemade mayonnaise.
- Half-and-half. This is 10% milk fat. It makes this simple side dish super creamy.
- Sugar. I used a little bit of cane sugar to sweeten the dressing up a bit.
How To Make Coleslaw With Miracle Whip
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Use a bagged coleslaw mix, or chop the cabbage and carrots into thin slices with a sharp knife, food processor, or box grater. Place shredded cabbage and carrots into a large bowl.
- Step 2: Add Miracle Whip, half-and-half, and sugar to the cabbage mixture. You can also add these ingredients to a large mason jar, shake it, and pour the Miracle Whip coleslaw dressing over the cabbage mix.
- Step 3: Stir with a large spoon to coat everything in the homemade Miracle Whip dressing.
- Step 4: Transfer the tangy coleslaw to a serving bowl. Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge until ready to use. For the best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. Stir well before serving. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
- Miracle Whip: Use regular mayo, low-fat mayo, fat-free mayonnaise, 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, red cabbage or purple cabbage, and carrots. Run the vegetables through a shredder or food processor to make this process faster.
- Half-and-half: Use sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or regular milk instead.
- Sweet: I used cane sugar, but feel free to use your favorite sweetener. You can also add diced apples or cranberries with a splash of maple syrup.
- Crunchy: Add a sprinkle of celery seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Make a traditional coleslaw recipe with mayonnaise instead.
- Optional add-ins: Feel free to add garlic powder, celery seeds, chopped green onions, a splash of lemon juice, black pepper, chopped red onion, Dijon mustard, or spicy brown mustard.
Serving Suggestions
This mayo coleslaw is the perfect side dish to serve with hot dogs, Smoked Sausage on Pellet Grill, Electric Smoker Brisket, or Brisket on Pellet Grill.
I also like to serve this homemade slaw with Grilled Smashed Burgers or Pellet Smoker Burgers, Smoked 3-2-1 Ribs, Smoked Chuck Roast, and Smoked Pork Loin Roast.
Serve alongside fish tacos made with Air Fryer Tilapia, in a Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich, or Pellet Smoked Whole Chicken.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh vegetables - firm, crisp cabbage without browning or wilting around the edges. Avoid cabbage that is soft to the touch or has brown leaves.
- Remove 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, rinse it under cold water.
- Taste as you go, and add more sugar to the creamy coleslaw dressing with Miracle Whip.
- Let the slaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. The longer it sits the more flavorful it will become.
Recipe FAQs
Coleslaw, also known as cole slaw, "New England Salad," or simply slaw, is a side dish made with finely shredded green and red cabbage and carrots with either mayonnaise or vinaigrette dressing.
The cole slaw may be watery as the vegetables may not have been dried thoroughly after rinsing.
I prefer to make coleslaw the same day I serve it so the cabbage stays crunchy and doesn't get soggy.
To thicken your coleslaw, add more Miracle Whip or reduce the amount of half and half.
Yes, you should wash cabbage before making coleslaw. Tear off the outer leaves first, then rinse. Cut the cabbage into thin slices, rinse again, and dry well before using.
Storage Instructions
Serve immediately or place in the fridge in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Eat the salad within two days. The longer it sits, the softer the cabbage and carrots get, and the dressing soaks into each piece. I think it tastes best on the second day, but that's just my opinion. 😉
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Printable Recipe
Easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe
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 tablespoon cane sugar or sweetener of your choice
Instructions
- Place shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
- Add Miracle Whip, half-and-half, and sugar to the cabbage mixture.
- With a large spoon, stir until well mixed and everything is coated with the dressing.
- Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, then serve.
Video
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Notes
- Place Miracle Whip dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to mix before adding to the vegetable mixture.
- Add sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or chopped apples.
- Increase the volume of the coleslaw mix by adding shredded cabbage or carrots.
- Cover the coleslaw and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Briann says
This coleslaw was creamy with just the right amount of sweetness.
Lara says
This looks like the perfect classic summer BBQ coleslaw!
Oscar says
I love a good creamy coleslaw and this recipe hit the spot. Thank you.
Nora says
Thanks for the great recipe! This will go wonderfully with our pulled pork this weekend!
Audrey says
I can't believe how easy this was to make!
michele h peterson says
I've often wondered why my coleslaw wasn't as creamy as I wanted. This recipe solved my problem - super creamy with a touch of sweetness. Delish!
Jeri says
I'm so glad you like it!
Kayla DiMaggio says
This coleslaw was delicious! Thanks so much for sharing, I am bookmarking this and bringing to all my Summer BBQ's
Jeri says
That's awesome, Kayla! I'm so glad you like the recipe!
Freya says
I love coleslaw and agree that a little bit of sugar makes it perfect! Thank goodness we can buy coleslaw mix ready prepped nowadays too!
Jere Cassidy says
I really like to eat coleslaw and the creamy version is my favorite. This is such an easy recipe and perfect for summer cookout foods.
Anaiah says
It was my first time making coleslaw and it was so easy with your recipe! It was the perfect side to our summer bbq. Thanks for sharing!