What are some good words to listen up! If you’re anything like me, you have probably tasted a lot of coleslaw in your life. What is this Southern-Style Coleslaw recipe? This one’s the real deal. What is that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet that just screams backyard barbecue? ” Forget that bland, watery stuff you get at the grocery store. We’re talking about coleslaw that rivals my grandma’s, and believe me, that is saying something. Is it easier than you think to cook a potluck? What is a good weeknight dinner Is it better than potato salad?
What is Southern Coleslaw?
Southern Style Coleslaw is a creamy, mayonnaise-based salad made with shredded cabbage. What are some key ingredients that give this dish that Southern twang? What is the queen of side dishes? What is comfort food in a bowl? What goes great with anything grilled or fried? Unlike some coleslaw recipes that use vinegar, this one uses mayo for its dressing. What is the perfect combination of Southern sweetness and richness? What’s the magic of cabbage and mayo?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the flavor of coleslaw? Is it creamy, tangy, sweet, and has just the right amount of crunch? Is it a party in your mouth? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? I can whip up this in 15 minutes, which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling two jobs. What are a million other things? What I love about this recipe is that it’s budget friendly. Cabbage and carrots are super affordable, and you probably already have most of the other vegetables. What are the ingredients in your pantry? And let’s talk about versatility! Can you serve it as a side with burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken… the list goes on and on! I’ve even been known to pile it on top of pulled pork sandwiches for an extra layer of flavor. What are some of the best coleslaw recipes? Ingredients that cost a fortune. This is a staple side in my family, and I know it will become one for yours too.
How do I make Southern-Style Coleslaw?
Quick Overview
How do I make this Southern-Style Coleslaw? What is the best way to shred cabbage and carrots? ), whisk together a simple creamy dressing, and toss everything together. Beauty is in simplicity. Let it chill in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld, and that’s it! What’s the hardest part about waiting for it to chill before you eat it? This method is special because it is very fast and makes a delicious dish.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw: The Cole
* 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups) – I like to shred it myself, but the color is too dark for me. Is bagged stuff good in a pinch?
* 2 medium carrots, shredded (about 1 cup) – Make sure they’re fresh and crisp.
* 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (yellow or white) – Don’t skip this, it adds a little zing!
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise – Duke’s is my go-to for that authentic Southern flavor!
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar – You can adjust this to your taste, but trust me, it needs the right amount.
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – This adds the perfect tang.
* 2 tablespoons milk – This thins out the dressing just right. I’ve even used almond milk and it was great!
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a little depth of flavor. Don’t worry, it’s not overpowering.
* 1/2 teaspoon celery seed – This is the secret ingredient! Don’t leave it out.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage and Carrots
What are some good ways to get cabbage and carrots ready? If you’re shredding your own cabbage, remove the outer leaves and cut it into quarters. Then, slice each quarter thinly. You can use a knife or mandoline if you’re feeling fancy. How do you shred carrots using a box grater or the shredding attachment on your food processor? I always give carrots a good scrub before shredding.
Step 2: Combine the Coleslaw Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and chopped onion. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, milk, Dijon mustard, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to cook celery seed, salt and pepper until smooth. What are lumps of mayo?
Step 4: Combine Dressing and Coleslaw
What is the best dressing for cabbage? If you overmix the coleslaw, be careful not to over mix it or it will get soggy.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, a couple of hours. How do you make coleslaw? I always do this when I want a perfect dish!
Step 6: Taste and Adjust (Optional)
Before serving, give the coleslaw a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it sweeter, you might want to add a little more sugar or vinegar if you prefer it milder. I like it tangier. What are some good ways to add cayenne pepper to your diet?
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Southern-Style Coleslaw chilled as a side dish with your favorite barbecue, burgers, or even fries. What are some good side dishes to serve with pulled pork?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Southern-Style Coleslaw recipes? What are some ideas?
What are some good ideas for a backyard barbecue?Pair it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, ribs and corn on the cob. Don’t forget the potato salad and baked beans!
For a Southern Feast:Serve it with fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. What is the perfect complement to all those rich, savory dishes?
On Sandwiches:What are some good ways to serve it on top of pulled pork or brisket sandwiches? It adds a nice coolness to balance the smoky meat.
With Seafood:Is it good with grilled or fried fish, shrimp, or even crab cakes? The tanginess cuts through the richness of the seafood.
My family tradition is to have coleslaw with barbeque, and potato salad at every summer party. Is it a must-have, and it never fails to impress?
What are some of the best ways to make Southern Coleslaw?
How do I take my coleslaw game to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I have learned over the years?
Don’t Overmix:How do you mix cabbage and onions? Gently toss the ingredients until just combined.
Adjust the Sweetness: The sweetnessIf you prefer a less sweet coleslaw, reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. Is there a substitute for stevia?
Add a Little Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the cabbage and carrots, the better your coleslaw will taste. Look for firm, crisp vegetables.
Let It Chill: Chilling the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes (or longer) allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften slightly. This step is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
Experiment with Variations: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different variations. Try adding chopped apples, grapes, or pecans for extra flavor and texture.
I’ve learned that celery seed is very important, don’t leave it out. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it for celery salt!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Southern-Style Coleslaw fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The sooner you eat it, the better it will taste. After a few days, the cabbage will start to soften and release more water.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing coleslaw, as the mayonnaise will separate and the cabbage will become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave coleslaw at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Always refrigerate it promptly after serving.
Dressing timing advice: If you’re making the coleslaw ahead of time, you can prepare the dressing separately and store it in the refrigerator. Then, just before serving, combine the dressing with the cabbage mixture. This will help prevent the coleslaw from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to Southern-Style Coleslaw recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is so great because it’s easy to customize to your liking, and it’s always a hit at potlucks and barbecues. If you’re looking for other classic Southern recipes, be sure to check out my recipes for Classic Mac and Cheese and Southern Fried Chicken! I really hope you try this one out and let me know how it turns out. I can’t wait to hear about your variations and what you served it with. Happy cooking, y’all!

Southern-Style Coleslaw
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.