All Purpose Cole Slaw Recipe

This classic cole slaw recipe, passed down through generations, is a crowd-pleaser perfect for Thanksgiving, Easter, BBQs, sandwiches, and more! The secret? A vibrant green bell pepper adds a unique sweetness and crunch. This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings. Get ready for the most delicious, sweet and tangy coleslaw you've ever tasted!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Calories 160.9 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
All Purpose Cole Slaw

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for All Purpose Cole Slaw

  • Coleslaw Mix
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • Mayonnaise
  • 1 medium green bell pepper

How to Make All Purpose Cole Slaw

  1. Finely dice 1 medium green bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. (Do not use a food processor; hand-dicing ensures optimal texture.)
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 (16 ounce) bag of coleslaw mix and the diced green bell pepper. Gently toss to combine.
  3. Add ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup white vinegar, and ⅓ cup granulated sugar to the bowl.
  4. Stir until the coleslaw is evenly coated and well-mixed.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. (This step is key for optimal taste!)
  6. Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more mayonnaise for creaminess or sugar for extra sweetness.
  7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

34g

Fat

8g

Carbs

5g