Creamy Coleslaw (Classic Cookout Side in Minutes!)

Sarah Smith
Nov 6, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Mar 11

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots in creamy dressing on a wooden table. Cozy, rustic setting with a white napkin.

This Creamy Coleslaw is the ultimate side for barbecue, fried chicken, or pulled pork. With crisp cabbage, shredded carrots, and a sweet, tangy dressing, it’s refreshing, simple, and always a hit at cookouts or family dinners. This creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with classic southern garden salad and chicken salad sandwiches. It’s also a refreshing side for cowboy mashed potato casserole.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Chill Time: 1 hour Servings: 6–8

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving (based on 6 servings)

Calories: 150

Protein: 2g

Carbohydrates: 12g

Fat: 11g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 10mg

Sodium: 220mg

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

5 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix)
1 cup shredded carrots
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over cabbage and toss well.
Chill 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect with Slow-Cooked Pork Roast or Southern Fried Chicken.
Serve on top of pulled pork sandwiches for extra crunch.

FAQ

Q: Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix? Yes—bagged coleslaw mix works perfectly and saves a lot of prep time.

Q: How do I keep coleslaw from getting watery? Salt the cabbage lightly and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat it dry before mixing. This removes excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this coleslaw ahead of time? Yes—make it 2–12 hours in advance. The flavors blend beautifully as it chills.

Q: What type of cabbage works best? Green cabbage is classic, but adding red cabbage and shredded carrots gives more color and crunch.

Q: How long does creamy coleslaw last? Store refrigerated for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

This classic coleslaw is cool, creamy, and perfectly balanced — the kind of simple side dish that works with just about everything. Whether you’re serving it alongside barbecue, casseroles, sandwiches, or comfort-food favorites, it adds a refreshing crunch that brings the whole meal together.

Easy to prep, great for make-ahead meals, and always a crowd-pleaser, this coleslaw recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.