This creamy, sweet and tangy Carolina Coleslaw is the perfect side dish to just about any meal!
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Carolina Coleslaw
This is one of my very favorite coleslaw recipes with an easy vinegar-based dressing. The best part is that you probably have all the dressing ingredients in your fridge and pantry!
I’ve been making this slaw for a while now… I shared it a few months after I started the blog and it was in need of a makeover with new photos!
My original photo

My original photo March 2012
This coleslaw is a perfect side dish for spring and summer picnics, cookouts and potlucks… so creamy, crunchy and refreshing. I love it on sandwiches with this easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, too!
Enjoy!
Originally published March 19, 2012 and updated April 14, 2018.
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Carolina Coleslaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 small head green cabbage, quartered, cored and thinly sliced or shredded
- 2 large carrots, julienned or shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1–1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss cabbage and carrots to combine.
- In a medium bowl, prepare dressing: Whisk and combine mayonnaise, sugar, celery seed, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
Paul says
Subbed Apple Cider vinegar for pulled pork sammies… awesome!!!
Thank you!!!
Lisa Stromski says
This is the best Carolina Coleslaw recipe I ever found. It was a huge hit with the family. I made a roasted chicken and biscuits with it …. yummy.
Thank you
★★★★★
Randy says
Definitely a great recipe. I’m trying to go lower carb so went with a package of broccoli slaw and substituted the sugar with Stivia. I also like some spice so added a chopped jalapeño “ seeds and all. I also added a dash of Worcestershire as well.
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Sounds delicious, Randy – Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Beth says
This was really delicious! My new favorite 🙂
Jean says
Awesome recipe, I made this today for family bbq and it went down a treat. Thank you for sharing ❤
★★★★★
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Thanks so much, Jean… so happy to hear everyone enjoyed it! 🙂
Liza says
Definitely on my 4th of July menu! Always a hit!
★★★★★
Amy @ The Blond Cook says
Thanks so much, Liza! 🙂
jan hanes says
: )
Al Godley says
Ahhhh….at last! I’m going to smoke a boston butt this weekend and this is going to go with the ‘que! I’ve tried a gazillion recipes but now I’ve got one I know is gonna work!
Thanks!