Homemade coleslaw with mint combines crunchy cabbage and carrots with mint leaves, cilantro, and scallions. While the fresh vegetables are delicious, the star of the show is the zesty homemade coleslaw dressing. It is the perfect side dish for backyard barbecues and potlucks.
Inspired by Seatown Rub Shack and Fish Fry in Seattle, their tangy dressing has the most delicious flavor, and I knew I had to create my own version of the umami-rich coleslaw.
I want to give a big shout-out to the head chef at Seatown Rub Shack for taking the time to write down the ingredients for me. I also want to thank the server for asking him. With the basic ingredients in hand, I tested and tried different combinations until it tasted close to the original.
What is in Homemade Coleslaw?
- Cabbage: Shred a combination of red cabbage and green cabbage for a brightly colored base. You can use one or the other, but I love colorful coleslaw. You can also use a pre-shredded bag of coleslaw mix from the grocery store, but it won’t stay as crunchy.
- Carrots: Buy the carrots pre-shredded or shred your own.
- Scallions: Scallions or green onions add texture and a nice, peppery finish. You can also use chives, leeks, or red onions.
- Cilantro: Brighten and flavor the salad with fresh cilantro.
- Mint: Besides the dressing, mint leaves elevate the dish! I have two mint plants at home, so I am making this coleslaw all summer!
- Dressing: I am not being dramatic; this is the best dressing for coleslaw if you want to depart from typical mayo-based dressing. It features rice vinegar, fish sauce, lime juice, fresh jalapeño, minced ginger, and garlic to make the most crave-worthy dressing.
Additions and Substitutions
- I love the dressing the way it is, but depending on what you have available, you may need to make a few substitutions. Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar instead of rice vinegar. Replace the lime juice with fresh lemon juice, and if you prefer a sweeter dressing, consider mixing in maple syrup or honey.
- Shred Brussels sprouts and use them instead of cabbage.
Tools You’ll Need
You will need a sharp knife, mandolin, or box grater to make the easy coleslaw recipe. You can also use a food processor with a grater setting.
How to Make Homemade Coleslaw with Mint
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cut the cabbage and carrots into thin slices using a sharp knife or mandolin. Then, chop the scallions, mint, and cilantro. Combine them in a large bowl and set them aside.
Step 2: Add the ingredients for the dressing to a small bowl and stir to combine.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
Expert Tips
- Shred your own cabbage for the best results and the perfect crunch. You can buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, but it tends to wilt faster.
If you enjoy this side dish, pair it with one of these dinner recipes!
Serving Suggestions
- Pork: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Sliders
- Beef: Beef Ribs, Beef Brisket in the Oven, Brisket Sliders, Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Chicken: Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Grilled Tandoori Chicken, BBQ Baked Chicken Legs, Roasted Jerk Chicken, Oven Baked Drumsticks, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Burgers: Hamburger, Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, Turkey Smash Burgers, Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
- Sausages: Hot Dogs, Bratwurst, Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
- Fish: Blackened Mahi Mahi, Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the easy homemade coleslaw in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Repurpose: Use leftover coleslaw as a filling for a tacos and sandwiches or you can use it to top burgers, sausages, bratwurst, and hotdogs.
More Salad Recipes:
Homemade Coleslaw with Mint
- Small Bowl
- ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- ¼ head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, julienne
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup mint leaves, chopped
- ¾ cup rice vinegar
- 3 teaspoons fish sauce
- lime juice, ½ lime
- ¼ jalapeño pepper, finely grated
- ½ – inch knob of ginger, finely grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Cut the cabbage and carrots into thin slices using a sharp knife or mandolin. Then, chop the scallions, mint, and cilantro. Combine them in a large bowl and set them aside.
- Add the ingredients for the dressing to a small bowl and stir to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
- We got the idea for this tasty coleslaw from Seatown Rub Shack and Fish Fry in Seattle, Washington.
David Anderson
Friday 26th of May 2023
This coleslaw is the bomb! The combination of fresh mint, cilantro, and scallions adds a burst of freshness that I never knew coleslaw could have. And that homemade dressing? Mouthwatering! I can't get enough of this recipe. It's a must-try!
Sarah
Friday 26th of May 2023
Wow, this Homemade Coleslaw is a game-changer! The addition of fresh mint and cilantro takes the flavor to a whole new level. And that homemade dressing? Absolutely divine! This recipe is now a staple in my household. Thanks for sharing, it's a winner!