Coleslaw with creamy celery seed dressing (old-fashioned family recipe)

Every Memorial Day, we make Aunt Alma’s coleslaw. Hers was strictly green cabbage and her celery seed dressing: simple, a little sweet, and tangy enough to cut through whatever was coming off the grill.

I’ve kept her dressing exactly the way she made it because it’s one of those recipes that never needed fixing. I did eventually start adding shredded carrots and purple cabbage, mostly because I like the extra color on the table. The dressing itself stayed untouched.

This is the kind of coleslaw that always seems to disappear before everything else does. It sits beside ribs, burgers, fried chicken, or pulled pork and somehow works with all of them. The celery seed gives it that familiar old-fashioned deli flavor, but it isn’t heavy or overly sweet.

It’s also one of those recipes that tastes better after it’s had a little time to rest. Make it an hour before dinner, and the cabbage softens slightly while still keeping some crunch. By the time everyone starts filling their plates, the dressing has worked its way into everything.

Why you’ll like this coleslaw

• Classic creamy coleslaw flavor with a homemade celery seed dressing
• Easy to prepare ahead
• Works for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, picnics, and cookouts
• Pairs with grilled meats, sandwiches, and barbecue

Ingredient notes

• Green cabbage: The bulk of the slaw and the traditional base.
• Purple cabbage: Adds color and a little extra crunch.
• Carrots: Bring a slight sweetness.
• Celery seed: This is the ingredient that gives the dressing its distinctive flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds enough acidity to keep the dressing from tasting heavy.

Tips for better coleslaw

If your cabbage seems watery, salt it lightly and let it sit in a colander for 20–30 minutes before mixing the slaw.

If you prefer a sweeter slaw, increase the sugar slightly. If you like a sharper dressing, add another teaspoon of vinegar.

For extra crunch, wait until just before serving to toss everything together.

What to serve with it

This creamy celery seed coleslaw works especially well with barbecue and summer meals. Serve it with smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, baked beans, corn casserole, or potato salad.