Best Coleslaw Recipe - Southern Plate (2024)

Side Dishes

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This is truly the best coleslaw recipe out there. Heaven in a bowl and blue ribbon level, this creamy and flavorful side dish and sandwich topping will dazzle at the next cookout.

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First, I gotta say… all coleslaw recipes are not created equal. Some are just okay, some are pretty good, and some are magical. Of course, whichever descriptive the coleslaw merits is purely in the eye of the beholder but in my mind, Miss Millie’s best coleslaw recipe definitely fits into the “magical” category.

So, who is Miss Millie? She was my grandmother’s best friend for most of her life. They were neighbors when Grandmama passed away and Miss Millie who makes the best coleslaw ever now lives just two doors down from my mother. What’s more, her son married my aunt so some of my cousins have both my grandmama and Miss Millie as their grandmothers! I figured that was grounds enough to adopt her myself!

This coleslaw isn’t just a side dish. Nope, it’s the MVP of any meal. It’s like the perfect backup singer to your main course, adding a pop of flavor and crunch. And guess what? It’s not just for the plate. Slap it on a sandwich, and you’ve got a whole new level of deliciousness!

Some of my favorite recipes to serve with this amazing coleslaw arePulled Pork Sliders for Game Day,BBQ Ribs in Oven With Veggies, andGrilled Chicken Tenders (No Grill Needed)

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Recipe Ingredients

  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Bell pepper
  • Onion
  • Mayo
  • Sugar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Celery seeds
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Dijon mustard

I know that seems like a lot of ingredients but trust me, it’s worth it. It’s also incredibly simple to make.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

How to Make Miss Millie’s Best Coleslaw

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Chop up your cabbage and bell peppers, grate the carrots and onions, and put it all in a large bowl.

The grated onion thing is a little different but it works so well in this. If you’d rather, you can just chop it really fine.

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Place all remaining ingredients into a separate bowl and stir really well until fully combined and sugar is dissolved.

Pour over veggies.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

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Try not to eat the entire bowl yourself. If you do, just wash the bowl, put it away, and claim you didn’t have time to make any!

How To Store Coleslaw

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Because of the mayonnaise dressing, coleslaw doesn’t freeze well.

Additional Tips for Making This Best Coleslaw Recipe

  1. Bagged Coleslaw Mix: To save time, you can use a pre-packaged coleslaw mix or pre-shredded cabbage.
  2. Sugar Substitute: If you prefer, you can substitute sugar with honey. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste.
  3. Don’t Skip Celery Seed: The celery seed is a key flavor component in the coleslaw dressing. It adds a distinctive and delicious taste.
  4. Fun Mix-Ins: Get creative with your coleslaw by adding extras like sliced apples, dried cranberries or raisins, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds.

Recipe FAQs

What do you serve with classic coleslaw?

There are so many ways to serve this creamy coleslaw. Firstly, it’s the perfect side dish to serve with barbecue meat, like beef brisket, pulled chicken, beef ribs, and pulled pork. Second, do as KFC does and serve it alongside some fried chicken. You can also serve it as a sandwich or burger topping (try it with my meatloaf burgers).

What’s the best cabbage to use in this easy coleslaw recipe?

I love to simply use green cabbage, but you can definitely use a combination of green and red cabbage (or purple cabbage) if you like. Other cabbage varieties that work in a classic coleslaw include savoy cabbage and Napa cabbage. For something different, try broccoli!

Can I make coleslaw in advance?

I’d prepare the vegetables and sauce a couple of days in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Then mix them together and let the dish marinate for at least four hours (up to a day) before serving. The longer the coleslaw marinates in the dressing, the less crunchy it becomes.

You might also enjoy these cabbage and slaw recipes:

  • Asian Slaw Mix
  • Mustard Slaw (from the SouthernPlate Mag)
  • Slow Cooker Cabbage Casserole
  • Sheet Pan Cabbage and Beef Tips
  • Vinegar Slaw Recipe
  • Burger Slaw Recipe

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Miss Millie's Best Coleslaw

The best coleslaw recipe out there, this creamy and flavorful side dish and sandwich topping will dazzle at the next cookout.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: coleslaw

Servings: 4

Calories: 240kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head green cabbage cored and shredded
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and grated
  • 1 green bell pepper cored, seeded, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons grated onion
  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

Instructions

  • Place shredded cabbage, shredded carrot, bell pepper, and onion in large bowl.

    1 medium head green cabbage, 2 medium carrots, 1 green bell pepper, 2 tablespoons grated onion

  • In a separate bowl, mix together all remaining ingredients, stirring well to dissolve sugar. Pour over vegetables and stir well to combine.

