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}
Beth says
I have not made this recipe specifically, but I have been enjoying a very similar version since I was a very little girl (a very long time ago)! My mom taught me how to make cole slaw, she learned from her mom, and I have taught my son to make it as well. Our recipe is very similar except we use half mayo, half Miracle Whip (no mustard). We also never measure anything, we always use the eyball it and taste it method. I will be trying this this recipe this weekend with ribs. Will let you know which version we like best.
Janell says
We had gone to key west and I had a lobster roll and side of slaw (I did not eat slaw) but I tried it and really liked it. We came home and I searched the internet for a recipe that sounded like what I had tasted. I found this Cole slaw recipe and it awesome! My husband loves slaw and he says this is the best he’s ever had. I reduce the celery seeds a little because we are not huge fans of celery, but they definitely have their place in this recipe. Thank you for the recipe. I’m so happy to have found it.
Mary Younkin says
I am thrilled that you love the coleslaw, Janell!
Kristen says
This recipe is the best. My family and guests devour it.
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that your family enjoys the coleslaw, Kristen!
Ernie Berey says
Love this recipe especially for a southern boy who is very picky about his slaw. To me It’s one of those foods that is either great or horrible there are no in between.
Mary Younkin says
I agree! And I’m so glad you approve of this recipe, Ernie. 😉
Cheryl says
Needed a recipe asap and found this one. It’s really, really good!!! I love apple cider vinegar vs the white. This coleslaw paired very well with our smoked pork. Thanks for the recipe, it’ll be in my fav box!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the recipe so much, Cheryl!
Mitch Horton says
This reminds me of my Nanny’s cole slaw when I was just a boy! I use this recipe almost every time we do a picnic or serve barbeque. Funny thing, my kids wouldn’t eat any other cole slaw and I made this recipe and they can’t get enough of it! Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the coleslaw, Mitch!
Eileen Horvath says
Loved this recipe!
Mary Younkin says
So do we, Eileen! I’m glad you do too.
Candice says
Absolutely the best! We love this recipe and so do any of our guests that try it, thank you so much!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the coleslaw, Candice!
Greg says
Delicious! Added two tablespoons of horseradish. My wife said it’s the best coleslaw she’s ever had. Thanks!
Mary Younkin says
I bet that’s a delicious addition, Greg!
Lucy says
I love love love this recipe.i work in a restaurant and am thinking about making a big batch of the dressing to use as needed . What would be the shelf life for it ?
Mary Younkin says
It should be fine kept in the refrigerator for several days, Lucy.
Dunia says
Hi Mary,
This is a very tasty dressing. I like that you added onion for better flavor. Nice touch!
Thank you for the tasty recipe that is my go to for coleslaw.
Dunia
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the coleslaw, Dunia!
Sheetal kapoor says
This is a very tasty dressing. I like that you added onion for better flavor. Nice touch!
Thanks!!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like it, Sheetal!
Tracy Ditto says
I have been looking for a southern coleslaw recipe for years. My mother passed away several years ago and she could never told me the recipe because she said she never measured and it was all in her head. This recipe, although similar to how I’ve tried many times with difference mayo and portions, but this one pretty much hit it on the head. The only down side I already made the dressing and put in the bag of slaw but the recipe called for a 16oz bag and I only had an 8oz so I tried to add more carrots and other things to fill in…lesson learned. I just switched from helmsman to blue plate and I think it tastes better. This recipe is a keeper!
Mary Younkin says
I am so very happy to hear that the coleslaw recipe was so similar to what you remembered! That’s awesome, Tracy.
Devon Ridens says
Crowd pleasing recipe that delivers on flavor! Thank you for sharing it! We love it here in West Tennessee!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you loved the coleslaw, Devon!
Camryn Leatherberry says
Do you have to wait an hour before eating it or can you eat it right away?
Mary Younkin says
You can eat this right away, Camryn.
Denise says
Thanks for posting this. It’s the best.
Will always be my go to Cole slaw
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you like the coleslaw, Denise!
Michelle says
Would this still work without the celery seeds or it’s there something else you recommend instead?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, you can make this without the celery seeds, however, it will taste quite a bit different. They add a distinct “coleslaw” flavor to this recipe. There isn’t a substitute for that ingredient.
Marcia says
I’ve used poppyseeds before and it was quite nice!
Mary Younkin says
Good to know, Marcia!
Lynn Lafleur says
My son was making pulled pork and asked me to make my cole slaw. I thought I’d check out a new recipe .. something more “southern” to match up with his pulled pork. It was delicious!! Went perfectly on top of his pulled pork sandwiches.. a hit! I will keep my “traditional” recipe but added this one as well for our family bbq’s. Thank you!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy that you love the coleslaw, Lynn!
Jen the Wren says
So delicious! The whole family loved this! Thank you for sharing it. I had to add a little homemade ‘Peppa Sauce’ to it when it was on my plate just to keep me breathing fire. I might have a problem….
Mary Younkin says
So happy you like the coleslaw, Jen!
Greg M says
Added horseradish for some kick.
Also added poppy seeds, in addition to the celery seeds.
My wife says it’s the best coleslaw she’s ever had.
It’s becoming a staple… serving it tonight with smoked brisket.
Thanks for this great recipe!
Mary Younkin says
That sounds great, Greg!
Dee-Dee Hawkins says
It was an absolute hit for my family!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you like the slaw, Dee-Dee! We just made it again last night as well.