Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

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Southern coleslaw is slightly tangy, sweet, and creamy.

It is used as a barbecue side dish or on top of pulled pork, hamburgers, or hot dogs.

This creamy coleslaw recipe is easy to put together and will be a favorite addition to all of your back yard cookouts.

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (1)

Try this recipe on pulled pork with my homemade Carolina barbecue sauce or my Carolina mustard barbecue sauce. It will be PERFECTION!

Or if you want a "Carolina" hamburger or hot dog, make my homemade hotdog chili recipe.

Top your juicy burger or tasty hotdog with ketchup, mustard, and then add the homemade chili and Southern slaw! YUM!

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Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (2)

Southern coleslaw ingredients

To make this Southern coleslaw recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Cabbage-You can used pre-shredded bagged cabbage to save time. However, shredding it yourself is cheaper and more flavorful.
  • Mayonnaise- Use real mayonnaise, not Miracle Whip.
  • Sugar
  • Mustard- Use plain yellow mustard for this recipe.
  • Celery Salt- You can substitute with ¼ teaspoon of celery seed if you cannot find celery salt.
  • Relish- I use sweet pickle relish rather than dill relish for this recipe. However, it is good also with dill relish for a different twist in flavor.

Note: To make your own homemade celery salt, try this recipe. It is so much better than the store bought stuff!

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (3)

What to use to shred cabbage?

Southern cabbage is usually finely shredded.

You can buy the pre-shredded cabbage in the grocery store. I don't like using it because it is dry and doesn't absorb the dressing as well.

If you are in an absolute time crunch, you can buy the bagged cabbage.

However, I suggest you use a food processor with the grater attachment. It shreds down the cabbage into perfect small pieces. It is also quick and easy to do.

Or use a box grater. It is a little more time consuming. However, it will finely shred your cabbage to the right consistency.

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (4)

How to make coleslaw from scratch?

Follow these easy steps to make homemade creamy coleslaw.

  1. Core cabbage, then shred with a food processor or box grater.
  2. In a mixing bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, relish, mustard, and celery salt.
  3. Mix dressing with the shredded cabbage. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate 2 or more hours before serving. Stir one more time before serving.

Note: When the dressing is first mixed with the coleslaw, the sugar will be gritty and the slaw will not be very creamy. When resting in the refrigerator, the sugar and salt will draw out some of the moisture from the cabbage creating the desired creamy rich texture.

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (5)

How long will it last?

Homemade coleslaw will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

It is best to eat within 3 days, because the longer it stays in the refrigerator, the more watery it will become.

Mustard vs Vinegar

Some Southerners use vinegar with the mayonnaise. Others use mustard. There are some that use neither.

I have found the vinegar makes the slaw too watery after sitting in the refrigerator.

The little bit of mustard acts as a thickening agent when mixed in the dressing. It also gives a little acid flavor to cut out some of that mayonnaise flavor for a more well rounded finish.

If you want it really tangy, add 2 tbs of mustard.

Carrots?

Out of laziness, I don't use carrots in my recipe. I find it adds a pretty color, but doesn't do much for flavor.

Therefore, out of laziness, and not having to add an additional ingredient, I do not add carrots.

However, if you want to add carrots, shred 2 carrots and mix in with your slaw.

Please leave me a comment below if you make this slaw recipe and tell me what you thought about it.I would love to hear back, and so would my readers.

Also post your picture of your coleslaw onInstagramorFacebook, and tag @aforkstale with #aforkstale hashtags!I will share with my followers! xoxo!

Recipe

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (6)

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Southern coleslaw is slightly tangy, sweet, and creamy. It is used as a barbecue side dish or on top of pulled pork, hamburgers, or hot dogs. This creamy coleslaw recipe is easy to put together and will be a favorite addition to all of your back yard cookouts.

4.94 from 33 votes

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Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 180kcal

Author: Katie Crenshaw

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds cabbage head medium sized cabbage
  • cup sugar
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Core 1 medium sized cabbage head, then shred with a food processor or box grater. (about 3 lbs)

  • In a mixing bowl, mix 1 cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup sugar, 2 tbs sweet pickle relish, 1 teaspoon mustard, and ½ teaspoon celery salt.

  • Mix dressing with the shredded cabbage. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate 2 or more hours before serving. Mix one more time before serving.

Video

Notes

I don't add carrots to my slaw, but if you want to add carrots, add 2 shredded carrots for this recipe.

Note: When the dressing is first mixed with the coleslaw, the sugar will be gritty and the slaw will not be very creamy. When resting in the refrigerator, the sugar and salt will draw out some of the moisture from the cabbage creating the desired creamy rich texture.

