• Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
Easy Family Recipes
Free Recipe Club
  • New? Start here
  • ✱ Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Chicken
  • Dinners
  • 🍲 One Dish Recipes
  • Home
  • New? Start Here
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Chicken
  • Dinners
  • 🍲 One Dish Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Salad
    • Soup
    • Side Dish
    • Dairy Free
    • Gluten Free
    • Low Carb
    • Vegetarian
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Ground Turkey
    • Pork
    • Pasta
    • Rice
    • Crock Pot
    • Grill
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Stove top
    • Casserole
    • One Dish
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Terms of Use
  • Terms of Use – Disclosure Policy
Search
Home / Recipes / Course / Salad / Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Jump to Recipe
V

Author:

Kimber Matherne

Updated:

July 10, 2024

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

With colorful cabbage in a creamy and tangy dressing, this Southern Coleslaw is as easy as it is delicious! With just 10 minutes prep time and 10 minutes to chill, this is a super fast coleslaw recipe that’s perfect for everything from BBQs to picnics to weeknight dinners.

A close-up of classic Southern coleslaw salad in a glass bowl with two wooden spoons. this Recipe

Table of contents

Toggle
  • Recipe Notes
  • Recipe Variations
  • Recipe Step by Step
  • Recipe Tips
  • Recipe Short Cuts
  • What to Serve with Southern Coleslaw
  • Southern Coleslaw Leftovers
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More EASY Cabbage Recipes
  • Southern Coleslaw Recipe

When you’re looking for the perfect salad to bring to the BBQ, look no further than Creamy Southern Coleslaw! This classic coleslaw is so good alongside It’s so good alongside cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, and more.

I love topping sandwiches with coleslaw, too! Top pulled pork sandwiches (or BBQ chicken!) with coleslaw for a crisp and cool counterpoint.

I especially love this Southern Coleslaw recipe because it uses an easy shortcut–pre-shredded cabbage–for the fastest and easiest prep!

Why I LOVE this recipe!

  • Perfect for parties and potlucks – Creamy Southern Coleslaw is always the most popular salad at the party!
  • Simple and fast – The simple list of ingredients transforms into a creamy and tangy salad within minutes.
  • Easy to customize – There are so many ways to make this Southern Coleslaw your own.

Recipe Notes

This Southern Coleslaw recipe is as simple as promised! Just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes prep time for a classic southern side dish.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Southern Coleslaw to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

Ingredients for classic Southern coleslaw including shredded cabbage, mayo, and lemon.
  • Cabbage – For this recipe, we use a mix of pre-shredded cabbage: Both tricolor cabbage and finely shredded cabbage. For a twist on cabbage coleslaw, try pre-shredded packaged broccoli slaw instead.
  • Onion – A small amount of finely diced yellow onion adds flavor and texture to this Southern coleslaw. Sweet onion, white onion, or red onion will also work.
  • Mayonnaise – Use your favorite real mayo. Miracle Whip will also work, if you prefer.
  • Sugar – White sugar or granulated sugar add a sweet note to the coleslaw dressing. 
  • Buttermilk – Adds tangy taste and another element of creaminess. 
  • Lemon juice – For bright, vibrant flavor, we use fresh-squeezed lemon juice, but bottled lemon juice will work as well. 
  • White vinegar – For tangy flavor. Apple cider vinegar is also delicious in this Southern Coleslaw.
  • Salt & pepper – Helps enhance the flavors. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

  • Make it a non-creamy coleslaw- Leave out the mayonnaise and buttermilk for an old-fashioned coleslaw recipe with vinegar! Add 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil to the dressing instead of the creamy ingredients, for a sweet and tangy vinaigrette-based coleslaw dressing without mayo.
  • Make it spicy– Chop up some jalapeños and add a generous pinch of cayenne pepper and/or chili powder for a spicy kick. Or add a squirt of Sriracha! This variation would be excellent with lime juice instead of lemon juice.
  • Add fruit or veggies- Add more shredded carrots, cut up some broccoli stems, or use thin strips of red bell peppers. Or add shredded tart apple and/or raisins for a sweet touch.
  • Throw in some herbs– Add a handful of chopped parsley, marjoram, oregano, or dill for fresh herbal flavor.
  • Add crunch with nuts or seeds– Make a heartier coleslaw with a bit of welcome crunch by adding roasted sunflower seeds, toasted sliced almonds, or chopped pecans.

