Sweet and tangy coleslaw, perfectly balanced with a touch of vinegar and a hint of sugar, is a quintessential side dish, especially in Southern cuisine. This creamy coleslaw recipe is incredibly simple to make, yet delivers a classic flavor that complements almost any meal. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time and again, whether for a casual family dinner or a backyard BBQ. This is a slaw that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, much like the beloved recipes from The Pioneer Woman herself.
Classic Southern Coleslaw Recipe
The Best Slaw for Pulled Pork and More
If you’re looking for the ideal coleslaw to pair with pulled pork, look no further. This recipe is a fantastic accompaniment to BBQ Sundaes and Pulled Pork Sandwiches, echoing the hearty, flavorful meals often featured in Pioneer Woman’s cooking. Just like Ree Drummond’s recipes, this slaw is a crowd-pleaser. It’s so good, you’ll want to serve it with BBQ Pork Mac and Cheese, ribs, or any of your favorite grilled or smoked meats.
This recipe first became a hit in my kitchen when I made it to accompany Memphis Style Ribs. The combination was so perfect that this slaw quickly became a requested side dish for every BBQ event since. It’s a recipe that gets asked for repeatedly – a testament to its deliciousness. This is precisely the kind of reliable, tasty recipe that makes cooking enjoyable and sharing food with loved ones a joy, which is at the heart of the Pioneer Woman’s approach to food.
I’ve been making this coleslaw recipe consistently for years, and it never fails to impress. Even those who aren’t typically coleslaw fans are converted by the taste. This is the coleslaw you’ll want to make all summer long, embodying the spirit of easy, delicious, and shareable food that Pioneer Woman recipes are known for.
Easy Pioneer Woman Inspired Coleslaw Recipe
If you’ve never ventured into making coleslaw, you’re in for a treat. It’s arguably one of the easiest side dishes you can prepare, much like many of the straightforward and satisfying recipes from The Pioneer Woman. (And yes, it really is as simple as the video shows!). This recipe draws inspiration from classic Southern coleslaw, with a nod to the kind of uncomplicated deliciousness championed by home cooking experts.
Adapted from a Southern Living recipe, and inspired by the fuss-free approach you might find in Pioneer Woman’s repertoire, this version is incredibly quick. You can have it ready in about 3 minutes if you use pre-shredded cabbage.
Even if you opt to shred your own cabbage, you’re only adding a couple of minutes to the prep time. It’s quicker and easier than a trip to the deli counter for pre-made coleslaw, and the homemade taste is far superior.
Homemade coleslaw is undeniably better than store-bought versions. The fresh, crisp cabbage combined with the creamy, tangy dressing creates the perfect side to balance rich and savory main courses. It’s this balance and simplicity that makes it a recipe in the style of The Pioneer Woman – approachable and utterly satisfying.
When a dish is happily devoured multiple times in a week, it’s a clear sign of a winning recipe. Recently, I piled this slaw on top of pulled pork sandwiches and it was a definitive moment – this is truly the best southern style coleslaw I’ve ever tasted, reminiscent of the comforting, flavorful food you’d expect from Pioneer Woman’s kitchen.
If past experiences with soggy, bland coleslaw have made you hesitant, now is the time to rediscover how delightful a well-made coleslaw can be. And if you’re already a coleslaw enthusiast, prepare to add a new favorite to your list – one that captures the essence of classic, comforting home cooking, much like the Pioneer Woman’s signature style.
What to Serve with Your Pioneer Woman Style Slaw
This coleslaw is guaranteed to elevate your pulled pork dishes. It will change the way you think about serving pulled pork, much like Pioneer Woman recipes often transform everyday meals into something special. The BBQ Sundaes, mentioned earlier, are a testament to how well this slaw pairs with BBQ, creating a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. This is undeniably the BEST coleslaw to serve with pulled pork, enhancing every bite with its creamy tang.
If you know anything about good BBQ, you know pulled pork is a serious matter. From Sweet and Tangy Pulled Pork to Pulled Pork Tacos, this slaw complements a variety of pulled pork preparations perfectly, adding that essential fresh, crunchy element. Just as Pioneer Woman’s recipes are versatile, this slaw is too, pairing well with a wide range of dishes.
Serve this southern coleslaw with Pulled Pork Tater Tot Nachos, Beer and Garlic Grilled Chicken, Pulled Pork Tacos and Tostadas, and countless other dishes. It truly is the ultimate side dish, perfect for bringing balance and brightness to your plate, much like the side dishes featured alongside Pioneer Woman’s main courses. Classic Southern Style Coleslaw is a versatile and essential side, just like those championed by Pioneer Woman.
Another fantastic way to enjoy coleslaw is piled high on BBQ Chicken Nachos for a treat that’s both crunchy and creamy, savory and sweet. It’s the kind of delightful combination that Pioneer Woman often highlights in her recipes.
