This quick and easy Southern Coleslaw Recipe is an easy side dish that's loaded with tangy flavors. Plus it comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients. Pair it with smoky barbecue, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches.
Try serving this classic coleslaw recipe with some Easy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs and Southern Baked Beans for a delicious backyard BBQ.
Crispy cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing that comes together in minutes to make a coleslaw with the perfect mix of savory and sweet.
Tasty, flavorful, and delicious.
Let's get started!
Creamy Coleslaw Ingredients
- Cabbage - Green cabbage, red cabbage, or a combination of the two can be used to form the base of the coleslaw. If you prefer to keep things simple and use a pre-made slaw mix, you may omit the carrots if it's already included. This can easily be located in the produce section of the grocery store.
- Carrot - Shredded or finely chopped carrot adds another vegetable and crunch to the slaw recipe.
- Mayonnaise - Provides a slightly tangy flavor and creaminess to the side dish. Miracle Whip is a great alternative if you prefer a more sweet coleslaw.
- White Vinegar - Adds acid and a tangy element to the coleslaw dressing. Apple cider vinegar could be used as a substitute.
- Granulated Sugar - White sugar or cane sugar adds a slightly sweet taste to the coleslaw mix. You could use honey or light brown sugar instead.
- Milk - Use whole milk to add a creamy texture to help break down the cabbage and carrots. For a more sour taste, you can substitute with buttermilk instead.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper - Simple spices that help to bring out the flavors of the ingredients, add more or less to your preference.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.
How to Make Creamy Southern Coleslaw
Begin the recipe by preparing the cabbage first. You'll need to clean, remove the core of the cabbage, and shred a fresh head of cabbage. This can be done using a sharp knife and cutting board and finely slicing the cabbage, then separating the slices into shreds. This could also be done using a mandoline or food processor.
Add the shredded cabbage to a large bowl. Next clean and shred the carrots and add them to the same bowl along with the cabbage.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, sugar, milk, salt, and ground black pepper until combined. Add the creamy dressing to the large mixing bowl with the cabbage and carrots.
Gently stir to combine. Give it a taste and make adjustments as needed.
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Place it into the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. Remove it from the refrigerator, give it a stir, and serve. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this classic southern coleslaw recipe as a side dish at summer barbecues, family gatherings, and your next summer picnic. It pairs really well with these recipes:
- Hot Dogs
- BBQ Chicken Thighs
- Barbecue Ribs
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Old Fashioned Hamburger Recipe
- Southern Fried Catfish
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Make the process simpler by using the bag version of shredded cabbage mixture/cole slaw mix, just make sure that it is not broccoli slaw.
- Don't be afraid to make adjustments to the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to fit your taste. Use more or less as needed.
- Try making it vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and milk.
- Lighten up the dressing by using half mayonnaise and half sour cream.
- Some recipe variations can be adding lemon juice, Dijon mustard, celery seed, and red onion.
Storage Tips
Store this southern-style coleslaw in the refrigerator in an airtight container or plastic storage bag for 3 to 4 days. Any longer than that and you may notice that it becomes a little watery.
Try not to leave it at room temperature or out on the countertop for any length of time to prevent spoilage. This particular slaw recipe is meant to be enjoyed shortly after it is made and should not be frozen or stored in the freezer for later.
Want More Classic Southern Recipes? Try These:
- Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
- Southern Baked Beans with Bacon
- Crispy Fried Okra
- Fried Chicken Recipe
- Potato Salad Recipe with Egg
- Cheese Grits with Heavy Cream
- Southern Cornbread
- Easy Hush Puppy Recipe
Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy this Homemade Coleslaw? Please share them in the comments below!
📖 Recipe
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Video
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 large spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 8 cups shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Begin the recipe by preparing the cabbage first. You'll need to clean, remove the core, and shred a head of cabbage.
- This can be done using a sharp knife and cutting board and finely slicing the cabbage, then separating the slices into shreds. This could also be done using a mandoline or food processor.
- Add the 8 cups shredded cabbage to a large bowl. Next clean and shred the ½ cup carrots and add them to the same bowl along with the cabbage.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups mayo, 3 tablespoons white vinegar, 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons whole milk, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper until combined.
- Add the creamy dressing to the large mixing bowl with the cabbage and carrots. Gently stir to combine. Give it a taste and make adjustments as needed.
- Place it into the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. Remove it from the refrigerator, give it a stir, and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make the process simpler by using the bag version of shredded cabbage mixture/cole slaw mix, just make sure that it is not broccoli slaw.
- Don't be afraid to make adjustments to the vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to fit your taste. Use more or less as needed.
- Try making it vegan by using vegan mayonnaise and milk.
- Lighten up the dressing by using half mayonnaise and half sour cream.
- Some recipe variations can be adding lemon juice, Dijon mustard, celery seed, and red onion.
Izzy says
I love your potato salad recipe! Wondering how the Cole slaw would taste if I left out the milk. Is there something non-dairy y that I can use instead?
LaKita says
Thank you Izzy, that makes me so happy to hear! You should be able to omit the milk without any problems. If you notice it's too dry, you can add in some non-dairy milk.