Recipe Step by Step

Coleslaw dressing ingredients in a glass bowl on a wooden background.

Place the coleslaw dressing ingredients in a large bowl.

Coleslaw dressing ingredients being whisked together in a clear bowl on a wood background.

Stir with a whisk until smooth and creamy.

Shredded cabbage and coleslaw dressing ready to be mixed together for classic Southern coleslaw.

Add the shredded cabbage and the onion.

Classic southern coleslaw being mixed together with tongs.

Toss the cabbage with the dressing until thoroughly combined.

Recipe Tips

  1. Mince the onion finely – The onion is for flavor, but you don’t want big bits of it in your Southern Coleslaw.
  2. Chill, but not for too long – Chill coleslaw for at least 10 minutes before serving, but ideally for not much more than 12 hours. It does keep for a couple of days in the fridge, but the longer it sits, the more you risk it getting more soggy/watery than you might like.

Recipe Short Cuts

If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!

  • Make the dressing ahead of time – If you’re going to be short on time, whip up the coleslaw dressing separately, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it. When it’s time to make the coleslaw, just mix the cabbage and onion with the pre-made dressing.
  • Use store-bought dressing – This homemade coleslaw dressing is amazing, but if you’re extremely short on time, grab a premade dressing at the store for a super fast coleslaw recipe.
A white plate full of classic BBQ food served up with classic southern coleslaw.

What to Serve with Southern Coleslaw

Since this coleslaw has the delicious flavors of crisp cabbage in a creamy and tangy dressing, it will pair well with many of your favorite BBQ dishes.

Choose one or several of these dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.

BBQ-Themed Dish Ideas

  • Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
  • Zesty Crock Pot Pulled Pork
  • Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  • Southwest Burger

Southern Coleslaw Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

  • in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

Leftover Recipes

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

  • Pulled pork sandwiches– Pull out those Southern Coleslaw leftovers and add it to BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for a refreshing contrast to the spicy pulled pork.
  • Add it to tacos– Stuff delicious Hawaiian chicken tacos or fish tacos with creamy coleslaw.
  • Serve it with fish– Coleslaw makes the perfect side with this blackened fish for dinner!
  • Stretch it with more ingredients– Add bell pepper strips, shredded carrots, broccoli slaw, apples, or raisins for a hearty salad.

Recipe FAQ’s

What country does coleslaw come from?

A form of coleslaw dates as far back as Ancient Rome, but in the 1700s, a dish called “koolsla” was became popular in The Netherlands. The name “koolsla” translates to cabbage salad, and eventually became known as “coleslaw” in the U.S.

What is the difference between red slaw and white slaw?

White slaw has mayo, while red slaw, which is a popular element of North Carolina barbecue, is made with ketchup instead of mayonnaise.

Is coleslaw a Southern thing?

While coleslaw originated in The Netherlands, southern-style coleslaw made with mayonnaise is popular in the Southern U.S.

Why do you put vinegar in coleslaw?

Vinegar adds a signature tangy taste to coleslaw.

More EASY Cabbage Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my easy side dish recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.

  • Spicy Sriracha Asian Coleslaw
  • Crockpot BBQ Chicken Sliders with Ranch Slaw
  • Spring Chopped Salad with Pomegranate Dressing
A close-up of classic Southern coleslaw salad in a glass bowl with two wooden spoons.

Southern Coleslaw

By: Kimber Matherne
5 from 1 vote
This homemade coleslaw features crisp shredded cabbage in a tangy and creamy dressing for a classic side that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
chill: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
10
Rate this Recipe Print Pin SaveSaved!

