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
{originally published 5/30/14 – recipe notes updated 5/27/22}
J-DuB says
The basics of this are great
I sub Low Sodium Old Bay for the salt and use Onion and Herb Mrs. Dash for the onion powder. Few dashes of hot sauce, squeeze of lemon juice and a teaspoon of mustard powder don’t hurt neither! I like to top my pulled pork with coleslaw and I generally want something that is going to cut through the richness of pulled pork shoulder.
You can make the basics of this, leave out the mayo and let the veggies “denature/ release”, drain and then stir in the mayo later. I prefer about 1/2 or even a 1/3 of the mayo that you guys call for and DUKE’S when I can find it! The Burman’s from ALDI is a close second for Duke’s.
Susan says
O essentially you made a different recipe. Please feel free to post it on your blog.
Lenney says
Too much mayo in recipe if serving on top pulled pork lessen it by three tablespoons
Nan says
Making this tonight.
Laura says
I LOVE this coleslaw!! It’s my favorite!
Anthony Allen says
That so so amazing.. Thanks for your sharing.
rdc says
excellent
Frankie G says
Just tried this recipe for the first time. Love the tangy taste of the sauce. It was a little different from the way that I usually make my coleslaw but I wanted to try something different. Love it!
Jan says
Make this Memphis coleslaw all the time! Always a big hit with family , friends and neighbors👍
Lynn says
Question: What can I use in place of celery seed since I don’t have any in the house?
Mary says
You can skip it. There really isn’t a substitute for celery seed. It’s a key ingredient in classic coleslaw. I’ve skipped it in the past when I ran out and didn’t realize it ahead of time. I will add that celery seed provides a very distinct flavor and I’d recommend picking it up for the next time you make coleslaw.
Dan says
for a different but interesting substitute for celery seed, try caraway seed.
Mary says
That sounds great. I’ll have to try it.
Hope S. says
This is my go-to slaw recipe. Thank you. I won’t try other recipes.
Mary says
I’m thrilled that you love it, Hope!
Tomekia says
Hello the recipe had too much salt…. Next time I won’t use salt and then a 1/2 cup of mayonnaise…. Thanks
Mary says
While we love this recipe exactly as written, it’s adaptable to your individual tastes. I’m sure it will still be delicious with less salt.
Leigh says
Really good and creamy!
Mary says
I’m glad you like the coleslaw, Leigh!
Jenn says
So good, so easy. I’ve lived in Memphis for 17+ years, the flavor from this recipe is legit. I added diced onions instead of onion powder, and some diced green bell peppers because you get that in Memphis slaw, too, and it adds a subtle but distinct flavor profile to the overall mix. Thanks so much for this recipe!
Mary says
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the coleslaw, Jenn!
Tina Ditter says
Tasted great! Perfect with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches
Mary says
That’s how we love it best, Tina!
Susan says
Love this! Similar to our “go-to” slaw but i’ve never added the mustard or onion powder. I really appreciate the recipe.
Mary says
I’m so glad you like it, Susan!
Aeron says
Never been a huge slaw fan until I found this recipe!! It’s perfect!!! I have made it a dozen times in the last few months since I found it!
Mary says
That exactly how I felt about coleslaw before trying this one, Aeron! I’m so glad you enjoy it.
J says
Wayyy to much mayo. 1 cup/8 = 24g fat in one serving, Are you trying to kill us
Mary says
Why yes indeed, I am trying to kill everyone with mayonnaise. Good grief, reduce the mayo or skip the recipe if it doesn’t thrill you. I love this coleslaw made exactly as written.
Tammy says
Love it!
Jessica says
Still great with less mayo & sugar The easiest mayo to get out where we live is Kewpie. It’s much richer and slightly sweeter than the store bought mayo in the US. I reduced the mayo & sugar by 1/3 and this was perfect!
Donna Delaney says
Omg hilarious comment Mary! Had me and my husband laughing
Afton says
This is my go to coleslaw recipe. It’s so easy and I impress anyone who tries it. Thanks for sharing it.
Mary says
I’m thrilled that you love it as much as we do, Afton!
misitb says
I am a long time coleslaw lover and have used the same recipe for years so thought I would browse around for something new. This recipe intrigued me with the dijon mustard and the apple cider vinegar as I have only used regular mustard and white vinegar in my recipe. I also substituted Olive Oil mayo and green onions for the regular onion and added shredded carrot. Used it in my corned beef/pastrami sandwiches and it was TDF! I will be recommending to my daughters as they love coleslaw with their BBQ weekends. So glad I found this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Mary says
I’m so glad you like the coleslaw!
misitb says
so sorry! forgot to give it my rating which is 5 star for sure. Love it!