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Soul food Southern coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with smoky BBQ meats and complements a pulled pork sandwich beautifully.

Whether you’re hosting an epic cookout, preparing for a football tailgate party, or simply craving some down-home cooking, this recipe for Southern coleslaw will satisfy your craving!

How do Black people make coleslaw?

Inspired by Black culinary traditions, my family’s Southern coleslaw recipe stands out due to the unique blend of creamy and vinegar-based ingredients in the dressing. Additionally, incorporating soulful seasonings like dill, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper honors the soul food tradition, transforming a simple cabbage salad into a flavorful expression of cultural cuisine.

Ingredients

This coleslaw is a family favorite and my mom’s beloved recipe! Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor, while sugar sweetens the dish. Red and green cabbage, celery, onion, and grated carrots provide vibrant color, texture, and taste.

Each bite will make you fall in love with this delicious, sweet Southern coleslaw. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat, enlivening the taste buds just as a soul food coleslaw should!

How to make soul food coleslaw

To prevent watery coleslaw, make sure to thoroughly dry the vegetables after washing them before mixing them into the slaw.
Use a chef’s knife or a food processor to shred the cabbage and carrots. I prefer to coarsely shred the green cabbage and finely shred the red cabbage. You can also use a knife or a food processor to dice the celery and onion.
Next, combine the seasonings with the vegetables. Then add the mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar to the mixed cabbage.
Stir and fold the ingredients until thoroughly combined, ensuring every shred of cabbage is coated in the dressing.

Coleslaw dressing

The secret to a great Southern coleslaw is to use just the right amount of dressing to not overwhelm the dish. Combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and mustard creates a delicious flavor that enhances the vegetables. Finding the right balance is essential—using too much or too little dressing can impact the overall taste.

How to serve Southern coleslaw

Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for cookouts and weeknight summer dinners. It pairs especially well with pulled barbecue sandwiches and Southern fried chicken. In the South, coleslaw is as iconic as a side of fries is to sandwiches!

Make ahead tips

You can prepare this recipe in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. Additionally, you can make soul food coleslaw ahead of time and add the dressing base just before serving. If you add the dressing too early, the cabbage will become soft as it absorbs moisture from the dressing.