Coleslaw for Pulled Pork

A bowl of this creamy coleslaw is ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any time you need a quick and flavorful side dish. It’s a great make-ahead option since the flavors deepen as it chills, making it even tastier the next day.

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• Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and slightly zesty for the ultimate coleslaw taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Quick and Easy: Only a few minutes of prep for a delicious, homemade side dish.
• Versatile: Works as a topping for pulled pork, sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone side.
• Crunchy and Refreshing: A great contrast to rich, smoky barbecue dishes.

A short trip to the grocery store to grab some simple ingredients and you will be on your way to make this perfect coleslaw for summer cookouts.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Pre-Shredded Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage allows for the sauce to lightly tenderize, while maintaining a light crunch.
• Mayonnaise: Make this dressing rich and creamy and is balances by all the other flavors.
• Yellow Onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and light crunch.
• Granulated Sugar: Additional sweetness to balance the tangy flavors.
• White Vinegar: Adds a slight tang.
• Dry Mustard: Offers a lightly earthy profile.
• Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Ground White Pepper: A subtle peppery flavor and light earthy vibe. You can use ground black pepper for a stronger flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A slightly spicy flavor.

For this easy recipe, you'll want to have on hand measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls and a spatula.

Love this classic coleslaw recipe but want to make it your own?

• Mayonnaise Swap: Try Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• White Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang, or red wine vinegar for a sweeter one.
• Sugar: Replace with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. Alternatively, you can leave it out if you prefer a tangier coleslaw.
• Fresh Cabbage Mix: Shred your own cabbage instead of a pre-packaged mix. You can use green cabbage and purple cabbage and carrots. For a softer texture you can even chop Napa cabbage.
• Cabbage Swap: Change it up all together and make a broccoli slaw instead!
• Onion: Try green onions or red onions for a milder flavor.
• Mustard Variation: For a more intense mustard flavor you can use yellow mustard instead of dry.
• Mix-Ins: Add a crunch with some broken up ramen noodles, sliced almonds, or other fresh vegetables, like peppers or celery.

In just a few steps, you will have a creamy coleslaw ready take to your next event.

Place bagged coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Set aside and make your homemade coleslaw dressing.

In a small bowl add all ingredients and mix.

Pour over top of cabbage mixture and allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Hint: Chilling for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors and softens the cabbage slightly.

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Store this easy coleslaw recipe to bring to your next large gathering.

• Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can store in an air-tight container and freeze, but the texture may change when you thaw it.

This coleslaw is a perfect addition to any picnic, or large gathering. Here are some recipes that pair well with it.

• Pulled Pork Sandwich: We love using this coleslaw on both our sliders on Hawaiian rolls, and our BBQ pulled pork sliders. Try our slow cooker BBQ pulled pork for a tender pork recipe.
• Tacos: Top your tacos with this tangy coleslaw. Use our Instant Pot pork carnitas recipe to make a delicious pork taco.
• Baked Beans: A classic side dish to bring to any gathering. Try our slow cooker baked beans recipe.
• Mac and Cheese: Another great menu item for an outdoor party. We have a baked Mac and cheese or slow cooker Velveeta mac and cheese that both pair well.
• Potato Dishes: Many variations of potato recipes are the perfect side dish for outdoor barbecues. Try a potato salad, potato wedges, baked potatoes, or homemade French fries.
• Grilled Chicken: Our chicken thigh marinade works well for grilled chicken. BBQ chicken sandwiches pairs well with this perfect coleslaw.
• Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Our honey strawberry lemonade recipe is a sweet addition. It can also be used to make our Hennessy strawberry lemonade.

Here are some tips to help you make the best coleslaw recipe.

• Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, add more mayo. For a tangier version, increase the vinegar.
• Mix Just Before Serving: If making ahead, store the cabbage and dressing separately and give it a good stir before serving.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cabbage has better texture than pre-packaged mixes.
• Taste and Adjust: Everyone has a different coleslaw preference—taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking.

Questions about make a coleslaw recipe for pulled pork? Maybe we can help!

Yes. We actually prefer to make it ahead. The extra time that the coleslaw spends being chilled allows the flavors to fully meld, and we find that it tastes even better this way!

White vinegar is classic, but apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness.

Absolutely! You can omit the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey.

It’s great on fish or pork tacos, sliders, grilled chicken, or as a simple side with barbecue meals.

Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!

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