Prepare the cabbage mixture by placing the finely shredded green cabbage and carrots into a large mixing bowl. Toss them together until well mixed.
For the creamy dressing, in a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, black pepper, and celery seed if using.Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous consistency.
Pour the creamy dressing over the cabbage mixture in the mixing bowl. Use salad tongs or a spatula to fold the dressing into the cabbage mix, ensuring every strand of cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing.
Once thoroughly mixed, cover the coleslaw and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting period allows flavors to meld together and the coleslaw to attain that delicious coleslaw signature tang.
Serve your homemade coleslaw as a classic side dish, whether it's with a simple burger or enjoyed alongside barbecue ribs, as its vibrant taste and creamy texture are the traditional pairings for a variety of dishes.