The Best Sweet Coleslaw Recipe for BBQ and Sandwiches

Sweet Coleslaw Recipe for Any Meal

I grew up eating all different kinds of coleslaw. There was the vinegar kind, the tangy kind, and of course the sweet kind. This one pairs well with a great many things, like Carolina Pulled Chicken or Tangy Pulled Pork. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this sweet coleslaw recipe is with fried fish, skillet potatoes, and Southern-style cornbread. That combination is good any time of day. Trust me, it even works for breakfast.

Let’s Talk About the Vegetables

For this slaw, I used a 14-ounce bag of mixed cabbage and carrots, but you can definitely use a small head of cabbage and add as much carrot as you like. The carrots are really just there to complement the cabbage, not take over. You can also mix red and green cabbage if you like. I find raw red cabbage can be a little tougher on the teeth, but I still use it from time to time for the color and texture. I also like to add a bit of onion. Grated onion blends right into the dressing and helps flavor the whole dish. Personally, I like to mince it instead. When the slaw chills, the onion really soaks in and gives the whole thing more flavor.

A Note on Texture and Mixing

Whether you like your slaw finely minced or cut in a more rustic style, that choice is all yours. Mincing the veggies will soak up more of the sauce, so if you go that route, you might want to thin the dressing just a bit by adding a splash more milk. I find the rustic cut works perfectly as the recipe suggests. Just remember that once you chill the coleslaw, the texture will change. The cabbage softens a little and the flavors really come together. The dressing also thickens as it sits, which makes it creamier. Keep that in mind when deciding whether to use all the sauce or hold a little back at first.

More to Explore

If you like your coleslaw on the tangier side, I’ve got you covered. Check out this version right here for a little more bite. And if you’re new around here, we share more than just food. For a more personal experience, visit At Dana’s Table where we talk about life, memories, and everything that makes a house feel like home.