• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Whisk It Real Gud

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact/Work with me
  • Privacy Policy
  • SHOP
  • Recipe Index
You are here: Home / Southern Recipes / Southern Coleslaw Recipe

Southern Coleslaw Recipe

March 4, 2019 By April 38 Comments

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
Yum
14K Shares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Southern Coleslaw  also known as Cole Slaw is a classic southern side the goes well with bbq. Shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar,  lemon juice and sugar are just some of the slaw ingredients. Everybody loves how crunchy, creamy ,sweet and tangy it is. 5 mins prep and so tasty and easy! Check out the Pinterest reviews. And don’t forget to make this into a meal with instant pot or slow cooker bbq pulled beef sandwiches!  

a bowl of creamy southern coleslaw

Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears.
“Best slaw I have ever eaten!”~Ellie S.

HOW TO MAKE COLESLAW AND INGREDIENTS

If you’ve never made cole slaw before just know it’s super easy to make. In the warmer months, while my husband is on the grill making bbq chicken and ribs and whatever else,  I’m usually whipping up a bowl of southern cole slaw and cold mint iced tea <—- stay tuned for that recipe. 

The first step in making cole slaw is to add mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of celery salt, salt and pepper to a small bowl and mix until combines. Secondly, pour the cole slaw dressing into the bowl with the cole slaw.

Mix well. Lastly, you can either eat it right away or refrigerate it for an hour or two. I actually like to eat it right away. Simple classic and very southern.  Just how I like it. See notes below for more tips and how to make this cole slaw recipe ahead of time.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS?

  • This cole slaw is gorgeous to look at plus. Secondly, it’s bursting with crunch, sweet and tangy AND it’s a huge crowd pleaser.
  • It will attract your guests because it’s bright and colorful and creamy.
  • The contrasting colors are eye catchy.
  • Celery salt gives the slaw a POW factor. A SMALL pinch is ALL you need. 
  • Apple – cider vinegar and lemon juices gives it a bright tangy flavor. 
  • Sugar – balance out the flavors. The sweetness of dressing will have guests coming back for seconds and thirds.

a bowl of creamy southern coleslaw

WHAT GOES WELL WITH HOMEMADE COLESLAW

Cole slaw is usually eaten as a side dish with barbecued meats, fried fish, crispy airy hushpuppies or fried chicken. I like to eat mine a bit differently. By different, I mean, I love it topped on my fish tacos, pulled bbq chicken/brisket or bbq chicken sliders or on top of sandwiches.  This cole slaw perks up any food and it’s best topped on bbq chicken sliders with homemade bbq sauce .

Southern Coleslaw recipe step by step

SOUTHERN COLESLAW TIPS:

Make ahead dressing:  Don’t mix the cole slaw dressing with the cabbage and veggies. Instead, it’s best to make the dressing ahead of time and store covered in the fridge for a couple of hours or until you need it. Stored and covered dressing can be refrigerated for a couple weeks. When you are ready to serve, add the dressing a bit to your vegetables at a time because you may not need to use it all.

  • Leftover dressing  – Use leftover dressing on hot dogs and again, you can top tacos, and bbq meats with cole slaw or serve it on the side.
  • Shortcut Cole slaw – No need to shred a head of cabbage. The bagged kind is quicker and easier. You can usually find bagged cole slaw in 10 to 16 oz bags.
  • Small family – use half a bag of slaw and save the rest for the following day to make a vinaigrette based cole slaw or an Asian slaw to serve with grilled chicken.
  • Vegan – to make this a vegan cole slaw, use your choice of vegan mayonnaise (egg free) and vegan (plant-based) milk. 
  • Variations –  Add sliced green onions, add thin slices of green or red peppers, as a mentioned in the post. Add jalapenos for a touch of heat. 
  • Lightened up cole slaw –Use half sour cream and half regular mayonnaise or light mayonnaise for a healthier option. 
5 from 20 votes
a bowl of creamy southern coleslaw
Print
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe also known as Cole Slaw with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar,  lemon juice and sugar are just some of the dressing ingredients. Everybody loves this crunchy, tangy and creamy 5 minute slaw. So tasty and easy! 
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern American
Keyword: creamy coleslaw, creamy coleslaw recipe, southern coleslaw
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 120 kcal
Author: April
Ingredients
  • 14 oz bag of coleslaw
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 pinch celery salt small pinch
  • salt for taste I used about 1/2 tsp
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl add the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, celery salt, and salt and pepper. Mix to combine. 

