This Gordon Ramsay-style Crunchy Coleslaw is a creamy and tangy recipe, which is made with fresh green and purple cabbage, carrots, and a simple homemade dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for any barbecue or potluck, ready in 15 minutes, plus chilling time.
Gordon Ramsay’s Crunchy Coleslaw Ingredients
For the Slaw:
- 3 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup carrots, grated
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp celery seed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How To Make Gordon Ramsay’s Crunchy Coleslaw
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and celery seed until the mixture is smooth. Season to your taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the finely shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and the grated carrots.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until it is fully and evenly coated.
- Marinate and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the cabbage to soften slightly.

Recipe Tips
- How to get the perfect slaw texture? The most important secret is to shred your own cabbage and carrots. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife for the cabbage will give you fine, crisp shreds that are far superior to a pre-shredded bag mix.
- How to prevent a watery coleslaw? A classic chef’s trick is to “sweat” the cabbage first. After shredding, place the cabbage in a colander, toss it with about a tablespoon of salt, and let it sit for an hour. The salt will draw out a significant amount of excess water. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly and pat it completely dry before dressing it.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Coleslaw is a perfect make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavor is significantly better after it has had at least an hour in the refrigerator for the flavors of the dressing to meld and for the cabbage to tenderize slightly.
- How can I customize the dressing? This is a great base recipe. For a tangier slaw, add a little more apple cider vinegar. For a sweeter version, add an extra teaspoon of sugar. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten it up.
What To Serve With Crunchy Coleslaw
This is a classic side dish that is a staple at any barbecue, picnic, or potluck. It is the perfect cool and crunchy contrast to rich, savory meats. Serve it with:
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (often served right on the sandwich)
- Crispy Fried Chicken
- Grilled Hamburgers or Hot Dogs
- Smoked Brisket or Ribs
How To Store Crunchy Coleslaw
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, though the cabbage will continue to soften over time.
Crunchy Coleslaw Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/6th of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use two kinds of cabbage?
No, you can use all green cabbage if that’s what you have. Using both green and purple cabbage is primarily for visual appeal, as it creates a beautiful, colorful slaw.
What is celery seed and do I need it?
Celery seed is a spice with a concentrated, slightly bitter, celery-like flavor. It is a traditional and key ingredient in classic American coleslaw dressing, providing a signature savory note. It is highly recommended for an authentic taste.
Can I use a bag of coleslaw mix to save time?
Yes, for a super-quick version, you can absolutely substitute the fresh cabbage and carrots with an equal amount (about 6 cups) of a pre-shredded coleslaw mix. The texture will be slightly less crisp than shredding your own.
Try More Gordon Ramsay Recipes:
- Gordon Ramsay’s Crispy French Fries Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Perfect Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Steak Seasoning Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Crunchy Coleslaw Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy, and tangy coleslaw with a perfectly crunchy texture, made with a simple homemade dressing that’s perfect for any barbecue.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, both vinegars, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrots.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for the best flavor is to let the coleslaw chill for at least one hour before serving.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the crunchiest slaw with the best texture, shred your own cabbage and carrots at home.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eTo prevent a watery coleslaw, you can salt the shredded cabbage in a colander for an hour, then rinse and dry it completely before dressing.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be shy with the salt and pepper; proper seasoning is key to a flavorful dressing.u003c/liu003e
