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

  1. Place Cabbage in Bowl

    Open the pre‑shredded cabbage package and dump it into a large mixing bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Mayonnaise

    Add 4 oz of mayonnaise to the cabbage and stir until the cabbage is lightly coated.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Sweeten the Mix

    Sprinkle ¼ cup of white sugar over the cabbage and mix; the sugar will draw out moisture.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Add Vinegar

    Pour 2 oz of apple cider vinegar into the bowl and combine thoroughly.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Season with Salt and Pepper

    Add 1 tsp kosher salt and 1 tsp black pepper, then stir to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Add Celery Seed

    Finish the seasoning with 1⁄8 tsp celery seed and give the coleslaw a final mix.

    Time: PT1M

  7. 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

  8. 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

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Southern-Style Coleslaw

Recipe by HowToBBQRight

A classic Southern coleslaw that balances creamy mayo, sweet sugar, tangy apple cider vinegar, and a hint of celery seed. Perfect as a side for pulled pork, ribs, or any BBQ feast.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
38m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.56
Total cost
$0.59
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • Wash hands and all surfaces after handling raw cabbage.
  • If shredding a whole cabbage yourself, use a sharp knife carefully.
  • Refrigerate promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Southern‑Style Coleslaw in Southern United States cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southern‑Style Coleslaw in the Southern United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Southern‑Style Coleslaw traditionally served in Southern barbecue meals?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Southern‑Style Coleslaw traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Coleslaw appears at family cookouts, Fourth of July picnics, backyard barbecues, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving when a Southern twist is desired.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with Southern‑Style Coleslaw?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Southern‑Style Coleslaw special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has Southern‑Style Coleslaw evolved over time in Southern United States cooking?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern‑Style Coleslaw at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Southern‑Style Coleslaw recipe use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel HowToBBQRight's approach to Southern barbecue cooking differ from other barbecue channels?

A

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.

channel

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