Southern-Style Coleslaw
Southern-Style Coleslaw is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 158 calories per serving. Recipe by HowToBBQRight on YouTube.
Prep: 8 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $3.56 total, $0.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 14 ounce Shredded Cabbage (pre‑shredded slaw mix from produce section)
- 4 ounce Mayonnaise (good quality, full‑fat mayo)
- 0.25 cup White Sugar (granulated)
- 2 ounce Apple Cider Vinegar (raw or unfiltered preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (fine grain)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground or cracked)
- 0.125 teaspoon Celery Seed (ground)
Instructions
Place Cabbage in Bowl
Open the pre‑shredded cabbage package and dump it into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT2M
Add Mayonnaise
Add 4 oz of mayonnaise to the cabbage and stir until the cabbage is lightly coated.
Time: PT1M
Sweeten the Mix
Sprinkle ¼ cup of white sugar over the cabbage and mix; the sugar will draw out moisture.
Time: PT1M
Add Vinegar
Pour 2 oz of apple cider vinegar into the bowl and combine thoroughly.
Time: PT1M
Season with Salt and Pepper
Add 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then stir to distribute evenly.
Time: PT1M
Add Celery Seed
Finish the seasoning with 1⁄8 tsp celery seed and give the coleslaw a final mix.
Time: PT1M
Chill to Set
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cabbage soften.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 40°F
Final Toss and Serve
Give the coleslaw a quick toss before serving to redistribute any settled dressing.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 158
- Protein
- 1 g
- Carbohydrates
- 12 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Eggs, Celery
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shredded Cabbage: Green cabbage, finely shredded, Coleslaw mix (carrot & cabbage)
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Light mayo, Greek yogurt
- Instead of White Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Apple Cider Vinegar: White distilled vinegar, Lemon juice
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table salt (use ¾ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Celery Seed: Celery salt (reduce added salt)
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Refrigerator
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix all ingredients until the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Allow the coleslaw to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and celery seed to achieve balanced flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use full‑fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture.
- A teaspoon of Dijon mustard can add depth without overpowering the classic flavor.
- If the cabbage is very wet, sprinkle a little extra salt, let sit 5 minutes, then drain before mixing.
Troubleshooting
Coleslaw is watery after chilling.
Pat the shredded cabbage dry before mixing, or add a little extra mayo to bind the moisture.
Too sweet or too sour.
Balance by adding a pinch more salt and pepper, or a splash more vinegar for sourness, or a tiny bit more mayo to mellow sweetness.
Flavor feels flat.
Let it rest longer (up to 2 hours) and give it a good toss before serving; the seasoning will intensify.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become soggy.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours for safety.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the coleslaw up to step 6 and refrigerate; add the final toss just before serving.
- Adjust sugar or vinegar levels to taste before chilling if you prefer sweeter or tangier slaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Southern‑Style Coleslaw in Southern United States cuisine?
Coleslaw has been a staple side dish in the Southern United States since the 19th century, originally brought over by European immigrants and adapted with local ingredients like cabbage, mayo, and vinegar. It provides a cool, crunchy contrast to hot, smoky barbecue and is a hallmark of Southern hospitality.
What are the traditional regional variations of Southern‑Style Coleslaw in the Southern United States?
In the Deep South, coleslaw often features a creamy mayo base with a touch of sugar and vinegar, while in the Carolinas a mustard‑based “Carolina slaw” is common. Some regions add pickles, apples, or even jalapeños for extra heat.
How is Southern‑Style Coleslaw traditionally served in Southern barbecue meals?
It is typically served chilled on the side of pulled pork sandwiches, alongside a slab of ribs, or as a topping on hot dogs. The cool crunch balances the richness and spice of smoked meats.
What occasions or celebrations is Southern‑Style Coleslaw traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Coleslaw appears at family cookouts, Fourth of July picnics, backyard barbecues, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving when a Southern twist is desired.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Southern‑Style Coleslaw?
It pairs perfectly with smoked brisket, pulled pork, chicken fried steak, baked beans, and cornbread, creating a balanced plate of protein, starch, and fresh vegetables.
What makes Southern‑Style Coleslaw special or unique in Southern cuisine?
The combination of creamy mayo, a hint of sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a dash of celery seed creates a sweet‑sour‑savory profile that is uniquely Southern, offering both texture and flavor contrast to smoky barbecue.
How has Southern‑Style Coleslaw evolved over time in Southern United States cooking?
Originally a simple cabbage salad, modern Southern coleslaw incorporated commercial mayonnaise in the early 20th century and later added sugar and vinegar for a balanced sweet‑tangy taste. Today, home cooks experiment with mustard, herbs, and different vinegars while keeping the classic base.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern‑Style Coleslaw at home?
Common errors include over‑mixing, which can make the cabbage soggy; using too much sugar, leading to cloying sweetness; and not allowing enough chilling time for flavors to meld. Also, adding too much vinegar can overpower the mayo.
Why does this Southern‑Style Coleslaw recipe use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar provides a milder, fruit‑forward acidity that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the mayo without the harsh bite of white distilled vinegar, resulting in a more balanced Southern flavor.
What does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight specialize in?
The YouTube channel HowToBBQRight specializes in practical, step‑by‑step tutorials for classic American barbecue techniques, side dishes, and grill‑friendly recipes that home cooks can easily replicate.
How does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight's approach to Southern barbecue cooking differ from other barbecue channels?
HowToBBQRight focuses on straightforward, no‑fluff instruction, emphasizing flavor balance, timing, and equipment basics, whereas many other channels may prioritize elaborate smoke profiles or exotic ingredients. The channel aims for reliable, repeatable results for everyday home cooks.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
