Southern Coleslaw Recipe

If there’s one dish that instantly takes you to the heart of backyard barbecues and Southern gatherings, it’s Southern Coleslaw. Crunchy, creamy, and just the right amount of tangy, this simple salad has been a forever-favorite at my family’s table. Whether you’re serving it alongside smoky ribs, fried chicken, or piling it high on a pulled pork sandwich, Southern Coleslaw is the pop of freshness and flavor that completes any meal. Trust me: once you master this easy classic, you’ll find yourself craving its cool, crisp bite all year round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making great Southern Coleslaw comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients—each one carrying its weight in flavor, crunch, and color. Don’t skip a thing: every component here adds a special touch, creating that signature blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy that Southern coleslaw is all about!

• Mayonnaise: Creates the luscious, creamy base that holds everything together and gives classic coleslaw its unmistakable texture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds that essential tartness and a subtle fruity zing, perfectly balancing the richness of the mayo.
• Dijon Mustard: Lends just the right spark of sharpness, deepening the flavor profile without overpowering the salad.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness rounds out the acidity and ties the dressing together for that signature Southern taste.
• Celery Seed: Don’t skip this small but mighty ingredient—it brings classic coleslaw flavor and a bit of aromatic crunch.
• Salt: Wake up those vegetables and make all the flavors pop.
• Pepper: Just a hint to add depth and a little zing.
• Coleslaw Mix (16 oz): A timesaver packed with fresh, shredded cabbage and carrots—giving you the best crunchy base with zero fuss.
• Red Onion (1/2 small, thin-sliced): Adds a colorful punch and just enough bite to keep things interesting.

How to Make Southern Coleslaw

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—the bigger, the better so you’ll have plenty of room to toss everything together. Add in the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, granulated sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Take a moment to whisk it all together until you’ve got a silky, creamy dressing. This is where the magic happens: that perfect blend of tangy, sharp, and sweet is the soul of every great Southern coleslaw.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Before you add your crunchy veggies, do a quick kitchen trick that makes all the difference: pat the coleslaw mix dry with a couple of paper towels. This helps soak up any extra moisture that could water down the dressing. Toss in your shredded coleslaw mix and those thinly sliced red onions right into the dressing bowl. The mix of colors and textures will look beautiful already!

Step 3: Toss Until Coated

Now it’s time to bring it all together. With a big spoon (or even your hands if you’re feeling rustic), gently toss the veggies and dressing until every bite is evenly coated. You want each strand of cabbage to shine with that luscious, tangy goodness. Give it a little taste and adjust for salt or pepper if you need to.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

If you love your Southern coleslaw extra crisp and refreshing, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for up to two hours before serving. This quick chill lets all the flavors meld and makes the salad even more irresistible. Just give it one more gentle toss before you bring it to the table. But if you can’t wait, go ahead and serve it fresh—you won’t be disappointed!

How to Serve Southern Coleslaw

Garnishes

To make your Southern coleslaw extra eye-catching, sprinkle a little more celery seed on top, or add a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green. Sliced green onions or a light dusting of smoked paprika can add color and a new layer of Southern flair. Serve cold—there’s nothing better than that first chilled crunchy bite!

Side Dishes

If you’re planning a classic Southern spread, this coleslaw is a must beside pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, or even grilled sausages. It lightens up heavier mains, and the creamy tang cuts through smoky, rich flavors. Mac and cheese, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad all make great friends with Southern coleslaw on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

While a big bowl of coleslaw is tradition, try serving it up mini-style in mason jars for picnics, tucked inside sliders, or spooned generously over tacos and barbecue nachos. It also makes a bright topping for grain bowls or wraps—let your imagination run wild! Southern coleslaw isn’t just a side; it’s your new secret weapon for turning leftovers into something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover coleslaw, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay crisp and tasty for up to three days, though keep in mind it may get a little softer as it sits—but that’s where the flavors get even bolder!

Freezing

Unfortunately, Southern coleslaw doesn’t freeze well—the creamy dressing will separate, and the vegetables will lose their crunch. For best results, enjoy your coleslaw fresh or from the fridge within a couple of days.

Reheating

No reheating needed for this chilly classic! In fact, it’s best served straight from the fridge. Just give your coleslaw a quick toss before serving to freshen up the flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade shredded cabbage instead of a coleslaw mix?

Absolutely! A fresh head of green or red cabbage (or a blend of both) brings fantastic crunch and color. Just shred it finely and add a handful of carrots for that classic Southern coleslaw look.

What’s the best mayonnaise for Southern coleslaw?

Use your favorite full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest, richest dressing. Some Southern cooks swear by Duke’s or Hellmann’s, but any brand you love will work beautifully.

Is there a way to make this coleslaw a little lighter?

You sure can—swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise. The result will be slightly tangier and just as creamy, with fewer calories.

Can I make Southern coleslaw ahead of time?

Yes! Southern coleslaw tastes amazing after a short rest in the fridge. Just mix it up a couple of hours before serving for the best balance of crispness and flavor. If you want to prep further ahead, keep the dressing and veggies separate and combine just before serving.

What makes Southern coleslaw different from other coleslaw recipes?

Southern coleslaw is all about a creamy, tangy dressing and the balanced flavors of vinegar, celery seed, and a hint of sugar—making it a staple at every cookout and potluck in the South!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the perfect crowd-pleasing side, this Southern coleslaw recipe is guaranteed to become your go-to. It’s crisp, creamy, and packed with classic flavors that everyone loves. Whip up a bowl for your next get-together and watch it disappear—your Southern coleslaw might just steal the show!

Print