Creamy Blue Cheese Coleslaw Recipe Everyone Will Love
If you enjoy rich, creamy salads with a little tang, this blue cheese coleslaw is a perfect side dish to add to your table, especially when served alongside hearty comfort foods like a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It combines crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and bold blue cheese with a smooth, balanced dressing that feels indulgent but not heavy.
This recipe is easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and works beautifully for barbecues, picnics, family dinners, or casual gatherings. With the right balance of creaminess and crunch, this coleslaw delivers restaurant-style flavor at home without any complicated steps.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make blue cheese coleslaw step by step, along with tips, variations, storage advice, and nutrition details so you can get perfect results every time, whether you’re pairing it with sandwiches or lighter meals like Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first made this blue cheese coleslaw for a weekend cookout when I wanted something different from classic mayo-based slaw to serve with bold mains such as a Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. The sharp flavor of the blue cheese paired wonderfully with the fresh cabbage, and the dressing coated everything without overpowering the vegetables.
What I loved most was how well it held up. Even after sitting for a while, the coleslaw stayed crisp and flavorful, making it an ideal side dish for outdoor meals that often include recipes like Stuffed Bell Peppers or grilled favorites.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Salad tongs or large spoon
Ingredients You Need for Blue Cheese Coleslaw
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide blue cheese coleslaw
Prepare the Vegetables
Shred the green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl and toss lightly to combine.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Combine Dressing and Vegetables
Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables. Toss gently so everything is evenly coated without bruising the cabbage.
Add the Blue Cheese
Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the coleslaw. Fold it in carefully to keep some texture and visible chunks.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the coleslaw and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more vinegar for tang or a pinch of salt for balance.
Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and the texture to improve.
Serve Fresh
Give the coleslaw a gentle toss before serving. Serve chilled for best flavor and crunch, similar to refreshing sides served with Blue Cheese Coleslaw variations at restaurants.
Tips to Make the Best Blue Cheese Coleslaw
- Use very fresh cabbage for maximum crunch
- Shred vegetables evenly for better texture
- Chill before serving to enhance flavor
- Crumble blue cheese by hand for better distribution
- Adjust sweetness and acidity to suit your taste
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using soft or old cabbage, which can make the slaw watery
- Adding too much dressing, resulting in a heavy salad
- Skipping the chilling step, which dulls the flavor
- Overmixing, which can break down the vegetables
- Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning
Serving Suggestions
Blue cheese coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, burgers, sandwiches, and fried chicken, and it complements comfort dishes such as Sourdough Crackers served as crunchy sides.
For gatherings or picnics, serve it in a chilled bowl and garnish with extra blue cheese or fresh herbs for a clean, appetizing presentation. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor balance smoky and savory dishes perfectly.
Variations You Can Try
- Add thinly sliced apples for a sweet crunch
- Swap blue cheese with feta for a milder taste
- Mix in toasted walnuts or pecans for extra texture
- Add chopped green onions or chives for freshness
- Use Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise for a lighter dressing
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Best enjoyed within 2–3 days
- Do not freeze, as cabbage loses texture
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing
- For longer freshness, add blue cheese just before serving
Health Benefits
Cabbage and carrots are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion and overall wellness. Blue cheese contributes protein and calcium, which are important for bone health, making this a nourishing option alongside meals like Strawberry Banana Pudding when balancing savory and sweet dishes.
Making blue cheese coleslaw at home allows you to control the amount of sugar and salt, making it a fresher and more balanced option than store-bought versions. It’s a delicious way to enjoy vegetables in a creamy, satisfying form.
Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinner dressing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add green cabbage, purple cabbage, and grated carrot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold in the blue cheese crumbles, keeping some texture.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled and garnish with extra blue cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- If blue cheese flavor is too strong, reduce the amount or mix with feta cheese.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
FAQs About Blue Cheese Coleslaw
Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. For best texture, add the blue cheese closer to serving time.
Is blue cheese coleslaw very strong in flavor?
The flavor is bold but balanced. You can reduce the amount of blue cheese if you prefer a milder taste.
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, but freshly shredded cabbage gives better crunch and flavor.
Is this coleslaw gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This creamy blue cheese coleslaw is a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds something special to any meal. With crisp vegetables, a smooth dressing, and bold cheese flavor, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue, family dinner, or casual gathering, this recipe delivers consistent results and great taste every time. Try it once, and it’s likely to become a regular addition to your menu.
