Our homemade coleslaw with mint and cilantro combines the traditional vegetables like cabbage and carrots, and scallions. While these fresh ingredients are tasty on their own, this coleslaw recipe is all about the homemade dressing.
Inspired by Seatown Rub Shack and Fish Fry in Seattle, their dressing combined to make one of the most delicious flavors I have tasted in a while; I just had to make my own version of this umami-rich coleslaw, and it is so good!
Huge shout out to the head chef at Seatown Rub Shack for creating the most delicious coleslaw dressing and for taking the time to write down the ingredients on a piece of paper for me. Also, thank you to the sweet server for asking him for me (hey, if you’re reading this)! With the main ingredients in hand, then came the trial and error process of attempting to make it just like he did. While I will never get the exact same result, this recipe comes pretty close and it’s fantastic!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE HOMEMADE COLESLAW
- Cabbage: Shred a combination of red and green cabbage for a bright-colored base. You can use one or the other, but the color variation brings me joy!
- Carrots: Buy them pre-shredded or shred your own- carrots are a classic coleslaw ingredient.
- Scallions: Scallions add texture and a clean, peppery finish.
- Cilantro: Brighten and flavor the salad with fresh cilantro.
- Mint: Besides the dressing, mint elevates the dish! Lucky for me, I have two mint plants at home. I will be making this coleslaw all summer long!
- Dressing: I am not being dramatic; this dressing is unreal! It combines rice wine vinegar, fish sauce (don’t knock it until you try it), lime juice, jalapeño, ginger, and garlic to make the most crave-worthy dressing.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE COLESLAW
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Slice the cabbage and carrots into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandolin. Then, chop the scallions, mint, and cilantro. Combine them in a mixing bowl and set them aside.
Step 2: Add the ingredients for the dressing to a small bowl, and give it a quick stir.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
SEARCHING FOR MORE LIKE THIS?
If you love this recipe, try one of these vegetable-centered sides!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Pulled Pork or Chicken Sandwiches, Pulled Pork Sliders
- Beef Ribs
- Beef Brisket in the Oven, Brisket Sliders
- Beef Lettuce Wraps
- Grilled Tandoori Chicken, BBQ Baked Chicken Legs, Roasted Jerk Chicken
- Hamburger, Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, Turkey Smash Burgers
- Hot Dogs, Bratwurst
- Blackened Mahi Mahi
- Oven Baked Drumsticks with Peruvian Spices, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Refrigerate – Homemade coleslaw will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Repurpose – Use leftover coleslaw as a filling for a taco or garnish a sandwich. You can also treat it as a condiment and top burgers, bratwurst, or hotdogs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is homemade coleslaw healthy to eat?
Of course it is! Packed with a variety of vegetables, this side dish is high in vitamins and fiber.
Why is it called coleslaw?
The name comes from the Dutch word “koosla,” combining the two words, kool (cabbage) and sla (salad) to form cabbage salad.
More Salad Recipes:
Homemade Coleslaw with Mint and Cilantro
- Small Bowl
- ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- ¼ head red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 large carrots, julienne
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ¾ cup rice wine vinegar
- 3 teaspoons fish sauce
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ jalapeño, grated
- ½ inch fresh ginger piece, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Slice the cabbage and carrots into thin strips using a sharp knife or mandolin. Then, chop the scallions, mint, and cilantro. Combine them in a mixing bowl and set them aside.
- Add the ingredients for the dressing to a small bowl, and give it a quick stir.
- Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix 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.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
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!