From Classic to Creative: Discover the 15 Best Coleslaw Recipes

Are you looking to add some zing to your summer BBQ sides? Look no further! A mouthwatering coleslaw can be the star of your backyard bash, perfectly complementing your grilled favourites. Coleslaw adds a vibrant touch to your plate with its refreshing crunch and tangy flavours. Here are the 15 best coleslaw recipes that will have your guests coming back for seconds:

The Classical Ones

Easy Vinegar Coleslaw (no mayo) by Delicious Table

This Easy Coleslaw Recipe offers a refreshing twist using a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayo. It accompanies pulled pork sandwiches perfectly and is a classic side dish for summer picnics and BBQ cookouts. Unlike traditional coleslaw recipes heavy on mayonnaise and sugar, this version is light, clean, and tangy. It provides a crisp, refreshing crunch that pairs well with grilled dishes and savoury BBQ. It’s a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional coleslaw that will be a hit at any gathering.

Creamy Coleslaw Recipe by Kitchen Sanctuary

The Classic American Coleslaw is a beloved side dish perfect for summer BBQs and cookouts. Indulge in a quick and effortless creamy coleslaw that rivals the luxurious versions found in high-end supermarkets. This homemade delight takes only 5 minutes to prepare and offers a generous amount of satisfying crunch.

Warm Bacon Coleslaw (no mayo) by Culinary Ginger

This flavorful creation comes together in under 20 minutes, making it convenient for busy days. This dish is a guaranteed hit with its combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and crispy bacon, all coated in a warm honey mustard dressing cooked in bacon drippings—the secret lies in the rich and savoury dressing, infusing every bite with a delightful flavour. Pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store allow quick whipping up this mouthwatering dish to streamline the process. Whether served alongside baked chicken breasts or juicy cuts of beef, this dish is sure to impress with its irresistible taste and easy preparation.

Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw by The View from the Great Island

Buttermilk coleslaw is a Southern American version made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy buttermilk dressing. The secret ingredient that sets it apart is horseradish, which gives it an extra kick without making it spicy. Homemade coleslaw is far superior to store-bought versions, and buttermilk adds to its appeal with its healthy, active cultures. It’s a refreshing and irresistible side dish for summer cookouts.

The Fruity Versions

Apple Coleslaw by The Forked Spoon

This delightful Apple slice recipe combines crisp apples, shredded cabbage, green onions, and a refreshing dijon vinaigrette. It is healthy and crunchy and incredibly simple to prepare. You can enjoy this apple slaw throughout the year, pairing it effortlessly with your preferred lunch and dinner dishes.

Apple Coleslaw by Little Nomads Recipes

The apple coleslaw recipe without mayonnaise from Little Nomad’s Recipes offers a fresh, healthy twist on the traditional coleslaw. Instead of a creamy mayo-based dressing, this version uses a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of crisp apples and the crunch of cabbage and carrots. Additional ingredients like toasted almonds, green onions, and dried cranberries add layers of flavour and texture. This dish is ideal for picnics and potlucks as it can be made ahead of time and stays fresh without the heaviness of mayo, making it a light and refreshing side dish for any meal.

Creamy Pineapple Hawaii Coleslaw Recipe by The Typical Mom

The Hawaii coleslaw recipe is a delicious combination of sweet pineapple and crunchy cabbage. It captures the authentic flavours of Hawaii and is an easy side dish for brunch or barbecues. Whether you’ve had it on vacation or not, you can now make it at home and enjoy it with pulled pork or pineapple chicken. Give it a try!

International Variants

Malfouf Salad (Lebanese Cabbage Salad) by The Vegan Larder

The Malfouf Salad is a Lebanese cabbage salad that is fresh and healthy and serves as a perfect side dish for Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. It combines shredded cabbage, fresh herbs like mint and parsley, scallions (green onions), lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and tahini. The salad is easy and quick to make, with a delicious dressing that can also be used on other salads.

GuaColeslaw (Avocado Dressing) by The FoodOlic recipes

Avocado coleslaw with cilantro and lime is a delicious twist on traditional coleslaw, combining the flavours of mayo slaw with Mexican guacamole. It’s a healthier and tastier version of coleslaw. This recipe is quick, easy to make using a food processor, and incredibly healthy. The green avocado coleslaw with lime and cilantro is an ideal side dish for any BBQ grilled food.

German Coleslaw Recipe by Masala Herb

German coleslaw is a quick, easy, low-carb, vegan salad making a delicious side dish. It has a delightful aroma and is well-seasoned to enhance the fresh and crisp flavours of the slaw. This German version of coleslaw, Krautsalat, includes shredded cabbage and Caraway seeds. This type of slaw is popular in Germany and neighbouring countries like Austria, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Crunchy Asian Salad with Sweet Chilli Dressing by Dished by Kate

This crunchy Asian salad recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. It features a mix of crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and toasted sesame seeds tossed in a flavorful dressing. The dressing combines rice vinegar, olive oil, sesame oil, chilli jam, and soy sauce for a perfect balance of salty, sweet, spicy, and sour flavours. The salad is versatile and can be enjoyed with various proteins or as a meal. It can be customized with different vegetables based on personal preference. Certainly, this salad will add a delightful Asian flair to your grilled dinner, bringing a new level of fun and excitement.

Healthy Mediterranean Slaw (no mayo) by Bite on the Side

This Mediterranean-inspired coleslaw is a creamy and flavorful alternative to traditional coleslaw. It features Greek yogurt as a healthier option instead of mayonnaise. The slaw mix is enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, and feta cheese, and everything is tossed in a tangy seasoned dressing. It’s a simple and easy recipe that can be prepared quickly. Also, this slaw is a great choice for those looking for a lower-fat option without sacrificing taste. All will surely love the light and fresh flavours of this Mediterranean slaw.

Peruvian Inspired Coleslaw (No Mayo Dressing) by Sense and Edibility

Peruvian-inspired coleslaw brings the exquisite flavours of the renowned green sauce to your outdoor dining experience. Unlike traditional aji verde sauces that rely on mayonnaise, this recipe offers a refrigeration-free alternative. Crisp red and green cabbages are beautifully coated with a mildly spicy green vinaigrette dressing using jalapeño peppers, resulting in a spiced-up side dish perfect for your upcoming BBQ or cookout.

Other Delicious-Looking Slaws

Apple Broccoli Slaw by The Devil Wears Salad

This broccoli slaw recipe combines coleslaw and crunchy broccoli salad. Adding broccoli, apple, red cabbage, and carrots create a vibrant and addictive flavour. This recipe is convenient as it uses common kitchen ingredients and can be stored in the fridge for picnics and gatherings. Enjoy this delicious slaw with grilled meats, fish tacos, burgers, or hot dogs. Don’t forget that broccoli stalks are edible and can be used in snacks or stir-fries. So, please make the most of them by including them in this creamy coleslaw recipe.

Coleslaw with Tart Cherries, Blue Cheese, and Toasted Walnuts by An Edible Mosaic

The dressing for this coleslaw is a creamy combination of mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard, creating a perfect balance of flavours. The salad is kept simple, but adding a few ingredients takes it to the next level. Dried cherries provide sweetness, walnuts add a nutty crunch, and blue cheese brings a creamy texture and umami flavour. The onion is essential, adding a savoury touch that completes the dish.

These coleslaw recipes will surely elevate your summer BBQ sides to new heights. Whether you prefer classic creamy flavours, a touch of sweetness, or a spicy kick, there’s a coleslaw recipe here for everyone. So, fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to indulge in these sensational coleslaws that will make BBQ season unforgettable!

*A big thank you to all those talented food bloggers who shared their recipes!

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