This Sweet Coleslaw is crisp, creamy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and tang. It’s the ideal side dish for fried chicken, barbecue, burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or picnics.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw
- 6 cups shredded green cabbage
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage (optional, for color)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup finely chopped sweet onion (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Green cabbage
- Purple cabbage
- Carrots
- Onion (if using)
- Toss until evenly mixed.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard (if using)
- Celery seed
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
- Toss well until all the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Stir again just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet coleslaw pairs perfectly with:
- Fried chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Barbecue ribs
- Burgers
- Fried fish
- Hot dogs
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze, as the vegetables will lose their crisp texture.
Tips for the Best Sweet Coleslaw
- Use freshly shredded cabbage for the best crunch.
- Let the coleslaw chill for at least an hour so the flavors can blend.
- If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- For extra crunch, mix in chopped apples or toasted sunflower seeds just before serving.
- Drain any excess liquid before serving if the coleslaw has been refrigerated overnight.
Variations
Southern Sweet Coleslaw
Add 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish for a classic Southern flavor.
Honey Coleslaw
Replace the sugar with 3 tablespoons of honey for a natural sweetness.
Creamy Apple Coleslaw
Fold in 1 cup of diced crisp apple, such as Honeycrisp or Gala.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Stir in ½ cup of well-drained crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g