Classic Southern Coleslaw. This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes using only a handful ingredients. The cold, tangy flavors are perfect for pairing with some smokey BBQ meats as a side dish or piled on a sandwich. 

This classic coleslaw is one of my favorite BBQ side dishes. It’s quick and easy to make, it’s crisp, creamy, tangy. It pairs perfect with the rich smoked meats. It’s great as a Side dish to some smoked brisket, grilled chicken, or pulled pork.

Bowl filled with creamy coleslaw made with tri color mix. this recipe

How to make coleslaw:

  1. Shred the cabbage. You can slice your own cabbage, best results come from using a mandolin. Or to save time a bagged coleslaw salad of precut cabbage works. I prefer getting a Tri-Color coleslaw mix. This includes: red cabbage, green cabbage and carrots. 
  2. Prepare the dressing
  3. Drizzle dressing over the cabbage, stir together. 
  4. Chill. This salad needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before being served. 
step by step images showing shredded cabbage, dressing being made, and drizzled over the cabbage.

Coleslaw dressing:

The dressing for this coleslaw is classic and simple. Not too much to where our cabbage will be drowning and soggy. And not too little where our cabbage is sad and dry. This dressing makes the perfect amount for the amount of cabbage. 

Plus the right balance of creamy from the mayonnaise to the tang of the vinegar and sour cream. A hint of sweet thanks to using some sugar, and to brighten it all up, lemon juice. 

Coleslaw dressing in a bowl.

Variations:

This is a great base recipe. However, if you want to add to yours feel free! Here’s a list of some great additions/substitutions you can make.

  • Celery seeds
  • Grated onion
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Honey/Maple Syrup
  • Blue Cheese
  • Chili Powder
  • Fresh Herbs: Dill, Parsley
Bowl filled with a creamy southern coleslaw served with wooden spoons.

Classic Southern Coleslaw

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Author: Serene
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
5 from 48 votes
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Classic Southern Coleslaw. This quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes using only a handful ingredients. The cold, tangy flavors are perfect for pairing with some smokey BBQ meats.

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces coleslaw mix, or fresh cabbage
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp vinegar, white or apple cider
  • 2 tsp sugar, can sub with honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp lemon juice
  • fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Add the coleslaw mix to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
  • Drizzle the coleslaw dressing over the cabbage.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Cover and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.*
  • Add fresh ground black pepper just before serving if desired.

Equipment

Notes

  1. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
  2. Make ahead: this recipe can be made in advance, a couple hours is best, this gives time for the salad to chill and the flavors to meld. To keep the coleslaw crisp though, it is recommend to serve this dish the same day it’s prepared.

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 157kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 13mg, Sodium: 409mg, Potassium: 189mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 187IU, Vitamin C: 36mg, Calcium: 56mg, Iron: 1mg
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