BBQ Sundaes with Coleslaw and Baked Beans
For more slaw inspiration, explore other variations. While this classic recipe is a winner, sometimes it’s fun to experiment. For a different twist, consider a Sweet and Spicy Apple Coleslaw. That apple slaw is always a hit, receiving rave reviews wherever it’s served.
Or, for a spicy kick, try a Sriracha Coleslaw. And for a lighter option, perfect for tacos or snacking, Spicy Cabbage offers a refreshing alternative. These variations offer a range of flavors and textures, much like the diverse recipe collections you might find from Pioneer Woman.
You might also enjoy a Sweet and Tangy Broccoli Slaw for a unique take on slaw. While traditional cabbage-based slaws are wonderful, mixing it up can be exciting! Exploring different slaws is like exploring the breadth of recipes from Pioneer Woman – always something new and delicious to discover.
The Pioneer Woman Inspired Coleslaw Recipe
This slaw recipe, however, remains my all-time favorite. It’s a southern coleslaw without unnecessary frills, focusing on the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, crunchy cabbage, and vinegary tang. It’s this simplicity and perfect harmony of flavors that echoes the best of Pioneer Woman’s cooking – delicious food made easy.
Simply seasoned with celery seeds and onion powder (or grated onion, if you prefer), this classic coleslaw recipe is universally loved. Even people who typically avoid coleslaw enjoy this dish! It’s a testament to its balanced flavor and approachable nature, much like the recipes that have made Pioneer Woman a household name.
While we love this coleslaw with pulled pork, it’s equally delicious as a side with Perfect Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs, Oven Broiled Chicken with Barbecue Sauce, Filthy Burgers, and virtually any meat entree you can imagine. Its versatility makes it a go-to side, just like the reliable, adaptable recipes you find in Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks.
How To Make Pioneer Woman Style Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, and celery seeds.
- Add the shredded coleslaw mix and toss until the cabbage is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, and it can be kept for up to 2 days. Toss again right before serving to refresh.
The refrigeration step is crucial. It not only chills the coleslaw but also allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a more cohesive and delicious final product. This step, though simple, is key to achieving the best flavor, much like the essential techniques Pioneer Woman emphasizes in her recipes.
This coleslaw is an ideal side dish, but it’s so tasty you might find yourself eating it straight from the bowl! It’s that good, embodying the simple, irresistible flavors that make home cooking so satisfying.
And if you haven’t tried BBQ Sundaes, you’re missing out! Piled high with pulled pork, baked beans, and this tangy coleslaw, they’re a meal to remember. It’s a combination that highlights the best of BBQ flavors, much like the hearty, comforting meals Pioneer Woman is famous for.
You might even consider doubling the recipe, especially if you’re hoping for leftovers. This Memphis-style coleslaw is simply that good – a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite, much like the many beloved recipes from The Pioneer Woman.
Looking for more southern-inspired recipes to complete your BBQ? Consider serving Corn Pudding Casserole and Slow Cooker Baked Beans alongside your grilled or barbecued meats. These classic sides, paired with this coleslaw, create a perfect Southern BBQ feast.
And for dessert, Southern Peach Cobbler topped with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream makes any meal complete. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a delicious, home-cooked meal, in true Pioneer Woman style.
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Classic Memphis-Style Coleslaw Recipe
4.80 from 215 votes
Sweet and Tangy Southern Style Coleslaw is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of tang from the vinegar and a hint of sweetness from the sugar. This is the kind of balanced flavor profile that is often found in Pioneer Woman’s recipes, making them so widely appealing.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Servings: 8 servings
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 tablespoon finely grated onion
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 16 ounce bag of coleslaw mix (plain cabbage or tri-color deli style)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, and celery seeds. Add the shredded cabbage and toss until well coated. Refrigerate for an hour before serving and up to 2 days. Toss again right before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
This coleslaw is excellent made in advance. However, it will release more liquid the longer it’s stored in the refrigerator. You may want to drain off some of the excess liquid before tossing and serving. This is a common characteristic of coleslaw, and easily managed, ensuring your slaw is always perfectly textured when served.
Nutrition
Calories: 228kcal · Carbohydrates: 8g · Protein: 1g · Fat: 21g · Saturated Fat: 3g · Cholesterol: 11mg · Sodium: 450mg · Potassium: 120mg · Fiber: 1g · Sugar: 6g · Vitamin A: 75IU · Vitamin C: 22mg · Calcium: 37mg · Iron: 0.6mg
Tried this recipe? Mention @barefeetkitchen or tag #barefeetkitchen!
{originally published 5/30/14 – recipe notes updated 5/27/22}
Close up of Southern Coleslaw
Filed under: Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes
Tagged with: Cabbage
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Mary Younkin Author of Barefeet in the Kitchen
Mary Younkin
Hi, I’m Mary. I’m the author, cook, photographer, and travel lover behind the scenes here at Barefeet In The Kitchen. I’m also the author of three cookbooks dedicated to making cooking from scratch as simple as possible.
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