Best Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe
on Jan 19, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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This Southern Coleslaw is the perfect summer BBQ side dish you’ll love to bring along or serve. With a taste of the south, this creamy coleslaw is quick and easy to prepare and makes the perfect accompaniment to any barbecue meal.
Ready to learn how to make the best side dish of the summer? Keep reading!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Veggies
- Shredded cabbage: You can shred your own or buy a pre-shredded mix. Be sure to include both green and purple cabbage.
- Shredded carrots: For color and taste, add 1 or 2 cups to this recipe.
Southern Coleslaw Dressing
- Mayonnaise: Either regular or low fat mayonnaise makes a great dressing for coleslaw.
- Apple cider vinegar: The slightly acidic and tangy flavor of apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar if you don’t have cider) adds a punchy taste to coleslaw salad.
- White sugar: A touch of white granulated sugar balances out the vinegar perfectly.
- Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt or kosher salt is a must.
- Pepper: A dash of freshly ground black pepper to taste adds just the right flavor to a coleslaw salad dressing.
- Celery seeds: This ingredient is optional, but they can add a rich zest of flavor to the dish.
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- Slice the cabbage very thin. Slice the carrots and onions, as well if you add them in. Use a chef’s knife, spiralizer, or mandoline for the best results.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine. Ensure cabbage is completely coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Tips for the Best Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- The key to creamy coleslaw salad is thinly sliced cabbage. Use a mandoline or a grater for thin slices, or buy a pre-shredded mix if you’re short on time.
- Slice cabbage and allow it to steep in the flavors of the dressing. Leave the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour and up to 1 day before serving.
How to Store Southern Coleslaw
Southern coleslaw tastes best when it’s freshly made. If you have leftovers, you should store them in the fridge sealed in an airtight container. This will avoid the coleslaw from picking up any smells or drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will Homemade Coleslaw Stay Fresh?
Coleslaw salad will remain fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator when sealed in an airtight container. After that, the cabbage may soften and develop a slimy texture, and the mayonnaise will become more watery. The salad is best in the first day or two after preparation.
Can I Add Anything Else To This Coleslaw Recipe?
This recipe is very flexible and very forgiving. You can add tons of different things like raw broccoli, bell peppers, or other crisp veggies you enjoy.
What is the Coleslaw Sauce Made Of?
Coleslaw dressing can be made with a variety of ingredients, including mayonnaise, honey, cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and celery seeds. You can also use buttermilk for a creamier dressing.
How Can I Make My Coleslaw Better?
A splash of lemon juice or lime zest can add a burst of freshness to your coleslaw salad. You can also throw in some other sliced veggies for a richer flavor.
How Do You Make Coleslaw for a Large Crowd?
You can easily double or triple this recipe if you’re planning to serve a crowd. You can use a spiralizer to shred the cabbage quicker or choose store-bought, pre-sliced cabbage to save time.
Is Eating Coleslaw Good For You?
Coleslaw is a healthy vegetable loaded with fiber and vitamins. Plus, the additional veggies you choose to add also have their own health benefits. You can steer clear of cream-based dressings and choose vinegar instead to keep this side dish healthier and lighter.
Best Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups purple cabbage, shredded
- 2 cups carrots, shredded
- 1/4 sweet yellow onion, optional
- 1 cup mayonnaise, regular or reduced fat
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage very thin. Slice the carrots and onions, as well if you add them in. Use a chef’s knife, spiralizer, or mandoline for the best results.
- Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Mix the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well to combine. Ensure cabbage is completely coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.