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Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe

This Easy Southern Coleslaw Recipe has the best sweet and tangy flavor. It’s served creamy and chilled. Perfect for loading onto pulled pork sandwiches or served as a side dish for any BBQ or cookout spread.

southern coleslaw in a white bowl
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fresh coleslaw mix, red cabbage, onions in glass bowls

What’s the Difference Between Southern and Northern Coleslaw?

The debate on how to serve coleslaw is one that exists regardless of geographical region. I have noticed there are two ways to prepare the dish: sweet and tangy or just tangy.

This recipe is served with both sweet and tangy flavor. Other coleslaw variations are made with a vinegar dressing and are only tangy.

apple cider vinegar, mustard, sweetener, celery salt, salt, pepper, and mayo in separate bowls

Ingredients You Will Need

See measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

red cabbage, coleslaw mix, and chopped onions in a glass bowl

How to Make Southern Coleslaw

Get the exact measurements used in the recipe card below at the bottom of the post.

  1. Add mayo, finely chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the coleslaw mix and red cabbage to a large serving bowl. Drizzle the mayo mixture throughout. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and refrigerate.
chopped red cabbage, coleslaw mix, chopped onions, mayo, and seasoning in a glass bowl

How to Make it With No Mayo and Substitute

You can substitute mayo for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

How to Make it Taste Like KFC

To get this coleslaw just like the KFC side, you will need to finely chop the coleslaw mix. Theirs is served with small bits of cabbage and veggies. You will also need to add more mayo and sweetener or sugar. Their recipe is really creamy and sweet.

southern coleslaw in a glass bowl

Can You Make it Ahead

Although you can safely make coleslaw three to four days ahead of serving it, you may not be happy with the quality. Coleslaw should be made ahead and refrigerated to meld the flavors, but if you make it more than 24 hours ahead, it becomes watery and limp. Get more tips on How Far in Advance You Can Make Coleslaw here.

southern coleslaw in a white bowl

How to Store It/How Long it Will Last in the Fridge

Store the coleslaw tightly sealed. It will last 3-4 days, but the longer it’s stored the watery it becomes.

Recipe Tips

  • Decide how you prefer your coleslaw. Some prefer a really creamy coleslaw. If you like the KFC coleslaw, you may prefer yours to be really creamy. If so, add additional mayo as needed.
  • If you prefer yours to be somewhat dry, start with 1/4 cup of mayo and adjust as needed.
  • If you like sweet coleslaw, adjust and add more sugar or sweetener.
  • If you prefer a very vinegar-based slaw, add more vinegar and start with a teaspoon of sugar/sweetener and adjust as necessary.
southern coleslaw in a white bowl

Pair This Dish with These Main Dishes (Seafood and Chicken)

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Air Fryer Catfish
Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese

Pair This Dish with These Main Dishes (Burgers and Pork)

Air Fryer Ribs
Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
Traeger Smoked Salmon
Grilled Baby Back Ribs
Homemade BBQ Seasoning
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs
How to Grill the Best Burgers
Grilled Cedar Plank Shrimp
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
Queso Burgers
Air Fryer Frozen Burgers

More Southern Side Dishes

Bow Tie Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Southern Green Beans
Instant Pot Collard Greens

Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Homemade Cornbread

Southern Baked Beans
Easy Spaghetti Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Check out a listing of all Southern Soul Food Recipes and the Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.

a fork full of southern coleslaw

If you want to make this without mayo, check out our Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.

southern coleslaw in a white bowl
Print Pin
5 from 10 votes

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe

This Easy Southern Coleslaw Recipe has the best sweet and tangy flavor. It's served creamy and chilled. Perfect for loading onto pulled pork sandwiches or served as a side dish for any BBQ spread.
Save this recipe here.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern
Keyword best coleslaw recipe, southern coleslaw recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
chill 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 133kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage Optional. I love to add it for color.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar I suggest you start with 1 tablespoon. Taste repeatedly and adjust as necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon mustard I use Dijon.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or sweetener I suggest you start with 1 tablespoon. Taste repeatedly and adjust as necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add the mayo, finely chopped onion, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, celery salt, salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Add the coleslaw mix and red cabbage to a large serving bowl. Drizzle the mayo mixture throughout. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to serve chilled.

Video

Notes

  • You can double or triple the recipe by doubling the ingredients, etc.
  • Coleslaw mix is essentially shredded cabbage and carrots. You can make your own mix if you wish.
  • I like for my coleslaw to have a taste of both vinegar and sweetness. To make the perfect slaw, modify ingredients to fit your taste.
  • Decide how you prefer your coleslaw. Some prefer a really creamy coleslaw. If you like the KFC coleslaw, you may prefer yours to be really creamy. If so, add additional mayo as needed.
  • If you prefer yours to be somewhat dry, start with 1/4 cup of mayo and adjust as needed.
  • If you like sweet coleslaw, adjust and add more sweetener.
  • If you prefer a very vinegar-based slaw, add more vinegar and start with a teaspoon of sweetener and adjust as necessary.
Recipe Tools Used in this RecipeAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 13g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
5 from 10 votes
Recipe Rating




Kate

Wednesday 10th of January 2024

My family of four absolutely inhales this coleslaw every time I make it! I've been making it for years and it is a monthly staple in our home. I always double the recipe, its better than a lot of BBQ restaurants coleslaw IMO. I use Follow Your Heart Veganaise, a sugar replacement (use half the amount of sugar) and never need to add salt to taste. The celery salt and apple cider vinegar make this recipe pop and I never feel guilty eating it! Thank you!!

staysnatched

Thursday 11th of January 2024

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoy it.

Anna

Monday 13th of February 2023

Perfect flavor!

staysnatched

Friday 24th of February 2023

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

baltisraul

Sunday 10th of July 2022

If you want to take this up to an even better level, change just one ingredient. Substitute tarragon vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.

Ashley

Monday 30th of May 2022

This recipe is delicious and perfect for part of the best bbq line up! It was a hit!

staysnatched

Monday 30th of May 2022

So glad to hear it!

Jessica Norrell

Friday 29th of April 2022

I've probably made this recipe at least 5 times already this year. Goes amazingly well with Brandi's fish tacos or as a side dish. This was the only request my 6-year-old made for a family get together this weekend. It's a staple! Thank you Brandi for yet another hit!

staysnatched

Monday 2nd of May 2022

You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it.