Whether you’re serving it at your next BBQ, enjoying it as a side dish with rice and meat, or piling it high on a burger, this easy coleslaw recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Growing up in my Caribbean household, weekend dinners, family gatherings, and backyard BBQs always came with an unspoken rule: there had to be coleslaw or macaroni salad on the table. My brother and I looked forward to it every time! Thinking back, my mom always made a simple yet creamy and flavorful slaw that was the perfect side to rice and meat. Let me tell you it was something about that creamy crunch paired with a hearty meal that made it a staple during family gatherings and weekend lunches.

As I got older, I began exploring new ways to enjoy coleslaw. These days, one of my favorite pairings is coleslaw on burgers. It’s definitely not the traditional way I grew up eating it, but I love the contrast—the cool crunch of the slaw adds the perfect balance to savory grilled meats. I’ve enjoyed this coleslaw on beef sliders and crispy fish sandwiches before and let me tell you, it’s absolutely delicious every time!

My mom planted the seed for this recipe, and over time I’ve added my own spin. This Caribbean-inspired coleslaw is a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on her classic. It’s not your typical mayo-heavy slaw instead, it’s made with crisp red and green cabbage, crunchy bell peppers, and a handful of chopped cherries that add a sweet, unexpected pop in every bite. It’s creamy, tangy, and colorful—a homemade creamy coleslaw recipe that brings island flavor to every forkful. It’s a beautiful blend of tradition and modern flavor—a flavorful slaw that brings people together and makes any meal feel like a celebration.

If you enjoy fresh and flavorful sides like this coleslaw, be sure to check out my Caribbean-inspired corn salad for another vibrant addition to your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: You don’t need hours in the kitchen to whip up this coleslaw. With simple prep, it comes together in about 20 minutes – perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners.

• Colorful Crowd-Pleaser: As delicious as it is colorful, this slaw is always a hit. The mix of red and green cabbage with bright bell peppers (and those ruby-red cherries) makes itpopon the table, and everyone will be asking for seconds.

• Nutritious Crunch: Made from fresh veggies, this coleslaw isn’t just tasty but also packed with vitamins and fiber. Cabbage, for example, is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber (great for digestion and heart health).

• Make-Ahead Friendly: This is one of those dishes that tastes even better after it chills for a bit. You can make it in advance and let it sit in the fridge – the flavors deepen and meld together, meaning you get an even more flavorful coleslaw when it’s time to eat.

Tips for the Perfect Coleslaw

• Shred for the best texture: Cut your cabbage into thin shreds for the ideal coleslaw crunch. The goal is thin ribbons of cabbage that soak up the dressing nicely.

• Taste and adjust: The beauty of homemade coleslaw is you can tweak it to your liking. After mixing, taste the slaw and feel free to adjust the sweetness or tanginess. For example, add an extra squeeze of lemon for more zing, a pinch more brown sugar for extra sweetness, or more salt and pepper to punch up the flavor. Making it your own ensures it’s perfect foryourpalate.

• Give it time: Coleslaw is one of those dishes that improves after sitting a bit. Letting it chill isn’t just about serving it cold – it’s about giving the ingredients time to marry. If you taste it right after mixing, then again after 30+ minutes, you’ll notice the flavors have melded and the overall taste is richer.

Serving Suggestions

This coleslaw is super versatile, so don’t feel limited to just one way of enjoying it. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:

• Top your sandwiches and tacos: Pile this creamy slaw onto burger sliders or a crispy fish burger or taco. It adds a satisfying crunch and tang that takes any handheld to the next level.

• Barbecue and grill sidekick: Serve it as a cool side dish at your next barbecue. It goes amazingly well with grilled or smoked meats – try it with ribs, barbecue chicken, or as mentioned, spicy jerk chicken (the slaw balances the heat). It’s also fantastic alongside rice and peas or other traditional Caribbean mains as a refreshing counterpoint.

• Holiday table: This recipe even holds its own on a holiday table. The hint of sweetness and vibrant colors make it a delightful side for rich roasts or ham. (My family loves to serve this coleslaw with our Christmas ham to add a fresh element to the feast! )

Mayo Substitute

• If you're watching your diet or simply want a lighter alternative to mayo, Greek yogurt is a great option—check out Food & Wine for a full list of mayo substitutes.

Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide:   

Did You Try This Recipe?

I hope this Caribbean-inspired coleslaw brings a burst of flavor to your table, just like it has to mine! If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out – I’d love to hear your feedback. Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts or any questions. Better yet, snap a photo of your colorful coleslaw creation and share it on social media (tag me @Foodie_not_a_chef! ) so I can see it.Happy cooking, and enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite of this family-favorite coleslaw!