Learn how to make sweet coleslaw, just like the kind served at classic New York delis! The creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage make it the perfect side for summer barbecues, sandwiches, burgers, and chicken dinners.
NY Deli Coleslaw
Yesterday, I made roasted mahi mahi for lunch and wanted a classic deli-style side dish. The first thing that came to mind was Ben's Deli coleslaw.
I searched for the recipe and was surprised to find it on Ben's Deli website. Ben's Kosher Delicatessen is a New York favorite, known for its hot pastrami, towering sandwiches, and creamy coleslaw.
I've simplified the original recipe by using a bag of coleslaw mix instead of chopping a head of cabbage. It's quicker, easier, and tastes just like the deli version.
The Best Creamy Coleslaw
Ben's coleslaw has long been one of my favorites. The finely chopped cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing give it that classic New York deli flavor.
I halved the original recipe and used a bag of pre-cut cabbage and carrots to make it quicker and less messy. For the best flavor, refrigerate the coleslaw for several hours or overnight so the cabbage softens slightly and the dressing has time to blend.
You can find the full recipe for Ben's Kosher Delicatessen World Famous Coleslaw on Ben's website.
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 vegetables, such as 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 1 (12-ounce) bag coleslaw mix or 4 cups shredded cabbage. Run a knife through it to chop 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 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- Salt and Pepper: ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a dash of white or black pepper
How To Make Sweet Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, 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 to 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 at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F.
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.
You can replace the sugar with honey, agave, stevia, monk fruit, date sugar, or allulose. For a light-colored dressing, use agave or a white granulated sugar substitute such as allulose.
Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag coleslaw mix or 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 3 tablespoons finely grated carrots
- 1 tablespoon minced or grated yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper
- ½ cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- a dash of white pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage, carrots, 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.
Courtney Quinn says
My family loves this! ❤️
Felice Kaufman says
That makes me so happy to hear! ❤️ Thanks for sharing.
Andi says
❤️❤️❤️