Categories: Salad. From the Dutch koolsla, meaning cabbage salad(cabbage) plus sla (salad). Coleslaw is a salad of shredded red or white cabbage mixed with a mayonnaise, vinaigrette or other type of dressing.Other ingredients such as chopped onion, celery, sweet green or red pepper, pickles, bacon or herbs may be added.oleslaw is a salad of shredded red or white cabbage mixed with a mayonnaise, vinaigrette or other type of dressing. Other ingredients such as chopped onion, celery, sweet green or red pepper, pickles, bacon or herbs may be added.