  2. Pour the dressing into a bowl with the coleslaw. Mix well. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1-2 hours. 
Recipe Notes

Cook Tips: 

 

 

Make ahead dressing:  

For the best coleslaw, don't mix the dressing with the cabbage, instead, make it ahead of time and store covered in the fridge for a couple of hours or until you need it.

 

Stored dressing can be refrigerated for a couple weeks. When you are ready to serve, don't add all the coleslaw at once. Add a bit at a time then add more if you want the slaw creamier.

 

 

  • Leftover dressing  - Use leftover dressing on hot dogs and again, you can top tacos, and bbq meats with coleslaw or serve it on the side.

     

     

  • Shortcut Coleslaw - No need to shred a head of cabbage. The bagged kind is quicker and easier. You can usually find bagged coleslaw in 10 to 16 oz bags.

     

     

  • Small family - use half a bag of slaw and save the rest for the following day to make a vinaigrette based coleslaw to serve with grilled chicken.

     

     

  • Vegan - to make this a vegan coleslaw, use your choice of vegan mayonnaise (egg free) and vegan (plant-based) milk. 
  • Variations -  Add sliced green onions, add thin slices of green or red peppers, as a mentioned in the post. Add jalapenos for a touch of heat. 

     

     

  • Lightened up coleslaw -Use half sour cream and half regular mayonnaise or light mayonnaise for a healthier option. 

 

 

 

Recipe was updated 3/4/2019

If you think this southern coleslaw recipe looks good save it to your Pinterest Board or share to your Facebook to save this recipe! Let’s connect on Pinterest too!

You may also like these other southern recipes:

Easy Buttery Peach Cobbler

Quick Sweet Potato Pie (Video)

Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Beef 

Smothered Chicken

As featured in

Filed Under: Comfort Recipes, Recipe Index, Salad, Seasonal, SIDES, Southern Recipes, Vegetables, Vegetarian

Join our Facebook Group!

Subscribe For Free Recipes!

Previous Post: « Fluffy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe
Next Post: The Best Tangy & Thick Sweet Onion BBQ Sauce »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kari Heron

    March 19, 2019 at

    I love coleslaw. It was my favourite salad as a child and yours takes me back. Love the little specs of red cabbage dotted throughout. Beautiful!

    Reply
    • April

      March 19, 2019 at

      Thank you!

      Reply
  2. mike kopchik

    March 12, 2019 at

    Lemon juice??? How much lemon juice? It’s not listed in the ingredients only in directions.

    Reply
    • April

      March 12, 2019 at

      Hello! Sorry, I just updated the recipe. 1 1/2 tbsp.

      Reply
  3. Maman de sara

    March 11, 2019 at

    I don’t have a bagged coleslaw right now but I do have a head of cabbage in my fridge. I am going to make this easy recipe tonight as I planned a light easy dinner, thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • April

      March 13, 2019 at

      Thank you so much! Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Mimi

    March 11, 2019 at

    No wonder everyone loves this coleslaw’s texture, taste and feel – it is simply amazing! I would say it is perfect, too, but it is pretty much the same 🙂 Definitely making myself a big bowl of this coleslaw this weekend!
    Mimi My Profile

    Reply
    • April

      March 11, 2019 at

      Thank you so much Mimi! I think you’ll really enjoy it!

      Reply
  5. Lathiya

    March 10, 2019 at

    Honestly, I haven’t tasted coleslaw before…but your post wants me to try. I had no idea what goes in coleslaw and really happy that ingredients are so simple.

    Reply
  6. Jori

    March 9, 2019 at

    I love how quick this is AND you can make the dressing ahead of time. It sounds so crunchy and tasty. Thank you!
    Jori My Profile

    Reply
    • April

      March 11, 2019 at

      I can eat a big bowl of this haha! Thank you Jori!

      Reply
  7. Cheese Curd In Paradise

    March 9, 2019 at

    I love this recipe and I love the creamy dressing on the coleslaw. One of my favorite things to make with this slaw is a fish fry! the freshness is a perfect partner to the fried fish.

    Reply
    • April

      March 11, 2019 at

      Yess me too. I wish I had some fish and coleslaw now! Thank you!

      Reply
  8. Celeste

    March 9, 2019 at

    When I think of coleslaw I think of summer. Growing up in Georgia we used to put it on hot dogs with mustard and it was a must-have with fried chicken. This recipe looks delicious and tasty.

    Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Show more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
I'm April, I love using mostly fresh every day ingredients to make popular quick and easy flavorful food. You'll also find some great international recipes. Featured in: Walmart,Essence,Barilla,Country Living, Stratford University, Shape, Delish Food52, Chowhound Read more .

