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Fresh Tangy Buttermilk Coleslaw Recipe Easy Creamy Zesty Dressing Guide

fresh tangy buttermilk coleslaw - featured image

A fresh, tangy buttermilk coleslaw with a creamy zesty dressing that balances crunch and creaminess perfectly. Quick and easy to prepare, this coleslaw is a lighter, brighter alternative to traditional mayo-heavy slaws.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded (about 300g)
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded (about 150g)
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated (about 120g)
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (120ml)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60ml), preferably full-fat
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables (10 minutes): Rinse all fresh produce. Finely shred green and red cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Peel and grate carrots, then slice green onions thinly. Chop parsley if using.
  2. Dry the Cabbage (Optional but Recommended, 5 minutes): Use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture from shredded cabbage or pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Toss the Slaw (2 minutes): Add shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over veggies and gently toss until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep cabbage crisp.
  5. Resting Time (At least 15 minutes): Refrigerate the slaw for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and dressing to thicken slightly.

Notes

Dry cabbage thoroughly to prevent soggy slaw. Let the slaw rest in the fridge to meld flavors and thicken dressing. Adjust acidity gradually. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with almond milk and lemon juice. Add nuts or spices for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, buttermilk coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, tangy dressing, summer salad, BBQ side dish, easy coleslaw recipe