Southern Coleslaw

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + chilling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Dec. 14, 2023
My mother used to make this salad on holidays. With all the cabbage that is grown here, this coleslaw recipe is a real natural for us! —Deb Darr, Falls City, Oregon
Southern Coleslaw Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 8 cups)
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 4 to 5 carrots, shredded
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over cabbage mixture. Toss well and refrigerate overnight.
Southern Coleslaw Tips

How can you shred cabbage to make Southern coleslaw?

We suggest shredding your cabbage by cutting it into ribbons with a knife, or using a mandoline for even shreds. Here are more tips on how to shred cabbage.

How can you prevent coleslaw from becoming watery?

The key to keeping coleslaw nice and crisp is to salt your cabbage ahead of time. Cabbage contains a lot of water, and salting the cabbage first draws excess water out. Once you have shredded your cabbage, toss it with 1 teaspoon of salt in a colander set over a bowl. After letting it sit for an hour or so, you should see some water collect in the bowl. Discard the water and use the drained cabbage to proceed with the recipe. When making the dressing for your coleslaw, add salt only to taste, as it may already be salty enough from this step.

What can you serve with this Southern coleslaw recipe?

Southern coleslaw is so good on top of a pulled pork sandwich or even paired with a fish fry.

Can you make Southern coleslaw ahead of time?

Coleslaw can get a bit watery the longer it sits in the refrigerator, so plan on making it only a day or 2 ahead of time for optimal flavor and texture.

—Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.