Learn how to make sweet coleslaw, just like the kind served at classic New York delis! Its creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage make it the perfect side for summer barbecues, sandwiches, burgers, and chicken dinners.
NY Deli Coleslaw
Yesterday, I cooked roasted mahi mahi for lunch.
I was looking for the right side dish and thought, "Ben's Deli coleslaw would be perfect." I googled Ben's Deli coleslaw recipe, and it was on Ben's website!
Ben's Kosher Deli is the best old-fashioned Jewish delicatessen in New York. They're famous for their hot pastrami and creamy coleslaw, and everything is so good.
I've further simplified the recipe using a bag of slaw mix. I can't see my friends chopping cabbage. Am I right?
The Best Creamy Coleslaw
Everyone in New York knows that Ben's coleslaw is the best. No other deli-whether it's Katz Deli, Second Avenue Deli, or Zabar's-makes coleslaw this good. The crunchy cabbage and creamy coleslaw dressing are what make it truly the best!
I've halved the original recipe and used a bag of pre-cut cabbage and carrots to make it even easier and less messy for you. Make it and put it in the fridge overnight if you have time. It tastes even better the next day after the flavors blend.
You can find the full recipe for Ben's Kosher Delicatessen World Famous Coleslaw on Ben's website-it lives up to its name!
Coleslaw Starts with Cabbage
Making coleslaw from scratch starts with shredded green cabbage. The cabbage is cut into thin pieces, which helps it mix well with the dressing. Other veggies like carrots can be added, but cabbage is the main ingredient.
I share very easy recipes, so buying pre-shredded cabbage in a bag is a great time-saver. I picked up this bag at Whole Foods-it's a mix of green and red cabbage with carrots, and it's perfect for making coleslaw.
If your cabbage mix already has carrots, you can skip the grated carrot or add it for extra sweetness.
If you're using a whole cabbage, shred it with a food processor or mandoline or thinly slice it with a sharp knife.
Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
I've made this recipe several times using different brands of cabbage. Whole Foods cabbage is evenly shredded and ready to use. It works great!
If you're far from Whole Foods and living in the Keys, get a bag of shredded coleslaw mix from Publix. It might have some larger pieces mixed in, so a quick chop with a knife makes it more uniform.
Ingredients
This recipe makes one quart (4 cups) of coleslaw, about 6 servings.
- Cabbage: Use one 12 or 13-ounce bag of coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage. Run a knife through it to grate it a little finer
- Carrot: 3 tablespoons grated carrot. Shred a small carrot using the small teardrop holes of a box grater
- Onion: 1 tablespoon minced yellow onion, or grate it on a box grater
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons white sugar
- Vinegar: 1 ½ teaspoons white distilled vinegar
- Salt and Pepper: ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch of white or black pepper
How To Make Sweet Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrot, onion, and green pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture until well mixed.
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
Storage
Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-5 days.
Keep coleslaw cold during outdoor events by placing the serving bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Cover it when not in use to protect it from sunlight.
Discard coleslaw that has been left out at room temperature for more than 1 hour to prevent spoilage.
What Goes with Coleslaw?
For summer cookouts and picnics, sweet coleslaw is a great side dish that goes with burgers, hot dogs, chicken, chili, and lobster rolls.
Top your hot dogs with coleslaw instead of sauerkraut! let me know how much you love it!
For a Fish Fry or a Veggie Tuna Sandwich, coleslaw is a great cold side dish. It adds a crunchy topping and great flavor to your meal.
Top your tacos with coleslaw! While we sometimes make tacos with a Mexican Slaw, you can also use creamy coleslaw. Ground Beef Tacos or Shrimp Tacos topped with coleslaw would make a terrific meal!
It's so easy to make and you can grab it from the fridge anytime you need a little something. One should never be hungry 😊
More Cold Salad Recipes
- Diner-Style Tuna Salad
- Deli Potato Salad
- New York Deli Macaroni Salad
- Whole Foods Cranberry Apple Tuna Salad
- NYC Deli Chicken Salad
- Shrimp Salad with Mayo
- Creamy Lobster Salad
Visit Deli-Style Salad Recipes for more inspiration.
FAQ
Yes, prepare the slaw a day in advance to let the flavors meld and it will taste so much better!
Yes, you can absolutely put coleslaw on a hot dog! The creamy, crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky salty taste of a hot dog. We love them!
Coleslaw dressing includes mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also add mustard, celery seed, or lemon juice for extra flavor.
Yes. According to former employees and trusted copycat recipes, KFC coleslaw dressing does use Miracle Whip instead of regular mayonnaise
You can replace the sugar in coleslaw with honey, agave, stevia, monk fruit, or date sugar. For a clear dressing, agave, or a white granulated sugar substitute like allulose.
Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag of coleslaw mix or 4 cups
- 3 tablespoons minced carrots grated on the small teardrop holes of a box grater
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper
- ½ cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons white distilled vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- dash of white pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, onions, and green pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture until well mixed.
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
Courtney Quinn says
My family loves this! ❤️
Felice Kaufman says
That makes me so happy to hear! ❤️ Thanks for sharing.
Andi says
❤️❤️❤️