Southern Coleslaw Recipe
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This creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe is more than just a salad in the south. It's also a beloved side and condiment. Southerners love creamy coleslaw so much, we slather it on everything from pulled pork barbecue to burgers. It's the perfect side dish at picnics and cookouts!
If you prefer coleslaw without mayonnaise, try this Vinegar Coleslaw as a great alternative.
Why You'll Love It
- Fast and simple recipe - comes together in a jiffy
- Budget friendly - affordable dish for potlucks and picnics
- Versatile side - add more veggies and herbs to make it your own
Jump To
Making chili dogs tonight? You need this southern coleslaw recipe. Ever had a Carolina burger? This creamy coleslaw tops it off. And, if you're making pulled pork sandwiches, 'ya gotta have a vinegar based coleslaw as a condiment!
This classic coleslaw recipe is a southern tradition. It's sweet, tangy and crunchy all at the same time. With just the right amount of mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar, homemade coleslaw is great for both outdoor barbecues and indoor events.
At your next cookout, this delicious side dish is the perfect addition to anything you can conjure up...including barbecue, hot dogs, and hamburgers! It's also great with fried chicken and pork tenderloin.
Ingredient Notes
There are only a few ingredients in this side dish, but each one is important. They blend together to create a delicious recipe with a sweet and tangy dressing.
See recipe card for quantities.
- fresh slaw mix - (or shredded green cabbage and carrots) - Fresh Express works well
- onion - vidalia sweet onion is recommended, but red onion is also a good choice
- mayonnaise - Duke's mayonnaise makes the best dressing and doesn't contain sugar
- white vinegar - the best vinegar for this recipe since it doesn't discolor the cabbage
- sugar - use white granulated sugar or your favorite sugar substitute
- celery seeds - this is a southern secret ingredient
- garlic salt - just a little makes a big difference in taste
- black pepper - a southerner's best friend
How to Make Southern Coleslaw
- Whisk all the ingredients together (except coleslaw mix) in a large bowl to make the dressing.
- Add cole slaw mix and toss in dressing until fully coated. If using fresh cabbage, shred it with a box grater or food processor.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate cabbage mixture for a couple of hours. Stir well before serving. The mayo dressing will thin out as the sugar dissolves, so there's no need to add milk to the mix.
- If you prefer not to use a mix, chop up a small head of cabbage and use a box grater to make shredded carrots. Mix in with the other ingredients as directed.
- Some folks like their slaw finely chopped, so if desired, chop green cabbage in the food processor or blender before adding the dressing.
Make it Ahead
It's recommended that you make this southern coleslaw recipe ahead of time so the flavors will have time to blend together. Simply mix it and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until time to serve.
It's best when served the same day, but can be refrigerated at least a day in advance. Keep it cold at all times for best results.
Recipe FAQS
Crunchy cabbage and carrots are packed with fiber and vitamins. However, when you add mayonnaise and sugar to the mix, it also adds fat and fructose.
Slaw usually lasts at least 3 days in the refrigerator if stored in an air tight container. It should never be left out in the heat due to spoilage issues.
Yes, coleslaw is gluten free as long as you use white distilled vinegar. Malt vinegar would add barley to the recipe, so avoid malt vinegar if following a gluten-free diet.
If you use a sugar substitute, this could be a keto coleslaw recipe as long as there is no sugar in the mayonnaise. The addition of sugar keeps it from being keto-friendly.
Variations
Traditional coleslaw recipes only use a few simple ingredients. But, if you're planning to serve Creamy Southern Coleslaw as a side, try these fun add-ins to 'sass' it up a little bit!
- sweet pickle relish - adds a little sweetness and crunch
- red cabbage - adds extra color and vitamins
- green pepper - bell pepper diced in small pieces adds great flavor
- lemon juice - can be substituted for vinegar
- chow chow - a southern relish that adds a lot of sass
- radicchio - great red color and crunch
- green onions - can be substituted for sweet onions
- chopped sweet peppers - the mini type are perfect for this recipe
- diced cilantro - gives this recipe a Mexican vibe
- chopped fresh broccoli - adds a completely different taste
- diced cauliflower - great way to include extra vegetables
- shredded brussels sprouts - no one will know they're there!
- fresh dill weed, thyme or parsley - a little bit of herbs can add tons of flavor
- blue cheese crumbles - a nice addition when serving wings or bbq chicken
Storage and Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. This recipe does not freeze well due to the fragility of the cabbage.
Keep coleslaw over a bowl of ice when serving to make sure it stays cold. Since mayonnaise can spoil at high temperatures, make sure this salad is served cold and kept in a cooler or on ice for safety reasons.
What to Serve with Southern Coleslaw
The best coleslaw recipe is usually served alongside southern favorites like these recipes...
- Calico Baked Beans - the perfect accompaniment with bold flavors
- Campfire Chili - slaw tastes great alongside a big bowl of chili
- Fall Off The Bone BBQ Ribs - an easy rib recipe that's perfect with this dish
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Recipe Card
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. onion (minced)
- 2 Tbsp. white distilled vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- ½ tsp. celery seed
- ¼ tsp. garlic salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 (14 oz) package of coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)
Instructions
- Whisk the first 7 ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage toss until fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and stir well before serving.
Notes
- If you don't have pre-packaged slaw mix, simply shred a head of cabbage and add one shredded carrot to create your own.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep coleslaw cold at all times to avoid spoilage.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
Best coleslaw! So good on top of pulled pork.
Yay! Thanks for writing in Vanessa!
I’ve always wondered how to make creamy coleslaw. Wasn’t sure about the ingredients. Thanks for this recipe!
You're welcome! 🙂