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.
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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.
Ingredients You Will Need
See measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Coleslaw Mix
- Red Cabbage (Optional)
- Onions
- Mayo
- Mustard
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Celery Salt
- Sugar or Sweetener
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Southern Coleslaw
Get the exact measurements used in the recipe card below at the bottom of the post.
- Add 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.
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.
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.
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 ¼ 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.
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.
If you want to make this without mayo, check out our Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.
Creamy Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage Optional. I love to add it for color.
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ 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 ¼ 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros 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.
Bojana says
This recipe was perfect, I followed it exactly as per the instructions and it turned out amazing! Served with fries and wings.
staysnatched says
I love that pairing!
Stephanie C says
This recipe is the bomb! The perfect amount of sweet, savory and tangy that my whole family loved! Me, my husband and I three and five year old! This will be on repeat all year! We did it with pulled chicken sandwiches and baked beans. The perfect summer meal!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda says
Wow! This coleslaw turned out so good! We made it for the 4th of July and my only regret is I didn’t make a double batch. The flavor can’t be beat. Brandi does it again with another great recipe… that’s easy too! I also really appreciated the extra tips to adjust the flavor to exactly how I wanted it.
staysnatched says
haha must double batch!
Nielle says
Made this to go with the crockpot pulled pork recipe on your site and it was fantastic! My kid was eating it straight out of the bowl with a spoon.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm so happy to hear that.
Kristen says
Loved this, so good, so easy, and perfectly balanced! I made it for family and they all commented how good it was. Thanks, Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad to hear that!
Jessica Norrell says
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 says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it.
Ashley says
This recipe is delicious and perfect for part of the best bbq line up! It was a hit!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
baltisraul says
If you want to take this up to an even better level, change just one ingredient. Substitute tarragon vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.
Anna says
Perfect flavor!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Kate says
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 says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoy it.