Creamy Southern Coleslaw is one of the most beloved side dishes in American comfort food. Crisp cabbage, sweet carrots, and a rich, tangy dressing come together to create a refreshing salad that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, barbecue, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, and picnic favorites. This easy homemade recipe delivers the ideal balance of crunch, creaminess, sweetness, and tanginess in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
- 2 medium carrots, grated or julienned
- ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Remove any damaged outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place it in a large mixing bowl.
Peel and grate the carrots, then add them to the bowl along with the diced onion if using.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if desired. Add a little more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for extra tang.
Step 3: Combine
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss thoroughly until every piece of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together and softens the cabbage slightly while maintaining its crunch.
Step 5: Serve
Give the coleslaw a final stir before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Tips for Perfect Coleslaw
- For extra crunch, chill the shredded cabbage in ice water for 15 minutes before mixing.
- Use freshly shredded cabbage instead of pre-packaged mixes for the best texture.
- Let the coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour to develop flavor.
- Add diced apples, raisins, or pineapple for a sweet variation.
- For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy coleslaw is delicious alongside fried chicken, barbecue ribs, grilled burgers, hot dogs, fish sandwiches, or pulled pork. It also makes an excellent topping for tacos and sandwiches.
Yield
Serves 6–8
Prep Time
15 minutes
Chill Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Creamy Southern Coleslaw is the perfect combination of crunchy vegetables and smooth, tangy dressing. Whether served at a summer cookout, family gathering, or weeknight dinner, this classic side dish brings fresh flavor and irresistible texture to any meal. 🥬✨😋