Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (2024)

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.

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (1)

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Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (2)

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.

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (3)

Ingredients You Will Need

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

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (4)

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.
Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (5)

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.

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (6)

Can You Make it Ahead

Although youcansafelymake coleslawthree to four daysaheadof serving it, you may not be happy with the quality.Coleslaw shouldbemade aheadand refrigerated to meld the flavors, but if youmakeit more than 24 hoursahead, it becomes watery and limp. Get more tips on How Far in Advance You Can Make Coleslaw here.

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (7)

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.
Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (8)

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

Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
Air Fryer CatfishAir 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 SalmonGrilled Baby Back RibsHomemade 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 FoilSouthern Soul Food Baked Mac and CheeseInstant Pot Southern Green BeansInstant Pot Collard Greens
Southern Mustard GreensSouthern 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.

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (9)

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

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (10)

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 minutes

chill 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 133kcal

Author Brandi Crawford

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.

Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe + {VIDEO} (2024)

FAQs

What is creamy coleslaw made of? ›

Combine the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, onion, sugar, vinegar, mustard, celery salt, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, and then add to the cabbage mixture. Mix well to combine and taste for seasoning; add more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired.

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.

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Fresh ingredients are key to a good slaw, and KFC does alright for a fast food restaurant. You won't find any wilted cabbage pieces, and the carrots are nice and hard as well. What's more, KFC finely dices everything so you don't have to chew that much, and all the flavors and textures blend perfectly.

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 the coleslaw sauce made of? ›

What is coleslaw dressing made of? Coleslaw dressing is usually mayo-based. Then you add vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. A bit of salt and pepper finishes off a classic, creamy, tangy dressing.

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 do you soak shredded cabbage in water? ›

Keep it bright: Red cabbage retains that vivid purplish color when you slice it with a stainless steel knife (rather than carbon steel), use a nonreactive pan (rather than cast iron or aluminum), and add an acid, like vinegar or lemon juice. Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water.

What does soaking cabbage in salt water do? ›

With the shredded cabbage in a colander, mix in a tablespoon of salt per head of cabbage till it's evenly distributed. The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt.

Should you wash cabbage before making coleslaw? ›

Cabbage. The outer layer isn't going to be eaten—the leaves are tougher and undesirable to many—so why wash cabbage? There's a good reason: Worms or other insects could be inside the cabbage, so to be safe, follow these steps for cleaning and washing it.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is the most unhealthy thing from KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy

Here's where "crispy" is a code word for "steer clear." The extra crispy recipe is by far the least healthful of KFC's chicken options. A single breast will set you back 530 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat.

Is coleslaw healthy or unhealthy Why? ›

Improves Gut Health

Coleslaw salad is rich in fiber because of the presence of raw cabbage. The RDA of fiber for an adult is 30g per day. It can become challenging to consume this much amount of fiber per day. However, 120 g portion of cabbage is sufficient to meet 10% of daily fiber needs.

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.

Can you eat coleslaw 5 days out of date? ›

When you grab that tub of coleslaw from the supermarket, it's going to have a best-by date. That's your North Star. As a general rule of thumb, once opened, you should consume it within three to five days.

Can you freeze creamy coleslaw? ›

Only freeze coleslaw with vinegar and oil-based dressing. If you want to freeze coleslaw and still have a mayonnaise dressing, freeze the veggies and add the dressing after it's thawed. This is because mayonnaise and other creamy dressing used for coleslaw tend to separate and are not pleasant when thawed.

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.

What does coleslaw contain? ›

Coleslaw is a salad made with raw sliced or shredded cabbage and a dressing such as a vinaigrette or mayonnaise. The term 'coleslaw' actually comes from the Dutch phrase 'koolsla', meaning 'cabbage salad'.

What is coleslaw mix made of? ›

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayo, apple cider vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, celery seeds, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper.

Is creamy coleslaw good for you? ›

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. The workaround: skip the mayo.

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