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Sweet and tangy Southern Coleslaw is nicely balanced with just enough tang from the vinegar and a sprinkling of sweetness from the sugar. The dressing is so simple, so sweet and tangy, this is a classic coleslaw recipe perfect for any occasion.
Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
This is the coleslaw we use for the ever-popular BBQ Sundaes and Pulled Pork Sandwiches. When I make BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese, I make a batch of this coleslaw to serve with it every time. We love it that much!
I made this coleslaw recipe for the first time, at my husband’s request, along with the first batch of Memphis Style Ribs we ever cooked. We all loved it so much; I wound up making this slaw twice more with each subsequent batch of ribs.
Updated to add: I’ve been making this coleslaw at least once a month for the past six years. Every time someone tastes it (especially if said person is not already a fan of coleslaw) they ask for the recipe. This is the coleslaw that you’ll want to serve all summer long.
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
If you’ve never made coleslaw before, let me share a secret: it’s the easiest side dish in the world. (Check out the video to see just how easy it is to make it!)
I found this Southern Living recipe for Memphis Style Coleslaw over at Our Best Bites and gently adapted our version from that one. It takes about 3 minutes to stir it all together and then you’re done.
(Even if you shred your own cabbage instead of buying a bag of shredded cabbage, you’re only looking at maybe two minutes longer.)
It couldn’t be any quicker and easier to pull this tasty side dish together. Even grabbing a container of ready-made coleslaw from the grocery store takes longer than this coleslaw recipe.
Let me tell you, that homemade coleslaw is so much better than anything you can get from the deli section at your grocery store. Crunchy crisp shredded cabbage with creamy mayo and tangy mustard makes the ideal complement to so many savory main dishes.
When we all happily eat the same dish three times in a week, that’s good evidence that the recipe was loved. Last night, I piled the last of this slaw over pulled pork sandwiches and pretty much solidified the fact that this the best southern style coleslaw I’ve ever tasted.
If you had a bad experience with a soggy, sloppy coleslaw that’s left you avoiding this side dish for years, now is the chance to discover how delicious great coleslaw can be. And if you’re an avid coleslaw fan already, be prepared to add a new favorite slaw recipe to the top of your list.
What To Eat with Coleslaw
This slaw is guaranteed to forever change how you serve pulled pork. The BBQ Sundaes I linked to earlier are still one of my favorite meals of all time. I promise you this is the BEST coleslaw to serve with pulled pork.
If you know me at all you know I don’t kid around when it comes to pulled pork. From Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork to Pulled Pork Tacos, I don’t mess around when it comes to this southern dish.
I serve this southern coleslaw with Pulled Pork Tater Tot Nachos, Beer and Garlic Grilled Chicken, Pulled Pork Tacos and Tostadas, and so much more. Classic Southern Style Coleslaw is truly the ultimate side dish.
Another fun way to eat coleslaw is to pile the slaw on top of BBQ Chicken Nachos for an unforgettable treat.
For more slaw ideas, check out this Sweet and Spicy Apple Coleslaw. That apple slaw gets rave reviews every single time I take it anywhere.
This Sriracha Coleslaw (for an unexpected spicy twist) and this Spicy Cabbage (for a lighter side dish perfect for tacos and snacking) are both winners.
I’m looking forward to trying Caribbean Coleslaw by A Spicy Perspective and Bacon Bleu Cheese Coleslaw by Taste and Tell later this summer as well.
You might also like this Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Slaw for a different take on a slaw recipe. We love traditional coleslaws with cabbage but sometimes it’s nice to mix it up!
Coleslaw Recipe
This slaw recipe, though? This tops the list as my all-time favorite. It’s a southern coleslaw without too many bells and whistles. What makes it so good is the exact right balance of creamy mayo, crunchy cabbage and vinegary tang.
Simply seasoned with celery seeds and onion powder (or grated onion, if you prefer) this classic coleslaw recipe is loved by everyone who tastes it. Even people who don’t usually like coleslaw enjoy this dish!
We love this coleslaw with pulled pork but it’s also delicious as a side dish with Perfect Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs, Oven Broiled Chicken with Barbecue Sauce, Filthy Burgers, and almost any meat entree I can think of.
How To Make Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, and celery seeds.
- Add the shredded cabbage and toss or stir until well coated.
- Refrigerate for an hour before serving and up to 2 days. (I like to use these tongs to toss again right before serving.)
The refrigeration step not only chills the coleslaw but gives all those lovely flavors a chance to mingle and marry together.
This coleslaw is the ideal side dish but I’ve been known to catch more than one picnic-goer eating it straight from the container with a fork!
And if you haven’t yet tried the above BBQ Sundaes piled high with pulled pork, baked beans, and tangy coleslaw, you’re missing out!
You might even want to double the recipe if you’re hoping to have any leftovers to bring home. Memphis-style coleslaw is just that good.
