When the grill is hot and the sun is shining, nothing hits the spot quite like a crisp, tangy coleslaw. Whether you’re layering it onto pulled pork sandwiches or serving it as a side with grilled chicken, coleslaw brings balance to bold summer flavors. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a great slaw (hint: it might depend on where you live), tips for mastering your own signature recipe, and the history behind this barbecue staple.
What Exactly Is Coleslaw?
Coleslaw is a salad made from shredded raw cabbage, typically dressed with a vinegar or mayonnaise-based sauce. The name comes from the Dutch term koolsla, meaning “cabbage salad,” brought to America by Dutch settlers in the 18th century.
Over the years, it’s taken on regional spins:
- Southern U.S. slaw tends to be creamy and sweet.
- Carolina-style slaw often swaps mayo for tangy vinegar and mustard.
- Asian-inspired versions might include sesame oil, rice vinegar, and Napa cabbage.
When considering it for a summer cookout, you can’t go wrong. Thanks to acidity in the dressing, coleslaw cuts through fatty meats like ribs or brisket. It also adds freshness in a lineup of grilled and smoked foods, and is versatile enough for everything from sandwiches and tacos to a bed for grilled tofu and shrimp.
5 Tips for Making the Best Coleslaw
Coleslaw can go soggy or bland fast—here’s how to avoid it.
- Salt your cabbage first: Sprinkle the shredded cabbage with salt and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out moisture, keeping your slaw crisp and preventing a watery mess later.
- Cut your veggies evenly: Whether you shred by hand or use a food processor, aim for consistent, thin slices. This ensures everything blends together evenly and absorbs the dressing well.
- Don’t overdress it: Start with less dressing than you think you need—coleslaw should be coated, not swimming.
- Make it ahead (but not too far ahead): Slaw benefits from a bit of chill time—30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. Any longer and it might lose its crunch.
- Go beyond cabbage: Cabbage is classic (and a worthy ingredient) but you can also make slaw with fennel, Brussels sprouts, and other veggies.
Kitchen Must-Haves for Every Coleslaw Recipe
The secret to stellar coleslaw starts in your pantry. When you’re well-stocked with various vinegars, sauces, and crunchy toppings, a winning side dish is easy to pull together. Combined with a few fresh ingredients like yogurt or apples, it’s easy to whisk up a dressing everyone will love.
If you want to add richness…
Mayonnaise is a classic ingredient, but you can also lighten things up with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
If you want to add tang…
Go for red wine, white wine, or apple cider vinegar. For added funk, try fish sauce paired with peanuts and cilantro.
If you want to add crunch…
Chop peanuts or pecans from the pantry, or add slices of fresh apple or grated carrots.
If you want to add sharpness…
Celery seed, whole grain mustard, and Dijon mustard balance creamy additions like Greek yogurt and provide unmistakable flavor.
If you want to add heat…
Don’t skip sliced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for extra spice.
If you want to add brightness…
There’s nothing like fresh herbs to bring vibrancy to any dish, including coleslaw. Green onions, thinly sliced red onion, dill, cilantro, and parsley are great options.
5 Thrive Market Recipes to Pair With Coleslaw
Warm-weather favorites like grilled chicken, skewers, and pork chops are winners for pairing with your favorite coleslaw dish. Here are some tasty BBQ favorites to add to your summer lineup.
Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Sandwich
A juicy pulled chicken sandwich tossed in Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce, served with a bright cilantro-and-lime cabbage slaw on the side or inside.
BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Featuring pulled chicken in classic BBQ sauce topped with a crisp, yogurt‑dressed fennel slaw.
Grilled Fruit & Seafood Kabobs
Colorful skewers of seafood and sweet fruit, drizzled with a citrus‑herb marinade.
Grilled Chicken Fajitas
Bold chicken and peppers off the grill with smoky-charred flavors—coleslaw makes a crunchy, cool topping or side.
Grilled Corn with Chipotle‑Lime Mayonnaise
Street‑corn–style ears slathered in chipotle‑lime mayo and feta.
Salmon Cilantro Slaw Salad
Finally, here’s our ultimate slaw recipe that pairs traditional cabbage with your grain of choice and buttery salmon.
Yield: 2 servings
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
8 ounces cooked salmon
3 cups cabbage slaw mix
1 ½ cups cooked rice or grain
½ apple, thinly sliced
1 cup mint, cilantro, and parsley tops, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons Thrive Market Organic Raw Cashews, chopped
4 tablespoons Primal Kitchen Cilantro Lime Dressing
½ lime, juiced
Optional: 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients and toss gently to combine. Add more dressing until you reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, split into two bowls.
Recipe credit: Aubrey Devin
Photo credit: Elisha Knight
Share this article
Nicole Gulotta
Nicole Gulotta is a writer, author, and tea enthusiast.