If you want a fresh, crisp side dish that goes great with almost any meal, this Dole Classic Coleslaw recipe is for you. It's super easy to make and gives you that traditional coleslaw taste everyone loves. With just a few simple ingredients and a little prep, you'll have a delicious and refreshing coleslaw ready to serve!
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With summer in full swing, I am whipping out all of my seasonal faves!
From potato salad and grilled corn on the cob to peach cobbler pound cake and key lime pie, there is no shortage of delicious recipes to enjoy!
In the summer, my family and I love to host many fun backyard barbeques and potlucks to enjoy the warm weather with friends and family. During my last family barbecue, I decided to whip up a batch of this classic coleslaw recipe, and it was an absolute hit!
The crisp, tangy flavors went perfectly with the smoky meats on the grill, and the refreshing crunch added a nice contrast to the richer dishes on the table. Plus, the recipe is so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for any summer gathering.
It's one of those recipes that I keep going back to time and time again because it's just so darn good. And with the help of Dole Classic Coleslaw mix, it's even easier to make!
Why you'll love classic coleslaw recipe
- Comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy dressing combined with the crunch of Dole's classic coleslaw mix makes for a perfect texture and taste.
- Pair it with BBQ or fried chicken, or use it as a topping for sandwiches and tacos.
Key ingredients
Putting together a traditional coleslaw is all about balance - the right amount of creaminess, tanginess, and crunch. Here are the key ingredients that make this recipe stand out:
Sour Cream: Adding sour cream not only helps to thicken the dressing but also brings a tangy flavor to balance out the sweetness.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and gives a refreshing kick!
Sugar: I know it sounds strange, but sugar is essential in coleslaw dressing! It balances out the tanginess and adds a touch of sweetness.
Heather's helpful hints
- For a lower-calorie coleslaw, swap in light mayo and light sour cream.
- Add the dressing gradually to avoid soggy coleslaw. Overdressing can make the slaw too heavy and mushy.
- Keep the mix covered in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. If prepping ahead, I prefer storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving so that the coleslaw stays fresh and crunchy.
Step-by-step instructions
One of the best things about this Dole Classic Coleslaw recipe is that it's super easy to make. Just a few simple steps, and you'll have a delicious coleslaw ready to serve!
Step 1
Mix together all of the spices in a separate bowl.
Step 2
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice.
Step 3
Add the spice blend to the coleslaw sauce and mix. Chill for a few hours or overnight.
Step 4
Drizzle the chilled dressing with the Dole classic coleslaw mix until well coated.
Recipe variations
While this classic Dole coleslaw recipe is already perfect as-is, here are some fun variations you can try:
- Spicy Coleslaw: To give your coleslaw dressing a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Asian-inspired: Swap out half of the mayo for soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and apple cider vinegar, and add a squeeze of lime juice for an Asian flare.
- Apple and Raisin: Add in some diced apples and raisins for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
You can also add in some extra veggies like shredded carrots or red cabbage for added color and texture. Get creative and have fun with it!
Make ahead and storage
This Dole Classic Coleslaw recipe is great for prepping ahead. You can whip up the dressing up to 3 days early, but I suggest keeping it separate from the coleslaw mix to keep it fresh and crisp.
When you're ready to serve, just toss the dressing with the coleslaw mix until it's well-coated.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl: Use one mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk will help you blend all the coleslaw sauce ingredients smoothly.
Meal ideas
This classic coleslaw recipe is so delicious and can be paired with many different dishes.
It can be served as a side dish with BBQ favorites like ribs, brisket, or grilled chicken. You can also use it as a topping for your favorite sandwiches and burgers, like pulled pork sandwiches and homemade juicy burgers!
I recently had grilled shrimp tacos with coleslaw on top, and it was amazing. I bet it would taste just as good on fish tacos as well. The added crunch and tanginess make for a great balance with the seafood.
Frequently asked questions
Most traditional coleslaw recipes call for green cabbage, but you can also use red cabbage or a mix of both for added color and variety.
I just love to buy the bagged coleslaw from Dole! It's already shredded and mixed, making this recipe even easier to make.
If you want a healthier option, you can definitely substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a tangier taste, so adjust the other flavors accordingly.
Absolutely! Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives. You can also use a sugar substitute like agave or maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.
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Recipe
Dole's Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 package Dole classic coleslaw
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients (minus coleslaw mix) together until blended.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight.
- Toss mixture with coleslaw package to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
- Store extra dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes and Tips
- For a reduced-calorie coleslaw, you can substitute light mayonnaise and light sour cream in this recipe.
- Add the dressing a little bit at a time. This will ensure you don't end up with soggy coleslaw.
- Store the mixture covered in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2-3 days. I like to store the dressing separately if you need to make it in advance.
Tavia says
I don’t have sour cream . What can I use on place?
Heather says
Hi there! If you need a substitute for sour cream in the coleslaw, Greek yogurt is the closest swap and works great 1:1. You could also use plain yogurt, or even mayonnaise (just add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for a little tang). It should still turn out delicious!
Patty says
What size is the package of coleslaw?
Heather says
I use the 14-ounce bag of coleslaw!
Dave says
Fantastic, I usually use the recipe on the back of the bag but didn't have it on hand. This is the one!
Heather says
So glad this helped you out, Dave!