Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw is all about perfect balance—crisp, creamy, tangy, and refreshing without being greasy or heavy. With thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and a precise, flavorful dressing, this coleslaw is a vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with anything from grilled meats to fried chicken and fish tacos.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

• 2 cups purple cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 cup carrot, shredded

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• ½ teaspoon celery seed

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Dressing:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, and a good pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.

2. Slice the Vegetables:
   Thinly slice green cabbage, purple cabbage, and shred the carrot. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for best texture.

3. Mix Together:
   In a large bowl, toss the sliced cabbage and carrot together. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and use tongs to toss thoroughly until well coated.

4. Chill:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften slightly.

Nutrients

(Estimated per serving; assuming about 6 servings)

• Calories: ~200–220 kcal

• Fat: ~18g

  • Saturated Fat: ~3g

• Carbohydrates: ~8–10g

  • Sugar: ~4–5g

  • Fiber: ~2g

• Protein: ~1–2g

• Sodium: ~250–300mg

• Vitamin A: High (from carrots)

• Vitamin C: High (from cabbage)

• Calcium: ~4% DV

• Iron: ~3% DV

Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw

The magic of Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw lies in its balance. Instead of a heavy, overly rich salad, this coleslaw features crisp vegetables lightly dressed in a creamy but tangy dressing. It complements, rather than overwhelms, whatever it’s served alongside.

The use of two types of cabbage—green and purple—provides not only a beautiful color contrast but also different textures and flavors. Green cabbage is tender and mild, while purple cabbage is slightly heartier and peppery. Carrots add natural sweetness and vibrant color, creating a visually striking and flavor-packed dish.

The dressing is carefully designed to avoid greasiness. A combination of full-fat mayonnaise, two types of vinegar, a little sugar, and celery seed ensures the sauce is creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced. It clings to the vegetables without smothering them, allowing the crunch and freshness to shine through.

Another standout feature is the use of celery seed, a classic but often overlooked ingredient. It provides a subtle earthy flavor that enhances the complexity of the coleslaw without stealing the spotlight.

Health Benefits of Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw

Though creamy coleslaw sometimes gets a bad rap for being indulgent, Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw offers plenty of nutritional benefits. Cabbage, the main ingredient, is low in calories but high in important vitamins and minerals. It’s a fantastic source of Vitamin C, which boosts immune health and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Cabbage is also rich in Vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Carrots contribute a hefty dose of beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. This supports good vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin. Carrots also add fiber, helping to aid digestion and keep you feeling satisfied longer.

The mayonnaise base does add some fat, but fat is necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Plus, when used in moderation as in this recipe, it helps create a satisfying, balanced dish rather than an overly heavy one.

If you’re looking to make it even healthier, you can easily substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing that maintains its creamy texture.

Customizing Your Gordon Ramsay Coleslaw

One of the wonderful things about coleslaw is how adaptable it can be. Ramsay’s version provides a perfect foundation, but it also leaves room for creativity.

You can easily add extra vegetables to increase the nutritional profile and add new textures. Sliced radishes, diced red bell peppers, or thinly shaved fennel would fit in beautifully. A small handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro can bring additional freshness and complexity to the salad.

If you like your slaw a bit spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing. A squirt of Dijon mustard could introduce a pleasant sharpness.

For a sweeter version, you could toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries, which pair wonderfully with the tangy dressing and crunchy cabbage.

Making it vegan is simple too—just swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw is incredibly versatile and fits seamlessly into almost any menu. It’s a staple at summer barbecues, picnics, and cookouts because it complements grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and brisket without stealing the show. Its crisp, refreshing nature also makes it ideal for cutting through the richness of fried foods like chicken, fish, and hush puppies.

At the same time, this coleslaw is elegant enough to serve at a casual dinner party or as part of a light lunch. Paired with a piece of grilled salmon or tucked into a fish taco, it adds brightness, crunch, and an irresistible zing.

Another great aspect is its portability. Because it actually benefits from a little time spent chilling, you can make it in advance and bring it to potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings without any fuss.

Tips for Making the Best Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw

Use a very sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for cutting the cabbage. Thin, even slices are key to achieving the ideal texture—crisp but tender, without being tough.

Don’t overdress the slaw. Start with a little less dressing than you think you need and add more if necessary. You want the vegetables to be coated but not drowning.

Let it rest. Allowing the coleslaw to chill for at least an hour in the fridge helps the flavors meld and slightly softens the cabbage for a more cohesive texture.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt, pepper, or vinegar can make a big difference depending on personal preference.

Use high-quality mayonnaise. Since it’s a main ingredient in the dressing, using a rich, flavorful mayonnaise will dramatically improve the final taste.

Nutritional Value Overview

A serving of Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw provides approximately 200–220 calories. It includes around 18 grams of fat, 8–10 grams of carbohydrates, and 1–2 grams of protein. Thanks to the carrots and cabbage, the coleslaw is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. It also offers small amounts of calcium and iron, making it not only a delicious but also a nutrient-packed side dish. The moderate fiber content supports digestive health and helps you feel fuller longer, while the dressing’s balance ensures you don’t go overboard on fats or sugars.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw shows how even the simplest dishes can be elevated into something truly special with the right technique and attention to detail. Fresh, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, this coleslaw stands out for its crisp texture, creamy dressing, and bold yet harmonious flavors.

It is the kind of side dish that makes everything it touches better, whether it’s a plate of barbecue ribs, a fried chicken sandwich, or a fresh fish taco. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and refreshing nature make it a recipe you’ll want to keep in your permanent rotation.

In a world where coleslaw often gets overlooked or treated as an afterthought, Gordon Ramsay’s Coleslaw reminds us that side dishes deserve just as much care and attention as the main event. With its gorgeous colors, crisp bite, and zippy dressing, it’s a side that could easily steal the spotlight—and once you try it, you’ll never look at coleslaw the same way again.