Buttermilk cole slaw with garlic and onion

Buttermilk cole slaw with garlic and onion combines crunchy cabbage and cucumber in a creamy dressing for a flavorful side dish. It's easy to prepare and perfect for barbecues and picnics.

02 Jan 2026
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 40 min

Ingredients:

5 cups cabbage
1.50 cups cucumber
2/3 cup onion
1/3 cup dried milk
3 tbsp vinegar
5 tbsp mayonnaise salad dressing
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp salt
0.95 tsp black pepper

Buttermilk cole slaw with garlic and onion is a refreshing and tasty side dish that's perfect for any barbecue or picnic. This recipe combines the crisp texture of cabbage and cucumber with the creamy richness of buttermilk and mayonnaise. The addition of garlic and onion brings a flavorful punch, making this slaw a crowd-pleaser.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice 5 cups of cabbage.
- Thinly slice 1.5 cups of cucumber. You can peel the cucumber if desired, but it's optional.
- Finely chop 2/3 cup of onion.

2. Combine Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cabbage, cucumber, and finely chopped onion. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the vegetables.

3. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix 1/3 cup of dried milk powder with 3 tablespoons of vinegar. Stir well to combine until the mixture is smooth.
- Add 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise salad dressing to the bowl.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon of salt, and 0.95 teaspoon of black pepper to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Stir the dressing ingredients together until well combined and smooth.

4. Combine Dressing with Vegetables:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large bowl.
- Toss the vegetables and dressing together until everything is evenly coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed throughout the slaw.

5. Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the slaw to chill.
- Give the coleslaw one final stir before serving to ensure the dressing is well mixed.

6. Enjoy:
- Serve the buttermilk coleslaw as a side dish with your favorite meals. It pairs especially well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and barbecue dishes.

This buttermilk cole slaw with garlic and onion is quick and easy to prepare yet delivers a delicious and memorable flavor. Perfect for a variety of occasions, this slaw is sure to become a favorite addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy it as a side dish or even as a topping for sandwiches and burgers.

Buttermilk cole slaw with garlic and onion FAQ:

How long should I chill the cole slaw before serving?

Chill the cole slaw for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and the slaw to become refreshingly cool.

Can I make substitutions for the dried milk in the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the dried milk with an equal amount of buttermilk or regular milk. If using liquid milk, reduce the vinegar slightly to maintain the desired tanginess.

What type of vinegar is best for this coleslaw?

You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for this recipe. Both options provide a nice tang that complements the other flavors in the slaw.

How should I store leftover cole slaw?

Store leftover cole slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 3 to 5 days for optimal freshness.

Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?

Peeling the cucumber is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and color, but if you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to peel it.

Cooking Tips:

- For a fresher taste, use fresh garlic and onion instead of powdered.

- Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

- You can add shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.

- Use a food processor to quickly shred the cabbage and cucumber.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste; add more salt or pepper if needed.

Nutrition Facts

3 Servings
Calories 240kcal
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 24g
Fat 7g

Buttermilk cole slaw with garlic and onion