What’s the secret to the perfect picnic, potluck, or barbecue spread? Alongside the smoky ribs and juicy burgers, there’s always one side dish that has to be there: a cool, creamy, and refreshing coleslaw. But not just any coleslaw – we’re talking about that classic, perfectly balanced Southern Style Coleslaw with its signature tangy-sweet dressing.

Contents

Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing Ingredients
Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix
Step 3: Toss to Combine
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Meld
Step 5: Toss Again and Serve

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. Can I use fresh onion instead of onion powder?
Q2. Can I shred my own cabbage instead of using a bag mix?
Q3. How can I make this coleslaw less sweet?
Q4. Can I add other ingredients to the coleslaw?

Best Southern Style Coleslaw (Creamy & Tangy!)

Description
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Forget those bland, watery versions from the deli counter. This easy recipe brings you the authentic taste of Southern comfort food with a simple, homemade dressing that comes together in minutes. It’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, and just sweet enough – the absolute perfect counterpoint to rich, savory mains. Get ready to master the ultimate coleslaw recipe!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple pantry staples to whip up this incredibly flavorful dressing. Using a pre-shredded coleslaw mix makes prep a breeze!

Ingredient	Amount/Quantity	Notes
Real Mayonnaise	1 cup	Use full-fat for the best creamy texture
Dijon Mustard	2 tablespoons	Adds a tangy kick
Apple Cider Vinegar	2 tablespoons	Provides brightness and cuts richness
Granulated Sugar	3 tablespoons	Balances the tang; adjust to preference
Kosher Salt	¾ teaspoon	Enhances all flavors
Onion Powder	1 teaspoon	Or 1 tbsp finely grated fresh onion
Celery Seeds	2 teaspoons	A classic Southern coleslaw flavor booster
Coleslaw Mix (bagged)	1 (16-ounce) bag	Plain cabbage or tri-color deli style works

Timing

This recipe is incredibly quick to assemble, but the chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld perfectly.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour (minimum)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get ready for the easiest, most delicious coleslaw you’ve ever made!

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl (large enough to hold the cabbage later), combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and celery seeds. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Actionable Tip: Taste the dressing at this point! You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding a touch more sugar or vinegar before you add the cabbage.

Step 2: Add the Coleslaw Mix

Pour the entire bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix into the bowl with the dressing.

Actionable Tip: If you prefer to shred your own cabbage and carrots, aim for about 6-7 cups of finely shredded mix.

Step 3: Toss to Combine

Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the cabbage mix with the dressing until every strand is evenly coated. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to incorporate all the dressing.

Actionable Tip: Be thorough but gentle. You want to coat everything without bruising or mashing the cabbage shreds.

Step 4: Chill for Flavor Meld

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial!

Actionable Tip: During chilling, the cabbage slightly softens, releases a bit of moisture into the dressing, and absorbs the tangy-sweet flavors, resulting in a much tastier and cohesive slaw.

Step 5: Toss Again and Serve

Just before serving, give the Southern Style Coleslaw one final toss to redistribute the dressing. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This is an estimate for one serving (about ½ cup), but nutritional values can vary based on the specific mayonnaise and coleslaw mix used.

Calories: Approx. 200-250 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 8-10 g
Fat: 18-22 g
Saturated Fat: 3-4 g
Sugar: 6-8 g
Sodium: 300-400 mg

Notable Benefit: Cabbage is a good source of Vitamin C and fiber!

Healthier Alternatives

This classic recipe is rich and creamy, but you can easily lighten it up:

Lighter Mayo: Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with a light mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt. Using Greek yogurt will add extra protein and tang, but might require a slight increase in sugar or a touch of honey to balance the flavor.
Reduce Sugar: You can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon or two, or replace it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or a sugar substitute suitable for cold preparations.
Vinegar-Based Slaw: For a completely different, lighter style, search for vinegar-based coleslaw recipes which omit the mayonnaise altogether.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other shredded vegetables like broccoli slaw mix, shredded kale, or thinly sliced bell peppers for extra nutrients and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Southern Style Coleslaw is the quintessential side dish for so many meals!

BBQ Buddy: It’s practically mandatory alongside pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, or BBQ ribs. The cool, tangy crunch cuts through the richness perfectly.
Fried Chicken Favorite: Serve a generous scoop next to crispy fried chicken for a classic Southern pairing.
Potluck Star: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled and always a hit at picnics, potlucks, and backyard gatherings.
Taco Topping: Use it as a crunchy, creamy topping for fish tacos or carnitas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For the best coleslaw texture and flavor, avoid these common errors:

Making it Too Far in Advance: While it needs chilling, letting coleslaw sit for too long (more than 2 days) can result in a watery, soggy texture as the cabbage releases too much liquid. Solution: Aim to make it the day of or the day before serving for optimal results.
Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately after mixing results in a harsh dressing flavor and overly crunchy cabbage. Solution: Don’t skip the minimum 1-hour chill time; it’s essential for flavor melding.
Dressing is Too Thin/Thick: The consistency depends heavily on your mayonnaise. Solution: If too thick, add a tiny splash more vinegar. If too thin (unlikely with full-fat mayo), ensure you chill it adequately, as it will thicken slightly.

Storing Tips

Proper storage keeps your coleslaw fresh and safe to eat.

Refrigerate: Store leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Shelf Life: Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, it’s best consumed within 2-3 days. Always keep it well-chilled, especially at outdoor events.
Freezing: Freezing coleslaw is not recommended. The mayonnaise will separate upon thawing, and the cabbage will become limp and watery, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

Conclusion

This Southern Style Coleslaw is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined perfectly. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy – everything you want in a classic coleslaw. Incredibly easy to whip up and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is destined to become your go-to side dish for barbecues, picnics, and simple weeknight dinners alike. Enjoy the taste of Southern comfort!

Ready to make the best coleslaw ever? Give this easy recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! We love hearing how it turned out. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more classic comfort food favorites!

FAQs

Q1. Can I use fresh onion instead of onion powder?

Yes! The recipe notes suggest using 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh onion as a substitute. Grating it helps it incorporate smoothly into the dressing without large chunks.

Q2. Can I shred my own cabbage instead of using a bag mix?

Absolutely! For a 16-ounce equivalent, you’ll need about half a medium head of green cabbage, finely shredded, and perhaps 1-2 carrots, shredded. You can use a food processor with a shredding disc, a mandoline, or a sharp knife.

Q3. How can I make this coleslaw less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing. Start with 1 or 2 tablespoons instead of 3, taste the dressing before adding the cabbage, and adjust if needed. Remember the cabbage itself adds a slight sweetness as well.

Q4. Can I add other ingredients to the coleslaw?

Definitely! Feel free to customize it. Some popular additions include finely chopped green bell pepper, shredded red cabbage for more color, thinly sliced green onions, or even some drained pineapple tidbits for a sweet twist.