Southern Style Coleslaw
I’m a huge fan of coleslaw. The creamy, tangy flavor combined with the crunch of the slaw is so satisfying.
This Southern-style coleslaw is the perfect complement to the delicious smokey barbecue you’ve labored all day over.
One of the best things about this recipe is that the dressing is really easy and quick to make! And you probably have most of the ingredients on hand.
Serve this alongside pulled pork or barbecue ribs for the perfect plate of food.
How to make Southern Style Coleslaw
1. The vegetables
Skip the bagged stuff and chop fresh green and purple cabbage.
My friend recently gave me a few heads of cabbage and I took it as a sign to make some coleslaw! And seriously if you use fresh ingredients your recipe will turn out so much better.
To really get the kind of cut you want on cabbage, quarter them first and then slice really thinly.
You can also use a mandolin if you want or a food processor with a shredding attachment. Just watch your fingers.
After the cabbage is all cut up, grate your carrots and set that all aside.
2. The dressing
Make the dressing in a separate bowl by whisking together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
The dressing should be tangy, creamy, and delicious. If it looks too thick add a touch more apple cider vinegar.
3. Mix it up
Give your vegetables a good mix until they are well combined.
Add your dressing.
And give it another good mix until all the vegetables are well coated in the dressing.
Like most slaws, this one is best eaten within a few hours of being made but will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Just drain any excess before serving.
There you have it! It doesn’t get any easier or more delicious than this.
Serve it up with your favorite bbq dish or heap a generous serving of pulled pork right on top and dive right in.
This delicious Southern-style coleslaw is perfect for whatever you’re smoking or grilling this weekend.
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Southern Style Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- ¾ cup grated carrot
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper - course grind
Instructions
- Finely slice the green and red cabbage and place in a large bowl.
- Grate the carrot and add to the bowl with the cabbage, mixing it well.
- Just before serving add the dressing to the cabbage mixture and toss to combine.
Dressing
- In a bowl combine all the dressing ingredients together.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only. If you’re worried you could always add a side of kale.
About Your Pitmaster
Jordan Hanger is a grilling enthusiast known for bold, approachable recipes that blend American and Asian BBQ. Growing up with an American dad and Korean mom, he developed a love for fusion flavors, inspiring his brand, Ninjacue.
With over over one million followers on social media, Jordan makes great barbecue fun and accessible for everyone.

How much apple cider vinegar?
Hey Katie,
Sorry I forgot to add that to the recipe! I’ve fixed it now. I would use 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar.
Thanks for pointing that out.
It was an easy recipe, but missing sugar and needed more vinegar
My hubby didn’t want the onion. I added more mayo and Dijon. He LOVED it! I don’t eat it, so take his word for it that it was good. Thank u!
Can you make the dressing ahead of time like the day before?
You sure could. You could also cut up the ingredients before hand. The one thing I would not do is mix the dressing with the ingredients more than an hour or so before you want to eat.
Made this slaw for the first time for the same BBQ party as when I cooked the beer mustard potatoes. My wife and I and our two guests thoroughly enjoyed this slaw, thanks.
Both of the above and the Mexican Corn were being served with your Hot and Fast pork ribs, pork sausages and moink balls.
This is the perfect dressing for slaw, definitely a favorite in my house
it was a big hit with the family served over top honey barbecue brisket sandwiches. toast the buns in a pan. top with beef. top with slaw. yum
Sounds like a winning combo!
Great sauce, can’t have enough. I’ve been making it over and over, thank you for sharing 20/10 *****