Creamy Southern Coleslaw

Get ready for the ultimate Southern comfort side dish that’ll make your taste buds dance! This creamy, crunchy coleslaw is everything you want in a classic recipe – perfectly balanced flavors, ideal texture, and that irresistible combination of tangy and sweet that keeps you coming back for more.

What makes this coleslaw truly special is its silky dressing that coats every shred of cabbage just right. The secret lies in the perfect ratio of mayonnaise to vinegar, with a touch of celery seed that adds that authentic Southern flair. It’s creamy without being heavy, and refreshing without being too tart.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon celery seed
• ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Slaw:

• 1 (14 oz) package coleslaw mix (or shredded cabbage and carrots)

Steps

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced onion, vinegar, sugar, celery seed, garlic salt, and pepper until completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should have a pourable consistency with no sugar granules visible.
2. Add the coleslaw mix to the bowl and toss thoroughly using tongs or two large spoons. Make sure every piece of cabbage and carrot is evenly coated with dressing. You’ll know it’s ready when there are no dry spots visible.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to slightly soften while maintaining its crunch. For best results, give it a good stir just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Smart Swaps

• Replace mayonnaise with light mayo to reduce calories
• Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar (use 2 tablespoons)
• Try apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a different flavor profile

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Substitute sugar with 2 tablespoons of monk fruit sweetener (reduces carbs by 6g per serving)
• Use light mayonnaise to reduce overall fat content
• Consider adding extra raw vegetables like bell peppers to increase fiber
• Keep portions to ½ cup per serving to manage carb intake
• Pair with protein-rich foods to help stabilize blood sugar

Pro Tips

• Shred your own cabbage for maximum freshness
• Make ahead up to 24 hours for best flavor development
• Don’t skip the celery seed – it’s crucial for authentic Southern flavor
• Pat cabbage dry before mixing if using freshly shredded vegetables
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator