The BEST Creamy Coleslaw Recipe (Perfect for BBQs!)

I just love a classic side dish that pairs well with all things barbecue. This Southern Creamy Coleslaw Recipe is the perfect blend of flavors. It’s easy to make, and bursting with crunchy texture. This is a go-to side dish that y’all just have to try out!

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

Coleslaw recipes are a dime a dozen. However, this homemade creamy coleslaw recipe will be the only one you make from now on.

It is by far the best coleslaw recipe out there, and one that I like to bring to every barbecue or summer potluck!

With simple ingredients, this coleslaw comes out ultra-creamy, with a bite of crunch, and makes the perfect side dish to pulled pork, chicken or ribs.

Did I mention it’s one of the easiest side dishes to whip up?

If you love a creamy coleslaw over a vinegar coleslaw then this is the recipe for you! With the addition of sour cream, this easy recipe outranks all others for a classic, Southern, taste.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

• Easy to Make: Using a bag of coleslaw mix as the main ingredient saves you from having to chop a whole head of raw cabbage. There is no need to drain the cabbage of excess water, or needing to pat it dry with paper towels first.
• Basic Ingredients: Many of these ingredients you will already have in your cabinets or fridge, or they are readily available at the grocery store. 
• Perfect Side Dish: This easy coleslaw recipe is perfect with any main meat dish, and is a great addition to a family barbecue or pot luck. 

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe Ingredients

• Bag of Coleslaw Mix: This is a mix of green cabbage, purple cabbage, and sometimes shredded carrot. 
• Mayonnaise: May is the base of the homemade coleslaw dressing. It gives it a classic mayo-based dressing creaminess.
• Sour Cream: This adds extra tang and makes the creamy coleslaw dressing even richer. 
• Sugar: A little sweetness helps create the perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. 
• Seasoned Salt: Using seasoned salt gives it more flavor than just regular salt. 
• Ground Mustard: A key ingredient in traditional coleslaw recipes that adds a subtle, tangy kick. 
• Celery Salt: This gives it the signature taste you’d expect from store-bought coleslaw, but makes it taste even better!
• Black Pepper: A little black pepper gives just the right amount of spice. 

How to Make My Creamy Coleslaw Recipe

1. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, celery salt, ground mustard, black pepper, and seasoned salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy coleslaw dressing. 
2. Add the Slaw Mix: Pour in the bag of coleslaw mix. Stir until the cabbage mixture is evenly coated with enough dressing.
3. Chill Before Serving: Transfer the coleslaw to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for at least two hours, or even better, overnight!
4. Serve and Enjoy: Give the coleslaw a quick stir before serving. 

Recipe Tips

• Mixing The Dressing: Make sure to mix the dressing first, before adding it to the shredded cabbage mixture. This will blend the flavors and coat the cabbage evenly.
• Make it in Advance: Creamy coleslaw needs a couple of hours in the fridge for all the flavors to really settle in and the cabbage to soften. Make sure you leave at least 4 hours between making it and serving it. Overnight is best!

Recipe Variations

This original recipe will always taste best as it’s written. However, there are times when I want to change up flavors or add some new ingredients.

Here are a few ideas on how to alter the taste to make it into something new.

• Green Onions: Add a pop of color and a mini crunch by adding in some sliced green onions.
• Jalapenos: If you like spicy foods, adding in some sliced jalapenos will give it a kick. 
• Sweetness: Perfect for people who love a sweeter coleslaw. Though this recipe doesn’t have any vinegar tang added to it, adding in a dash of maple syrup or honey is delicious if you have a sweeter palate.
• Extra Tang: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar if you want that extra tang.

Ways to Serve Creamy Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish for a reason, it pairs well with everything! From topping burgers and hot dogs, to serving as a side to fried chicken or pulled pork sandwiches—it works well for just about anything!

A few of our favorite ways to use Southern creamy coleslaw  as a side dish:

• Country Style Ribs
• Southern Fried Shrimp
• Homemade Sloppy Joes
• Whiskey Glazed Ribs
• Crack Chicken Burgers
• Dill Pickle Chicken

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover creamy coleslaw can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.

The longer coleslaw sits, the more water will develop in the bottom of the bowl as the cabbage absorbs the dressing. Make sure to give it a good mix, or drain it a little bit before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make coleslaw not soggy?

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Creamy Coleslaw

A traditional recipe that never goes out of style. This Southern creamy coleslaw has a rich, delicious taste and texture making it the perfect addition to any barbeque.

Ingredients

• 14-16 oz bag preshredded coleslaw mix
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3/4 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/2 tsp ground mustard
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Combine all of the ingredients except for the slaw mix. After those ingredients have been combined, then stir in the slaw mix. Refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight before serving.