The best part of any celebration? The food! From savory dishes to sweet Caribbean desserts, bold flavors always bring me joy. Today, I’m excited to share a Caribbean coleslaw recipe that’s been a staple in my kitchen for years. This coleslaw recipe stands out because of the vibrant mix of red and green cabbage, colorful bell peppers, and the unexpected addition of maraschino cherries. The cherries add a subtle sweetness that complements the creamy dressing perfectly.
If you’ve followed my blog, you know that my biggest cooking inspiration is my mom. With over 30 years of experience in food service, she’s a true expert at creating unforgettable dishes. This easy homemade coleslaw is one of her gems, and over time, I’ve put my own twist on it. Now, I’m sharing it with you!
This isn’t your average coleslaw—oh no! It’s packed with crisp red and green cabbage, colorful bell peppers, and a touch of sweetness from cherries, giving it the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and island vibes. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing coleslaw recipe for BBQs, family dinners, or meal prep, this dish will be a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy:You don’t need hours in the kitchen to whip up this beauty.
- Perfectly Balanced – A mix of tangy, sweet, and creamy flavor
- Crowd-pleaser: It’s as delicious as it is colorful—sure to grab compliments at any party!
Coleslaw Recipe FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
- Can I Make This Coleslaw in Advance? Yes! This coleslaw actually tastes better when it has time to sit. Prepare it a few hours ahead or even the night before to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
- What Can I Substitute for Maraschino Cherries? If you’re not a fan of maraschino cherries, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or even finely diced apples for a touch of natural sweetness.
- What Dishes Pair Well with This Coleslaw? This colorful and creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with BBQ meats, grilled seafood, sandwiches, and even tacos. It adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to rich and savory dishes.
- How Do I Store Leftover Coleslaw? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables may release moisture over time, so drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Prefer to watch instead of reading this delicious recipe? check out this video for a quick and easy guide:
PrintBest Easy Creamy Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This easy coleslaw is the perfect side dish for BBQs, potlucks, and summer cookouts. Made with crisp cabbage, fresh carrots, and a tangy, creamy dressing, this quick coleslaw recipe comes together in just minutes!
Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 1 ½ cups chopped red cabbage
- 1 cup chopped green cabbage
- ¼ piece of each thinly sliced bell peppers (a mix of red, yellow, and green for a pop of color)
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 6 maraschino cherries, chopped (trust me on this—it’s a game-changer!)
- 9 scallions (green onions), chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (adjust to your preferred creaminess)
- 2 tsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp yellow mustard
- 3 tsp brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish with finely chopped Parsley.
Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Add your red sliced cabbage, green cabbage, bell peppers, shredded carrot, cherries and scallions to a bowl. Give it a light toss to combine all those bright, beautiful colors.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, yellow mustard and brown sugar.
- Combine it all: Pour the creamy dressing over your veggies and mix everything gently but thoroughly until each piece is well-coated. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with finely chopped parsley.
- Chill it out: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Serve & enjoy I love enjoying this coleslaw as a tasty topping for juicy beef sliders. It also works wonderfully as a side dish with almost any rice dish. I often pair it with grilled fish, jerk chicken and rice and peas, or even a succulent Christmas ham!
Tips for the Perfect Coleslaw:
- Texture matters: Shred the cabbage thinly for a better bite. A mandoline slicer works wonders here if you have one. I am a bit old school, so I simply used a knife.
- Make it your own: The great thing about this recipe is you can adjust the flavors to your liking.
- I’d love to see your creations, so tag me when you try this out!
