The Best Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw for BBQs and Seafood

Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw is the crunchy, tangy side dish you need for summer BBQs and seafood dinners. 🥗 It’s simple to make with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together. This slaw pairs perfectly with crab cakes or sandwiches. Every bite is cool, refreshing, and just the right amount of creamy. Give it a try!

Close-up of Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw in a bowl, featuring a mix of shredded red and green cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing.

I started out making this red cabbage creamy coleslaw to go on top of a new crab cake recipe I found from Valerie Bertinelli. I found myself eating spoonfuls of this creamy coleslaw before I could even finish the crabcakes.

It is so addicting! Not only did it add a crunchy texture to the slider, but the creaminess cooled my tongue from the mild heat in the crab cake. I ended up serving this both in the slider and on the side because it was THAT good. I highly recommend the crab cake recipe! But if you don’t have the time, at least make this incredible slaw for your next side dish or potluck. You will be the talk of the town!

How to Make This Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw

Making this red cabbage creamy coleslaw is quick and easy, and the results are absolutely delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crunchy, flavorful slaw that pairs perfectly with seafood, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone side. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 6 cups of shredded cabbage. This can be any kind of cabbage you like. I prefer to buy both a bag of the premixed green coleslaw and a bag of purple cabbage. I like the pops of color and the variety of textures it adds to the red cabbage creamy coleslaw.

A pile of freshly chopped red and green cabbage, prepped and ready to be mixed into Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup each of mayo and sour cream. I used the light versions of both and saved myself a few calories. Then, put in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to take it up a notch. Sprinkle in a 1/4 teaspoon each of Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Now, here’s the real kicker: 1 teaspoon of seafood seasoning! Don’t forget this essential ingredient! I promise it makes all the difference!

A bowl with a creamy mix of mayo, sour cream, spices, and seasonings, the dressing base for Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw.

If you are going to put this red cabbage creamy coleslaw on top of crab cakes, you NEED seafood seasoning. You’ll find it in the spice section at the market, or you can buy Red Lobster’s Seafood Seasoning here. That one is always tried and true.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Whisk all that glorious dressing together until smooth and creamy, then pour it over your cabbage. Use some tongs to mix the red cabbage creamy coleslaw until every piece is coated in that delicious, tangy dressing. Give it a quick taste because, let’s be honest, you know you want to. Adjust the seasoning if needed.

Creamy sauce being poured over a colorful mix of shredded cabbage, ready to be tossed into Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw.

Step 4: Let It Marinate (or Not!)

If you have the time, this red cabbage creamy coleslaw tastes best if you let it marinate for a few hours or even overnight. But folks, let me be honest. I can’t even remember where I put my coffee cup, let alone to make this creamy coleslaw ahead of time. So I can vouch that this stuff tastes BOMB without marinating. It’s just that it tastes BOMB DIGGITY when you do.

A bowl of Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw showing a mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and creamy dressing ready to serve.

Heidi, the 90s called, and they want their vocabulary back! Geez, you can really tell when I was a teenager, can’t you?! Don’t judge me, you know you watched Saved by the Bell and liked it! 😉

Serve and Enjoy

See, I put the red cabbage creamy coleslaw on my crab cake AND gave myself another portion on the side. Good grief, I probably ate 4 portions of this creamy coleslaw myself. I’m not even exaggerating.

A crab cake slider topped with Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw, served with chips and strawberries on a white plate.

Save this pretty picture for later so you can take a bowl of this to your next potluck! Not a mayo fan? No worries, I have an apple celery coleslaw that is vinegar and oil-based that is knock-your-socks-off delicious. I also have great salads and side dishes on my recipe index. If you need even more recipe ideas, follow me on Pinterest. Happy cooking, y’all!

A colorful bowl of Red Cabbage Creamy Coleslaw with shredded carrots and green cabbage, a vibrant and easy side dish for any meal.
Heidi Davison

Head Baker & Owner

Hi, I'm Heidi, Head Baker and Owner of Heidi's Bakery in Knoxville, TN.

What began as a blog to share family recipes has become a thriving bakery, thanks to community support.
Many recipes here are from my family’s cookbook. Give them a try and leave a comment below!

Heidi Davison the Owner of Heidis Bakery

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