Don’t miss any of my FREE recipes!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Maple Syrup Cranberry Sauce w/Video

A bowl of thanksgiving yams

Southern Candied Yams Recipe (Stove-top)

Ground beef egg noodle casserole topped with melted cheeses

Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole Recipe W/ Egg Noodles W/ VIDEO

This Thanksgiving, give your sweet potato pie a new look by turning them into sweet potato mini galettes. Buttery, flaky homemade pie crust with a flavorful rich sweet potato filling and fall spices! Your guests will feel so special when you give them their own personal galette as they head home.

Mini Sweet Potato Pies/Galettes

a bowl of slime popcorn with candy eyeballs

Slime Popcorn with Candy Eyeballs Recipe

A bowl of ice cream with buttery crisp topping peach cobbler

The Easiest Southern Peach Cobbler (With a Texture Similar to Pie Crust Cobbler)

A bowl of thick bbq sauce

The Best Tangy & Thick Sweet Onion BBQ Sauce

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with melted butter and garnished with parsley

Fluffy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Recipe

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Yasss The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Italian Hot Chocolate

Rich Italian Hot Chocolate

a bowl of creamy stovetop mac and cheese

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe (With Video)

PASTA RECIPES YOU NEED MAKE

15 Easy Weeknight Pasta Recipes

A plate of Italian sausage and peppers on a sub roll

Million Dollar Italian Sausage and Peppers

Italian Mac and Cheese

Italian Mac and Cheese

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie (The Fast Way With Video)

Collard Greens

Southern Collard Greens Recipe

a plate of french toast topped with strawberries

Best French Toast Recipe

Best Chili Recipe

Best Chili Recipe

A plate of dutch oven fried chicken

Dutch Oven Fried Chicken

Luscious, buttery, sweet and tart glossy cranberry sauce crumble bars are made with a sweet crumble dough that doubles as a topping. A classic and super easy gorgeous and delicious holiday dessert. You won't be able to eat just one!

Cranberry Bars

Benne or sesame seeds  were brought to America by West African slaves. They were commonly used to enhance the flavors of foods or used as a thickening agent.  African slaves believed the seeds to be good luck. Benne wafers are a staple dessert for many people in South Carolina and they are often served during Kwanzaa as well. Melt in your mouth, crisp, chewy, nutty and caramelized benne or sesame wafer/cookies are perfect for the holidays. For a more traditional type cookie, leave them plain or make them festive by drizzling them with chocolate sauce. Both ways are equally delicious.

Benne Seed Wafers/Cookies

Cranberry Bread Pudding

Delicious Cranberry Cream Cheese Bread Pudding or Baked French Toast

Arroz Chaufa is Peruvian's version of Chinese fried rice. It is influenced by the influx of Chinese immigrants to Peru. Peru's fried rice version consists of rice, sweet peppers, green onions, onions, garlic, soy sauce, scrambled eggs chicken and a dash of sesame oil, ginger and cumin. Amazingly delicious and you probably already have all the ingredients to make this!

Peruvian Fried Rice (Arroz Chaufa)

How to Make Ground Beef Taco Seasoning

A plate of juicy tender Brazilian Steak with garlic butter drizzled on top

4 Ingredient Garlic Butter Brazilian Steak (Just 15 Mins to Make)

A plate of shrimp lettuce wraps with sweet chili mayo

15 Minute Shrimp Lettuce Wraps w/ Sweet Chili Mayo

A plate of several pieces of fried whiting fish

Southern Pan Fried Fish (Whiting Fish Recipe)

A plate of lemon garlic parmesan shrimp pasta with zested lemon and parmesan cheese

Easy Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta

a serving dish with smothered chicken and bok choy

Easy Smothered Chicken With Bok Choy and Mushrooms

A plate of steak pinwheels

6 Ingredient Flank Steak Stuffed with Parmesan, Spinach and Lemon Zest (Pinwheels)

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Yasss The Best Meatloaf Recipe

Taco seasoned ground beef tacos topped with salsa and sour cream

The Best Ever Ground Beef Taco Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Best Southern Sweet Potato Pie (The Fast Way With Video)

A bowl of salad with taco seasoned steak and cilantro lime dressing topped with fritos

Easy Taco Skirt Steak Salad Recipe

a plate of french toast topped with strawberries

Best French Toast Recipe

Best Chili Recipe

Best Chili Recipe

April is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”

Footer