Southern Coleslaw

4.8
(345)

This Southern coleslaw recipe has been passed down the generations and is great for any occasion. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I've even been told it is reminiscent of KFC coleslaw. You be the judge!

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A bowl of freshly made coleslaw on an orange surface.
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Prep Time:
20 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
8

This colorful southern coleslaw is sure to brighten up any table. 

Southern Coleslaw Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this bright and flavorful southern coleslaw recipe: 

  • Vegetables: This slaw features cabbage, carrots, and onions. 
  • Mayo, milk, and buttermilk: Mayonnaise, milk, and buttermilk lend creaminess and flavor. 
  • Sugar: White sugar adds sweetness, balancing the tart flavors of the other ingredients. 
  • Lemon juice: Brighten things up with two tablespoons of lemon juice. 
  • Vinegar: You’ll need two tablespoons of white distilled vinegar.
  • Seasonings: Simply season the southern coleslaw with salt and pepper. 
Southern Coleslaw in a blue bowl

Allrecipes Video

How to Make Southern Coleslaw

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make southern coleslaw: 

  1. Mix the veggies in one bowl and make the dressing in another bowl. 
  2. Pour the dressing over the veggies and mix thoroughly. 
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours. 

Tip from recipe creator Kristina: “To speed things up, I sometimes buy a bag of shredded cabbage with carrots in it and then chop it a little finer.”

Can You Make Southern Coleslaw Ahead of Time? 

Yes! In fact, since the coleslaw will taste better the longer it sits in the fridge, it might actually make more sense to make it the day before you plan to serve it.

Nana's Southern Coleslaw
linda2d

How to Store Southern Coleslaw

Store the southern coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. 

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“Excellent,” raves Bonnie Henry. “I made no adjustments and it is perfect. The entire family loved it and we're having it tonight with pulled pork sandwiches.”

“We've been looking for the perfect coleslaw and I think we found it,” according to Ray. “If you're looking for a KFC copycat this is it!”

“This recipe was really great,” says Nana Tina. “Everyone loved it and I will be making it for our church dinner. Sure it will go over well. I did substitute sour cream and a little water because I did not have buttermilk.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 head cabbage, finely shredded

  • 2 carrots, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • cup white sugar

  • ¼ cup milk

  • ¼ cup buttermilk

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for coleslaw preparation on a white surface.

    ALLRECIPES / JULIA HARTBECK

  2. Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, milk, buttermilk, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and sugar has dissolved.

    Whisk and dressing ingredients for coleslaw in a glass bowl.

    ALLRECIPES /JULIA HARTBECK

  3. Mix cabbage, carrots, and onion in a large salad bowl.

    Mixing shredded cabbage and carrots for coleslaw in a glass bowl.

    ALLRECIPES /JULIA HARTBECK

  4. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and mix thoroughly.

    Freshly mixed coleslaw in a glass bowl with a serving spoon.

    ALLRECIPES /JULIA HARTBECK

  5. Cover bowl and refrigerate slaw at least 2 hours (the longer the better). Mix again before serving.

    A bowl of freshly made coleslaw on an orange surface.

    ALLRECIPES / JULIA HARTBECK

Cook’s Note

To speed things up, I sometimes buy a bag of shredded cabbage with carrots in it and then chop it a little finer.

565 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

184 Calories
11g Fat
20g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 184
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 6mg 2%
Sodium 274mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
Total Sugars 15g
Protein 3g 5%
Vitamin C 57mg 63%
Calcium 85mg 7%
Iron 1mg 4%
Potassium 342mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.