4 Ingredient Coleslaw Recipe

4 ingredient coleslaw is an amazingly easy side dish to make for summer potlucks, summer barbecues, summer picnics, and side dishes all year long. I love finding recipes that are easy to make and don’t require a lot of ingredients, or prep work. Plus it can be made ahead of time for an easy cookout day.

 (I have included affiliate links to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) In addition, this post contains affiliate links that will make me a small commission when used to order online. 

Now not only is this a great side dish but it is also amazing to put on to other sandwiches like pulled pork or pulled bbq chicken. This is the perfect side dish for any summer get-together or cookout. The entire family tried this out, and one declared it better than KFC Coleslaw.

4 Ingredient Coleslaw Ingredients

Coleslaw Mix Package– If you don’t want to use a prepackaged bag of coleslaw mix you can shred your own green cabbage, purple cabbage, and shredded carrots. This is best done with a food processor grater attachment.

Mayonnaise– You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt to lower the calories instead of regular mayo.

Honey– You can use store-bought honey or local honey. My honey came from a friend on the Olympic Peninsula. Also, white granulated sugar can be used in substitution of honey.

Apple Cider Vinegar– You can use white vinegar or other vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.

How To Make 4 Ingredient Coleslaw

Mix your homemade dressing ingredients: Mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. I used a small whisk to mix these together.

If you need to shred the vegetables use a food processor or a sharp knife to shred the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots for this recipe. The pro tip I have for you, buy the coleslaw cabbage mix at the store with no dressing packet. Amazon also has them -> here, but a grocery store will also have them with the shredded taco lettuce.

*You can skip the red cabbage or purple cabbage, but I love that it makes for a colorful coleslaw with shredded carrots.*

In a large mixing bowl, I used an 8-cup Pyrex measuring cup, mix the dressing with the dry cabbage.

Once all cabbage is coated, you can serve or refrigerate for a few hours.

This recipe could easily be multiplied into a couple of batches for a larger crowd.

Tips From A Former KFC Manager

Fun fact I worked for KFC as a general manager from 2005-2008 where you make the KFC Coleslaw daily. The employees wear gloves up to their elbows to mix the dry cabbage wmix with the premixed dressing. You can tell the pockets of dry cole slaw easily that.

Also, they allow their coleslaw to be set for 6 hours before serving or overnight. They then package into containers or pans for the line.

How To Store Coleslaw

Store the coleslaw in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days. The liquid from the creamy dressing will settle in the bottom, so be sure to stir well before serving or moving to a serving dish like a large bowl or big bowl.

Mix ins for Colelaw

Even though this coleslaw is made with simple ingredients, simple add-ins can take the flavor to the next level. Even though it’s an easy recipe, there is nothing wrong with elevating it.

• Diced Apple Chunks
• Chopped or sliced almonds
• Dried Cranberries
• Dijon Mustard
• Red Onion
• Avocado Oil
• Vinaigrette Dressing
• Blue Cheese
• Lemon Juice
• Rice Vinegar
• Champagne Vinegar
• Keto Honey Substitute- Use this to make it a Keto Coleslaw Recipe for a keto diet

Seasonings To Add To Dressing

Extra seasonings can be a simple ingredient to add to a recipe, but they can change the flavoring of the coleslaw when mixed into the homemade coleslaw dressing.

• Onion Powder
• Celery Salt
• Black Pepper
• Celery Seeds
• Pinch of Salt

What To Serve With Coleslaw

• Hamburger
• Hot Dogs
• Grilled Bratwurst
• Grandma’s Potato Salad
• Pizza Pasta Salad
• Grilled Chicken Legs
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Grilled Chicken Breast