    2 cups mayonnaise, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons celery seeds, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

  • Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours before serving to allow the flavor to marinate and blend.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal

Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

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Best Coleslaw Recipe - Southern Plate (2024)

FAQs

Why is KFC coleslaw so good? ›

Sugar: KFC's dressing is definitely sweet, so don't skimp on the sugar. It's a huge part of what makes this KFC coleslaw recipe work. Lemon juice and white vinegar: Balance the sweetness from the sugar with these acidic ingredients. Lemon juice adds brightness, and white vinegar adds a bold tang.

What is the difference between Eastern and Western coleslaw? ›

Unlike Lexington style, Eastern style contains no tomatoes. It is purely vinegar and pepper which is used to season after cooking. The coleslaw is also different, swapping out the red for a white mayonnaise-based sauce.

How far in advance should you dress coleslaw? ›

Then you add vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, and poppy seeds. A bit of salt and pepper finishes off a classic, creamy, tangy dressing. When should you dress coleslaw? For the ideal coleslaw, add dressing to coleslaw no more than 30 minutes before serving.

How do you reduce the bitterness in coleslaw? ›

You could also add grated apple, finely diced pineapple, or even a sprinkle of sugar. Just be careful not to be too heavy-handed — a little sweetness goes a long way. Bitterness is another common problem with coleslaw. Sweeteners like honey and fresh fruit should also help to counteract even a stubborn bite.

Why did KFC stop selling coleslaw? ›

The fast food chain was forced to stop selling its coleslaw tubs when a supply issue meant the slaw would have to be served up without the dressing. “We are currently experiencing a supply issue with our KFC coleslaw dressing,” a KFC spokesperson said. The slaw is made up of cabbage and carrots coated in mayonnaise.

What is the most unhealthy thing from KFC? ›

Worst: Extra Crispy

Here's where "crispy" is a code word for "steer clear." The extra crispy recipe is by far the least healthful of KFC's chicken options. A single breast will set you back 530 calories, 35 grams of fat, and 6 grams of saturated fat.

What is Amish coleslaw made of? ›

Old Fashioned Amish Vinegar Coleslaw

Made with shredded cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar, and dry mustard.

What is traditional coleslaw made of? ›

What is traditional coleslaw made of? Traditional coleslaw is little more than shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. This recipe adds a bit more flavor with shredded carrots and onion. The creamy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, for a just right tangy-sweet flavor.

Why does my homemade coleslaw go watery? ›

Cabbage contains lots of water. Alton Brown suggests salting the cabbage and letting the water drain for two hours, then rinsing the cabbage and spinning it dry before dressing it. That purges the excess water out of the cabbage before it is dressed, so it doesn't get watery.

Is it best to make coleslaw the night before? ›

Yes, you can make coleslaw in advance. Making it a day before your event is a good idea, as the flavors will continue to meld and develop as it sits. That makes it perfect as a make-ahead potluck recipe.

Should you wash bagged coleslaw? ›

Bagged or ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce

If the product is not labeled "washed," "triple washed," or "ready-to-eat," it must be washed before eating.

Why does my coleslaw taste weird? ›

Cabbage Core:Issue: The core of the cabbage can be bitter, especially if it's not removed before shredding. Solution: Ensure that you remove the core of the cabbage before shredding it. Cut the cabbage in half, then cut out the triangular core from each half. Old Cabbage:Issue: Older cabbage may develop a bitter taste.

How do you doctor up store bought coleslaw? ›

Carrots: Grated carrots add a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to your coleslaw. They're a common addition and provide a pleasant crunch. Bell Peppers: Sliced or diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) contribute a sweet and slight.

Why does coleslaw go bad so quickly? ›

Additionally, coleslaw often contains mayo or dairy-based dressings that can go bad pretty quickly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns that bacteria thrive at temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so the longer you leave your food out, the higher the risk of spoilage.

Is KFC coleslaw any good? ›

The coleslaw also contains shredded cabbage and carrots, which add a crisp and fresh texture to the dish. Overall, KFC coleslaw is a refreshing and tasty side dish that complements the savory flavors of their fried chicken.

Does KFC have good coleslaw? ›

If you've been to Kentucky Fried Chicken, chances are good that you've tasted their famous coleslaw. As a side dish for a chicken dinner or barbecue, it doesn't get much better than a creamy crunchy slaw and KFC's does theirs just right.

What is KFC's coleslaw made of? ›

There are only 3 vegetables: You can buy a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw and finely chop that, if you prefer. But keep in mind that true KFC Coleslaw only contains green cabbage, carrots, and onions, so don't use the packaged cabbage that has red cabbage or any herbs.

Why does KFC taste better cold? ›

Those who eschewed heating up their chilled chicken in favor of chowing down right away would have seen how the chicken's breading remained crisp while the interior deepened in flavor. When fried chicken starts to cool down, the skin contracts and bonds itself to the meat.

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