Looking for more southern-inspired recipes to complete your next barbecue? Everyone loves Corn Pudding Casserole and these Slow Cooker Baked Beans served alongside grilled or barbecued meat.
Southern Peach Cobbler topped with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream makes any meal complete.
Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 tablespoon finely grated onion
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix plain cabbage or tri-color deli style
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, and celery seeds. Add the shredded cabbage and toss until well coated. Refrigerate for an hour before serving and up to 2 days. Toss again right before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 5/30/14 – recipe notes updated 5/27/22}
Have made this many times to go with my pulled pork sandwiches. The recipe is easy to make, and very delicious. My family and friends love it. It’s my go to for coleslaw. Great 👍
I’m so glad you like it!
Made this coleslaw today with one change—substituting SPLENDA for the sugar—for a group of 40. It was excellent and got lots of compliments. I tripled the recipe and had nothing left. Served it with smoked Boston Butt pulled pork. So many people are diabetic or watching their sugar intake. This substitution worked well. Thank you for a great recipe!
Love that it was a win for you, Mary Alice!
Sooo delicious and easy to make! Much better than store bought. Thanks for the recipe
I’m glad the slaw was a hit, Madie.
This is the most amazingly delicious coleslaw and I improvise by adding a teaspoon of caraway seed.
Oh! I’ll have to try that too, Tee. I’m glad you love it.
I plan on making this for a side for pulled pork. For a wedding I am catering, have you made this w/out celery seed? I just don’t like celery seed, how do you think it will be w/ out this? Thanks
I will let you know how it goes! 🤞🤞
Celery seed is a fairly standard coleslaw ingredient and it contribute the traditional flavor. I recommend making a regular size batch first to see how you like it both with and without the celery seed.
Mindi, As a Memphian in Florida, it’s difficult to find BBQ with the same familiar taste, so I make it at home. This recipe is easy and fantastic with shredded pork. I didn’t have celery seeds on hand the first time I made it. It turned out great, so I leave it out every time and use horseradish mustard instead. I also double the recipe with triple the cabbage and let the mix marinate for a day before eating. Enjoy!
I’m glad it was a hit!
Thanks so much for the recipe. This will now be my new go to coleslaw recipe. Love the sweet and tangy together.
I’m so glad you love it!
Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Easy and so DELICIOUS, always get compliments every time we make it.
I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying the coleslaw, Beth.
My husband loves this! I have made this recipe many times now and both my husband and I think it’s just about the best coleslaw we’ve had. I make it just as the recipe states, which the exception of cutting down the sugar to 1 T. That is enough to add just a bit of sweetness. Neither of us cares for real sweet slaw.
I’m glad you like it so much, Shanley!
Love this cole slaw dressing. Sweet and tangy! Made it to serve with our ribs tonight
Hi Barbara! Thanks for taking the time to rate the recipe and let us know you love it.
This is a great, easy, crowd-pleasing coleslaw!!
I’m glad you love it, Bryan!
This is the best coleslaw I have ever eaten. I love it on pulled pork sandwiches, slaw burgers, as a side or just to eat some. I am really picky about my coleslaw. I wasn’t a fan of it when I was a kid. But I grew to like it as an adult if it’s good. Thanks for the recipe!
I’m glad it’s a win for you!
Does this recipe go well with BBQ brisket sandwiches too?
Absolutely! I make this slaw almost every time I cook brisket, ribs, or pulled pork.
Great coleslaw and super easy to make! We had this with pulled pork and it was the perfect pairing. Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the coleslaw!
Best, coleslaw dressing ever!!! You must absolutely have celery seed for it. It makes all the difference!
I’m so glad you are enjoying the slaw.
The celery seeds seem to make the slaw quite bitter in the back end of all the flavors. I am going to try it without so much celery seed next time and see how it turns out.
While we love the celery seeds, you can certainly make this without them. Enjoy!
Taste and balance were wonderful.
I’m thrilled that the slaw was a hit!
Perfect on pulled pork sandwiches and as a side for anything that goes great with coleslaw. Such an easy, inexpensive and delicious recipe. This will be the star of your BBQ’s, picnics, get togethers, cookouts etc. Get used to everyone asking you for the recipe. I’m betting this will be your go to coleslaw just like it’s been ours. Give it a shot, you’ll be happy you did. I just put a pork butt on the smoker and can’t wait to have a heaping scoop of this on a sandwich. Thanks for the recipe.
I’m so glad you like the slaw!
The best creamy coleslaw I’ve ever had! I Mae it to go with smoked ribs. my family & company gave it a thumbs up. It was suggested to make it the next time we smoke pulled pork so we can put it on the sandwich. Can’t wait. Thanks for an awesome recipe.
I’m thrilled it’s a hit!
This is so good! How long will just the dressing keep in the fridge?
It will be fine for several days, probably up to a week without issues. The dressing alone will lasts as long as the dairy ingredients are good.
Have you ever added chopped bacon to this coleslaw recipe?
I haven’t, but I bet it would be tasty.