This Simple Southern Coleslaw Recipe is crunchy, slightly tangy, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients, it's always a crowd-pleaser!
This Southern Coleslaw Recipe has quickly become a family favorite. Not only is it full of fresh flavor, but also it’s quick and simple to throw together. Especially during the summer months, we make it on repeat.
Whether we’re heading to a cookout, beach day, or pool party, I always bring this coleslaw. Without fail, it’s the one dish that disappears fast! Moreover, it pairs beautifully with so many meals—from pulled pork to grilled fish and everything in between. Whether you serve it as a side dish, on pulled pork tacos, BBQ sandwiches, or fish tacos, it’s always a win.
Even better, the dressing stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week. So, you can easily double or triple the batch and enjoy it all week long.
Ways to Enjoy this Southern Coleslaw
- Coleslaw for Pulled Pork Tacos
- Coleslaw for fish tacos or shrimp tacos
- As a BBQ side dish
- In wraps with grilled chicken
- As a fresh topping for burgers
- On its own with grilled meat for a light lunch
Note: Omit the slivered almonds if using the coleslaw for pork tacos or fish tacos.
This was inspired by my Pulled Pork Tacos Recipe on this site and pairs well together.
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Ingredients
Slaw Salad Ingredients
- Coleslaw mix - First of all, the coleslaw mix keeps things simple while still delivering a crisp, crunchy texture.
- Sliced almonds - Next, the sliced almonds add a nutty crunch that gives this dish a satisfying bite.
- Red or Orange bell pepper - Additionally, red bell pepper adds a sweet pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Optional add-ins - For even more variety, try adding avocado, tomato, or cucumber, for a boost of texture and nutrition. Grilled chicken or shrimp add protein and make this a complete meal!
Slaw Dressing Ingredients
- Mayonnaise - For the dressing, mayonnaise creates a rich, creamy base that holds everything together.
- Red onion - Furthermore, red onion gives it a little bite and a touch of vibrant color.
- Fresh lemon juice - Then, fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor, making it taste fresh and zesty.
- Sugar - Meanwhile, sugar helps balance the tanginess with just the right touch of sweetness.
- Lori’s Crunchy Coleslaw Seasoning packet - Finally, Lori’s Crunchy Coleslaw Seasoning ties it all together with just the right flavor from the perfect blend of herbs & seasonings.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Southern Coleslaw
- Step 1: First, toast the almonds and cut the red peppers. Add the almonds, red pepper, and coleslaw to a medium size bowl.
- Step 2: Secondly, combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.
- Step 3: Thirdly, pour the dressing over the coleslaw mixture.
- Step 4: Lastly, toss the ingredients together.
Substitutions for Southern Coleslaw
- Red Bell Pepper Substitute – If you’re out of red bell pepper, also use orange or yellow bell peppers.
- Almond Substitute – Alternatively, use sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts to keep that nutty texture. Or, if preferred, simply omit the nuts altogether.
- Lemon Juice Substitute – In place of lemon juice, you can also use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a tangy twist that still works beautifully.
Variations
Make this quick coleslaw recipe for pulled pork your own with these tasty twists!
Southern Coleslaw Kid-Friendly Version
- To start, use plain coleslaw mix combined with sweet bell peppers for a gentle flavor.
- Next, leave out the red onion to create a milder taste kids will love.
- Then, add a little honey to the dressing for extra sweetness and kid appeal.
Sweet & Crunchy Version
- For a fun twist, add chopped apples or dried cranberries to the mix.
- Additionally, you can swap almonds for pecans or walnuts to enhance the crunch.
Low-Carb Southern Coleslaw Version
- Instead of sugar, try skipping it or using a low-carb sweetener for a healthier option.
- Finally, serve with grilled chicken to make a light, protein-packed, and balanced meal.
Equipment
You don’t need much to make this simple recipe!
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Storing the Coleslaw
- To begin with, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Additionally, for the best texture and crunch, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This simple step helps prevent the slaw from becoming soggy too quickly.
Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
When I created my seasoning packets, I knew they had to be made with only the best ingredients. That’s why they contain no anti-caking agents, no MSG, and no preservatives—just pure seasonings and herbs. This is extremely important to me because I want every meal to be as clean and wholesome as possible. With my seasoning packets, you can enjoy bold flavors without the unnecessary additives found in store-bought mixes. Every blend including this coleslaw is crafted to bring out the best in your dishes, making home cooking easier, healthier, and more delicious. This side dish pairs well with my Pulled Pork Tacos!
Top Tip
For easy cleanup and quick prep, simply shake the dressing up in a mason jar. Not only does this save time, but it also makes storing leftovers a breeze.
FAQ
Yes! Make the dressing in advance and toss it with the slaw just before serving for the best texture.
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free mayo to make this Southern Coleslaw recipe completely dairy-free.
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Southern Coleslaw
Ingredients
Ingredients for the slaw salad
- 1- 14 oz bag Coleslaw
- ¼ C sliced almonds - lightly toasted
- 1 red bell pepper- diced
Ingredients for slaw dressing
- ½ C mayonnaise
- 2 T red onion - finely chopped
- 2 T fresh lemon juice
- 2 t sugar
- Lori’s Crunchy Coleslaw Seasoning packet
Instructions
- In a jar combine the dressing ingredients.
- In a large bowl toss the coleslaw, almonds, and red bell pepper.
- 5-10 minutes before serving, pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss together.
- Store dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