Note: You can substitute with ¼ teaspoon of celery seed if you cannot find celery salt.

Nutrition- Nutrition info is based on estimation only.

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 198mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe? I want to see it!Mention @aForksTale or tag #aForksTale!

Southern Coleslaw- Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is creamy coleslaw made of? ›

Julienne cabbage and carrots using a mandoline (<- affiliate link). Place in a large bowl. Add in mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, salt, sugar, mustard powder and white pepper. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined.

How long will creamy coleslaw keep in the refrigerator? ›

Assuming that you're storing your coleslaw in the refrigerator — and haven't taken it out for a stretch of time and put it back in — coleslaw can safely last up to five days. However, it's important to remember that this is the maximum amount of time it should be kept.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

What is the dressing made of in coleslaw? ›

What Is Coleslaw Dressing Made Of? This creamy, mayo-based dressing uses ingredients you likely have on hand: sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and of course, mayonnaise. The resulting dressing is just the right balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and peppery!

What is creamy coleslaw made of mayonnaise? ›

Combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth! Then, combine the veggies. Add the scallions, red cabbage, green cabbage, and carrot to a large bowl, and toss to combine.

What is the difference between Eastern and Western coleslaw? ›

Unlike Lexington style, Eastern style contains no tomatoes. It is purely vinegar and pepper which is used to season after cooking. The coleslaw is also different, swapping out the red for a white mayonnaise-based sauce.

What is the food poisoning in coleslaw? ›

Listeria is a foodborne illness caused by bacteria that is able to grow at refrigeration temperatures. Outbreaks in recent years have been linked to contaminated coleslaw, milk, and cheese. Listeria is caused by bacteria frequently found in soil, water and plant matter.

Is it OK to eat coleslaw after use by date? ›

Well, like most things if it looks okay, smells okay and tastes okay, it's probably okay to eat. Signs to look out for might include the texture getting noticeably softer instead of crispy, any discoloration at all (areas or spots of gray or brown), and obviously anything growing on it.

Does coleslaw taste better the next day? ›

Coleslaw has the best texture and flavor the day it's made, but it still keeps well for several days in the fridge. If you're making this coleslaw more than a day ahead, don't skip the salting step above.

Why does my homemade coleslaw taste bitter? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

Should cabbage be salted before making coleslaw? ›

I was intrigued by the culinary curveballs Dolly includes in her version of the classic dish, like chopped dill pickles and sweet pickle juice. But I noticed that she skipped a simple step that I consider vital. For the crunchiest coleslaw, always salt the cabbage first.

Why did my coleslaw turn pink? ›

Red cabbage, red radishes, and red onions have pigments that bleed into the slaw and turn it pink after several hours. Red cabbage can also stain plastic bowls. Red cabbage slaws also look bleached out after several hours. As a result, leftovers of slaws with these ingredients can look funny.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste, with a creamy texture. The dressing is made with a blend of mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, and spices, which gives it its distinct flavor. The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar in coleslaw? ›

Flavor wise, chopped pickle relish, celery seeds, a touch of Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and sour cream are all common. Just mix everything together and go! Is there a good substitute for white vinegar in this recipe? Add apple cider vinegar if you do not like the white vinegar.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar in coleslaw dressing? ›

Distilled white vinegar is a great substitute for apple cider vinegar. Lemon Juice.

What's the difference between coleslaw and creamed cabbage? ›

Creamed cabbage is made with cream, cabbage, mustard, and seasoning. Coleslaw includes other veggies, like shredded carrots. The sauce for coleslaw is made with vinegar, mayo, sugar, salt, and other seasonings. Coleslaw is meant to be eaten cold, while creamed cabbage should be eaten warm.

Is creamy coleslaw good for you? ›

Yes, coleslaw can be healthy! The base of coleslaw is shredded vegetables (traditionally cabbage), so inherently coleslaw is vitamin- and fiber-packed and good for you. The issue is the dressing. Most traditional creamy coleslaw dressing is made with high fat ingredients like mayo and has sugar added too.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

The real difference is that the raw, chopped vegetables in coleslaw are primarily cabbage: Napa, red, savoy, or bok choy. Slaw without the cole can feature any crunchy veggie in place of cabbage, including chopped or shredded broccoli, carrots, snow peas, jicama, and more.

Does creamy coleslaw have sugar? ›

INGREDIENTS: Vegetables: Green Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Carrots. Dressing: Sugar, Vegetable Oil (Soybean and/or Canola Oil), Water, Distilled Vinegar, Egg Yolk, Egg White, Salt, Dehydrated Onion, Rice Starch, Natural Flavors (Mustard), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Extractive of Paprika, Dehydrated Garlic.

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