Creamy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe with Crunchy Cabbage

This old-fashioned, creamy coleslaw is made with Miracle Whip for a tangy-sweet dressing, combined with crunchy cabbage and shredded carrots. It’s a family favorite and a reliable go-to for gatherings when you want something quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
• Made with Miracle Whip for a uniquely tangy-sweet dressing.
• No apple cider or white vinegar required.
• Use a store-bought coleslaw mix to cut prep time to five minutes.
• Make ahead and keep chilled until serving.

Recipe Ingredients

See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.

This coleslaw uses four basic ingredients:

• Coleslaw mix — pre-shredded green and red cabbage with carrots makes this fast and convenient.
• Miracle Whip — provides the tangy-sweet base for the dressing. You can substitute regular mayonnaise or a preferred alternative if desired.
• Half-and-half — adds creaminess; plain milk, Greek yogurt, or sour cream can be used instead.
• Sugar — a small amount balances the tang; swap for your favorite sweetener if preferred.

How To Make Coleslaw With Miracle Whip

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Use a bagged coleslaw mix or shred fresh cabbage and carrots. Place the shredded vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

2. Step 2: Add Miracle Whip, half-and-half, and sugar to the cabbage. For a mess-free method, combine the dressing ingredients in a jar, shake, then pour over the vegetables.

3. Step 3: Stir thoroughly with a large spoon so every strand is coated in the dressing.

4. Step 4: Transfer the coleslaw to a serving bowl, cover, and chill. For best flavor, refrigerate 30 minutes to an hour so the dressing and vegetables meld. Stir before serving and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Substitutions and Variations

• Miracle Whip: Swap with mayonnaise, low-fat mayo, or avocado mayo if preferred.
• Coleslaw mix: Freshly shredded green, red, or purple cabbage and carrots give the best texture and flavor. Use a food processor to speed shredding.
• Half-and-half: Substitute plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or regular milk for a lighter or tangier dressing.
• Sweetness: Replace cane sugar with maple syrup, honey, or a granular sweetener. Add diced apples or dried cranberries for fruitiness.
• Crunch: Stir in celery seeds, toasted sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds for texture.
• Flavor boosts: Try garlic powder, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped green onions, or a pinch of black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy coleslaw is a classic side for hot dogs, smoked sausages, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled burgers, or smoked brisket. It also works well as a topping for fish tacos or alongside roasted and grilled poultry.

Expert Tips

• Use crisp, fresh cabbage with no browning for the best texture.
• If using a whole cabbage, remove outer leaves and slice thinly, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
• Taste the dressing as you mix and adjust the sugar or Miracle Whip to your preference.
• Chilling the slaw at least 30 minutes before serving improves flavor; it can be held up to two days refrigerated.

Coleslaw (or slaw) is a salad made from finely shredded cabbage and often carrots, dressed with mayonnaise-based or vinaigrette-based dressing.

Wateriness can come from vegetables that were not dried after washing or from ingredients that release liquid. Dry the shredded cabbage and carrots well before dressing to reduce excess moisture.

You can make it ahead, but coleslaw is crispest when made the same day. If stored overnight, the vegetables will soften and the flavors will meld.

To thicken the dressing, add more Miracle Whip or reduce the half-and-half. You can also stir in a small amount of mayonnaise or yogurt for extra body.

Yes. Remove outer leaves, rinse the cabbage, slice or shred, rinse again if needed, and dry thoroughly before mixing with dressing.

Storage Instructions

Store coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors develop after chilling, though the cabbage and carrots will soften the longer it sits. Stir before serving.

More Side Dish Recipes

If You’re Craving More Recipes With Miracle Whip

Try other easy sides and appetizers that use Miracle Whip for a familiar tangy-sweet flavor.

• Creamy Red Skin Potato Salad
• Broccoli Crunch Salad
• Deviled Eggs with Miracle Whip

Easy Miracle Whip Coleslaw Recipe