
A rich, creamy, tangy, slightly sweet Southern-style coleslaw perfect for fried chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, fish fries—all the soul food classics. This version gives you authentic depth, real Southern balance, and crunch that stays crisp.
🥗 THE BEST SOULFOOD COLESLAW RECIPE
⭐ Why This Coleslaw Works
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Creamy & flavorful – real buttermilk dressing + mayo gives richness.
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Balanced sweetness – not sugary, just enough to mellow the tang.
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Layers of flavor – celery seeds, Dijon, lemon, and apple cider vinegar.
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Stays crunchy – salt-drawing technique keeps shreds crisp.
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Classic Soul Food profile – made to pair with fried, grilled, and smoky foods.
🥬 Ingredients
For the Slaw Mix
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4 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
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2 cups purple cabbage, shredded (optional but adds color)
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1 large carrot, grated
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1 small sweet onion, very finely minced (optional but traditional)
For the Creamy Southern Dressing
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1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s style preferred)
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3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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2 tbsp buttermilk (or milk + squeeze of lemon)
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2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1½ tsp celery seed
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp kosher salt
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2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
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1 tsp hot sauce (Louisiana style; optional but adds true soul flavor)
🥣 Instructions
1. Prep the vegetables (key step!)
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Toss cabbage, carrots, and onion in a large bowl.
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Sprinkle lightly with ½ teaspoon salt and let sit 10 minutes.
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Press or pat dry with paper towels — this keeps the final slaw crunchy, not watery.
2. Make the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
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mayo
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buttermilk
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sugar
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apple cider vinegar
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Dijon
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celery seed
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pepper
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lemon juice
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hot sauce
Taste and adjust:
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More sugar → sweeter
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More vinegar → sharper
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More buttermilk → thinner & tangier
3. Combine
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
Toss until fully coated and creamy.
4. Chill (VERY important)
Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
Soul food coleslaw tastes best when the flavors marinate.
🎯 Tips for Authentic Soul Food Flavor
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Use celery seed — this is classic in true Southern slaw.
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Apple cider vinegar only — white vinegar makes it harsh.
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Duke’s style mayo gives the correct tangy, rich base.
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Add a splash of pickle juice (optional) for an old-school touch.
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A pinch of white pepper gives a subtle heat loved in Southern kitchens.

INGREDIENTS:
- 2 1/2 pounds cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
- 1 cup raisins
1) Trim the tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut the cabbage into quarters and cut away the core from the cabbage pieces. finely shred the cabbage. There should be about 8 cups. Peel the carrots and trim the ends. Grate them on the coarse side of a grater.
2) Stir the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and mustard together in a large bowl until blended. Add the cabbage, carrots, and raisins and toss to coat with the dressing. Let stand, tossing occasionally, about 15 minutes. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for at least a few hours and toss well before serving. The soul food recipe of coleslaw is ready to serve....nice ! Enjoy the appetizer !
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