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Creamy Southern-Style Coleslaw Recipe Easy Buttermilk Dressing Guide

creamy Southern-style coleslaw - featured image

A simple and comforting Southern-style coleslaw featuring a creamy buttermilk dressing that balances tang, sweetness, and crunch. Perfect as a side for barbecue, grilled dishes, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, grated
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the green and red cabbage under cold water. Spin dry well using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to prevent watery dressing.
  2. Finely shred both cabbages using a sharp knife or mandoline. Grate the carrots with a box grater or pulse gently in a food processor.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want to mellow the sharp bite, then drain thoroughly.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more mayonnaise or buttermilk as needed.
  5. Add the shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the veggies and gently toss until every shred is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors marry and cabbage soften slightly.
  7. Before serving, stir the slaw and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar if desired. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

Notes

[‘Use a sharp knife instead of a food processor to maintain cabbage texture and avoid mushiness.’, ‘Dry cabbage thoroughly to prevent watery dressing.’, ‘Add vinegar gradually and taste to balance acidity.’, ‘Honey can be reduced or substituted with mild maple syrup for less sweetness.’, ‘Chill the slaw for at least 30 minutes or up to a day for best flavor and texture.’, ‘Drain excess liquid before serving if the slaw becomes watery.’, ‘For vegan version, replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and buttermilk with plant-based milk plus lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, southern coleslaw, buttermilk dressing, creamy coleslaw, easy side dish, barbecue side, cabbage salad