Southern Coleslaw Recipe
This Southern Coleslaw Recipe has a creamy dressing, just the right touch of sweetness, and made with just a few simple ingredients that’s always a hit. The finely chopped cabbage gives it that classic look and bite, and some folks say it reminds them of a KFC coleslaw recipe!
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This coleslaw is made with just a few basic ingredients and has the perfect balance of creamy and slightly sweet flavor. The finely chopped cabbage and carrot soak up what might be the best coleslaw dressing, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Double or triple the recipe and serve it in a large bowl at your next BBQ, potluck, or weeknight dinner. It’s a delicious recipe and the ideal side dish, especially if you’re a huge fan of coleslaw.
What you’ll love about the Best Coleslaw Recipe:
- PERFECT FOR SUMMER BARBECUES – This classic coleslaw recipe is the perfect addition to BBQ chicken, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, and more at your next cookout.
- FULL OF TANGY FLAVOR – The creamy dressing has just the right mix of sweet and tangy, making this a tangy coleslaw with a signature Southern flair.
- EASY & CLASSIC – Made with simple ingredients and finely chopped green cabbage, this Southern coleslaw recipe is quick to make and full of familiar flavor.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Coleslaw Recipe:
- Green cabbage- add some red cabbage, or purple cabbage if you want more color
- Carrot
- Mayonnaise
- Buttermilk
- Apple cider vinegar- You can use lemon juice instead.
- Granulated white sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Green Cabbage: The base of this coleslaw. Use a small head of cabbage and shred it finely for the best texture.
- Carrot: Adds a touch of color and a subtle natural sweetness. You can use a box grater or food processor to shred it evenly.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the dressing. Use full-fat mayo for the richest flavor.
HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN COLESLAW RECIPE STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrot.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the coleslaw dressing over the cabbage slaw mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the tangy flavors to blend and the crunchy cabbage to soften slightly.
Step 5: Before serving, give the slaw a good stir to redistribute the dressing from the bottom of the bowl.
Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sugar if needed.
Step 7: Serve chilled.
Pro Tip
Use a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrot quickly and evenly. It saves time and gives the coleslaw that fine, uniform texture that works perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Storage
Transfer any leftover homemade coleslaw to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to redistribute dressing that may have settled to the bottom of the container.
To Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, creamy Southern coleslaw loses its signature texture after thawing.
FAQs about this Southern Coleslaw:
Additions & Substitutions
ADDITIONS:
- Add a dash of onion powder or minced sweet onion to the dressing for more depth.
- Stir in a spoonful of sour cream to make it extra creamy.
- Mix with a bagged coleslaw mix, or even broccoli slaw in a pinch.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Mayonnaise: Use Duke’s mayonnaise or your favorite brand.
- Buttermilk: No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with vinegar.
- Sugar: Honey or maple syrup works in place of granulated sugar.
- Carrot: Substitute with shredded carrots or pre-packaged slaw.
What Can I Serve with this Best Coleslaw?
This coleslaw goes great with anything hot off the grill. It’s also great with Mini meatloaves, Shredded BBQ Chicken, or Loose Meat Sandwich.
For a full summer plate, add baked beans, honey butter corn, baked Mac and cheese, and jalapeno cornbread and you’re all set!
I’m excited for you to try this Southern Coleslaw Recipe! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Finely shred the cabbage.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend and the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Before serving, stir the coleslaw again to redistribute the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or sugar.
- Serve chilled as a side dish.
Awesome recipe