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces tricolor cabbage, coleslaw mix
  • 8 ounces finely shredded cabbage
  • 1/4 medium yellow onion, finely diced

For the coleslaw dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • To make the dressing. whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Add the cabbage mix and onion to the bowl and toss to evenly coat in the dressing.
  • Let chill 10 minutes, or up to an hour for the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Last step!Share a picture on Instagram and tag me at @easyfamilyrecipes!

Recipe Notes

Substitutions:
  • Cabbage – 1 medium head of green or red cabbage, shredded, will work in place of the pre-shredded cabbage. 
  • White vinegar – Apple cider vinegar will work as a substitute.
How to Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, however, I recommend one day max for the fresh coleslaw that isn’t soggy. If you’d like to make it ahead of time, I suggest keeping the dressing separate until closer to serving time. 
How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 119kcal (6%), Carbohydrates: 10g (3%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 1g (6%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 5mg (2%), Sodium: 206mg (9%), Potassium: 134mg (4%), Fiber: 2g (8%), Sugar: 8g (9%), Vitamin A: 84IU (2%), Vitamin C: 26mg (32%), Calcium: 36mg (4%), Iron: 0.4mg (2%)

Loved this recipe?

Spread the love. It helps support my website and makes my day!

Email to a Friend Rate Recipe

Sign up to join our free recipe club & receive new recipes each week!

5 from 1 vote

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




One response

  1. Jessie
    June 21, 2024

    5 stars
    Nice & light cole slaw. I like the addition of onions, it added a nice flavor.

    Reply
Kimber Easy Family Recipes Headshot

Hey there!

I’m Kimber. Mom of 3 and home cook.

Learn More

Need a done-for-you meal plan?

Free Meal Plan

Recipe Key

LC Low Carb IP Instant Pot DF Dairy Free D Dessert GF Gluten Free S Soup V Vegetarian CA Casserole CP Crock Pot A Appetizers

Sign up to join our free recipe club & receive new recipes each week!

Popular Posts

  • Million Dollar Chicken Bake

    Million Dollar Chicken Bake

  • Cheeseburger Pasta

    Cheeseburger Pasta

  • Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

    Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti

  • Mexican Street Corn Casserole

    Mexican Street Corn Casserole

  • Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

    Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken

  • Mexican Street Corn Chicken

    Mexican Street Corn Chicken

Fall Potluck Staples

  • Black Bean and Corn Salsa

    Black Bean and Corn Salsa

  • Jiffy Corn Casserole

    Jiffy Corn Casserole

  • Crock Pot Pork Carnitas

    Crock Pot Pork Carnitas

  • 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

    3 Ingredient Crock Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cracker Cookies

  • White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

    White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Browse by Course
Appetizer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Salad
Soup
Browse All Recipes

🖤

Reader Favorites

  • Ranch Chicken Bites
    Chicken

    Ranch Chicken Bites

  • Taco Skillet Dinner
    Beef

    Taco Skillet Dinner

  • Salsa Fresca Chicken
    Chicken

    Salsa Fresca Chicken

  • Crock Pot BBQ Chicken – 3 Ingredients!
    Chicken

    Crock Pot BBQ Chicken – 3 Ingredients!

Featured On

Free Recipe Club

Subscribe to email updates for new recipes delivered to your inbox!

Sign me up!

Psst! Looking for more
family-friendly recipes?

Check out our sister site over at:

ThePinningMama.com
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

© 2013-2024 · Site by MRD and OC

A close-up of classic Southern coleslaw salad with the text "Southern Coleslaw."
A collage image showing coleslaw being made in a clear bowl.
A collage image showing how coleslaw is being made.
A plate of food with the focus on classic Southern coleslaw salad with the text "Creamy Southern Coleslaw."
A close-up of classic Southern coleslaw salad in a glass bowl with two wooden spoons. The text "Southern Coleslaw."
A close-up of classic Southern coleslaw salad with the text "Creamy Southern Coleslaw."

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.