Colorful vegetables and a creamy, lightened up dressing turn a bag of coleslaw mix into this quick and easy California Coleslaw.
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Coleslaw, in a variety of forms, makes a frequent appearance on my menus all year long. It’s fun to dress it up with different ingredients and dressings to make it unique and interesting. This delicious variation has long been one of our favorites.
In true California style, this coleslaw recipe is laid back and so easy to prepare. It’s bright and sunny with the addition of some colorful veggies and a lightened up creamy dressing makes it easy on the waistline.
Ingredients
- I use store bought 3-color coleslaw mix because it makes it so darned easy… and, well, because I don’t want to shred stuff. You’ll find it near the bagged salad mixes in the produce section of your grocery store.
- Make it even easier by using bagged shredded carrot.
- Light sour cream along with mayonnaise helps to lower both the fat and calories in the creamy dressing without sacrificing flavor.
- I also like to add a little fresh lemon juice when I have lemons on hand.
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise, light sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine the coleslaw mix with shredded carrot, diced onion, and diced red and green bell pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Add about half of the coleslaw dressing to the salad and toss it well to combine. You may end up adding it all before serving but start with less so you can control the end result.
- Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw and remaining dressing separately for 30 minutes or up to an hour while you prepare the other items on your menu.
- Toss with as much of the remaining dressing as desired just before serving.
Make-Ahead Directions
- To make it up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate the undressed coleslaw and dressing separately.
- Toss with the dressing just before serving.
Does this salad say California or what?
Serving Ideas
- Pile it on Crock-Pot Barbecue Beef Sandwiches.
- It is an absolutely fabulous side dish for Blackened Mahi Mahi.
- Serve it with The Best Turkey Burger Recipe and Crispy Oven Baked Fries.
This recipe was originally published on July 10 , 2012 and has been updated with new text and images.
California Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ¼ cup light sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 14 ounces 3-color coleslaw, (a mixture of green and red cabbage and carrots)
- ½ cup diced white onion
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup shredded carrot
Instructions
- Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, fresh lemon juice (if using), salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the 3-color coleslaw, diced onion, chopped bell peppers, and shredded carrot. Pour about half of the dressing over the top and toss to combine well.
- Cover and refrigerate the coleslaw and remaining dressing separately for 30 minutes or up to an hour while you prepare the other items on your menu. Toss with as much of the remaining dressing as desired just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
Like this? Please rate & comment below!
I’ve never had a cole slaw that really wowed me, but this looks refreshing and delicious! Yum!
How refreshing! I can’t wait to make this for my next picnic date!
My kind of slaw! It’s just beautiful, and perfect for a summer cookout. Thanks for linking up at my blog hop!
I am not a big fan of cole slaw but this one looks awesome.
Both my boys went through the ‘dude’ phrase, and were done with it before I could actually decide whether I liked or hated it.
I don’t think I want it back though. I have incorporated it in my writing now a days. I sub ‘stupid’ with dude. 😀
The dude phase must have been horrible. This reminded me of Big Lebowski (just call me DUDE, man, his dudeness or el duderino…)
I like the sour cream and mayo combo, I do use sour cream a lot and sometimes mayo as dressings, but I’ve yet to combine the two. Must try this!
I feel like mayo adds a certain something that would be missing if it were left out completely so I like this compromise. The sour cream adds a nice tang with the vinegar. Enjoy!
Valarie, I have never been a huge cole slaw fan, but this looks fantastic!!! YUM!
I’ve never used sour cream for cole slaw and I’ll definitely make your salad next time! Regarding dude… I was shocked my 6 year old said dude one time. He wasn’t properly using it, but he told me “mama, who’s your dude?” “dude” like best friend, kind of context. I think he heard someone (in school or somewhere) said that. It was so funny and weird coming out from him… Anyway, fantastic salad that I’d definitely give it a try!
That is adorable! You have a true California kid there Nami.
What a beautiful slaw! I tend to steer clear fom the original as well 🙂
I love your add ins!
Great looking cole slaw and perfect for the hot summer we’re having! Hope you’re having a great week.
Thanks MJ!
Looks great! Yum…
gorgeous!
This looks delicious !