Southern-Style Coleslaw

A sweet and tangy Southern Style Coleslaw, this crunchy slaw is one of the easiest dishes to make.  It’s the perfect accompaniment to burgers, barbecue, or fried foods.  

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Walk away from the premade deli coleslaw.  You don’t need that soggy, watery slaw any longer.  If you can stir ingredients together, you can literally make this recipe.  Using a bag of coleslaw mix makes it even simpler. No excuses now.

WHY IS IT ‘SOUTHERN STYLE’ COLESLAW?

I think every region of the country, or maybe every state, has its own variation on coleslaw.  Texas and Alabama both serve a vinegar-based coleslaw.  

Growing up in the North East, we made mayonnaise-based slaw.  I have fond memories of my mom in the kitchen with an old-fashioned box grater, grating heads upon heads of cabbage and carrots for slaw for big family picnics.  I’m pretty sure she had a bit of her knuckle skin in there as well, but it was something the whole family looked forward to eating.

But most of the Deep South make a slaw that is sweeter, mayo-based, but also adds in buttermilk, which makes it so tangy.  It’s my favorite. Sorry, Mom!

WHAT’S IN SOUTHERN STYLE COLESLAW?

• Cabbage and carrots.  I like using a bagged mix.  It’s a matter of taste as to what kind you use.  There is a tri-color that includes purple cabbage, one that is just cabbage that is cut into ‘angel-hair’ shreds, and a standard shredded cabbage and carrots.  If you’re so inclined, you can also grate your own head of cabbage and carrots. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of sauce.
• Mayonnaise – I like Helmann’s, but Duke’s is big in the South.  It’s your call on what type you use.
• Buttermilk – full fat.  This is what makes this slaw so creamy and tangy.
• Vinegar.  I like the tang of apple cider vinegar, but any kind will do.
• Pickle juice.  This is optional, but it adds a ton of flavor.  You save your pickle juice, right?
• Sugar, Dijon mustard, celery salt, and onion powder.

EQUIPMENT THAT MAKES THIS RECIPE EVEN EASIER

• Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup – use this in the microwave and put it in the dishwasher.
• Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons-6 Piece – I love the long, rectangle design.  They even fit into small spice jars.
• Nordic Ware Covered Bowl Set, 8-pc, Coastal Colors – Stackable, throw them into the dishwasher.  I use these bowls almost every day.
• StarPack Basics Silicone Mixing Spoon – I own a bunch of these – in turquoise, of course.

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