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This creamy Southern coleslaw recipe is a classic style recipe that goes with anything and everything.
From hot dogs to steak ... you can serve this coleslaw, and everyone will be satisfied and wanting more.

No weird ingredients or added sweeteners (I really dislike sweet coleslaw, although I'm from the South), although you could add some sugar or honey if you'd like.
Personally, I don't think sugar enhances the flavor, but your mileage may vary 😉
I love to add slaw to my hot dogs or brats at a cookout. But I know a lot of people like to add slaw to barbecue or burgers as well. I do! The messier the better, right?
This creamy Southern coleslaw is the recipe for you when you need a good basic slaw recipe to go with other things.
It's not the standout food at your gathering, but it certainly adds lots of flavor to everything you pair it with.
Green and purple cabbage plus shredded carrots, mayonnaise, onion powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt and black pepper - easy ingredients for the perfect classic southern coleslaw recipe.
I like to use both green and purple cabbage for the wonderful color combination. The carrots also add color as well as flavor to the mixture.
I love how the purple cabbage and carrots add color to the slaw as it settles and mixes before time to serve. And the paprika is a fabulous flavor and color enhancer as well.
Southern Coleslaw Dressing
The dressing part of this coleslaw includes mayonnaise, onion powder, prepared yellow mustard, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste. Simple, readily-available ingredients in most kitchens.
You will chop and shred your cabbages and carrots in a large bowl and then add the dressing ingredients to it.
Start to finish - done in just 20 minutes. Can be made ahead of time, and, in fact, is tastier once it has a chance to chill for a few hours or overnight.
This Southern style coleslaw pairs perfectly with my Hot Dog Chili Recipe for your next cookout gathering.
Add these Slow Cooker Baked Beans, and you have some winning combinations everyone will love!
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups green cabbage finely chopped
- 1-½ cups purple cabbage finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot shredded (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until incorporated. Taste and add salt as needed. Serve right away or refrigerate up to 3 days.
Kushigalu
Coleslaw is my all time favorite and this style sounds amazing. I will make this for dinner.
Sharon Chen
Looks so yummy! I love my coleslaw with mustard, too.
Dannii
I love finding new ways to adapt coleslaw. This looks delicious.
Danielle Wolter
That close up shot has got me drooling. Summer is the perfect time for a dish like this, especially with July 4th coming up!
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
I love coleslaw and homemade always tastes so much better. Love this recipe and can't wait to try it!