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!

Video

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.

4.92 from 34 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? ›

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.

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.

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

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 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 KFC coleslaw made of? ›

KFC coleslaw has a sweet and tangy taste with a creamy texture. The coleslaw is made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, and is dressed with a sweet and tangy dressing that includes vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices.

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 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.

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

is it a use by date or a best before date? Either way one day wont make a difference as even the use by date is a 'safe' suggestion, usually leaving several more days until it starts to go bad.

What is Amish coleslaw made of? ›

Old Fashioned Amish Vinegar Coleslaw

Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard.

What's the difference between coleslaw and slaw? ›

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

Should you wash bagged coleslaw? ›

Bagged or ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce

If the product is not labeled "washed," "triple washed," or "ready-to-eat," it must be washed before eating.

Why is my coleslaw turning GREY? ›

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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