My Sweet Coleslaw recipe is one of those simple recipes that shows up at cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings because it always works. This version has a creamy dressing, crunchy cabbage, and a sweet tang that makes it perfect for pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ ribs, hot dogs, and just about any backyard barbecue. It’s easy, dependable, and tastes even better after it chills for a couple of hours, which makes it a great side dish you can prepare ahead of time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sweet creamy coleslaw hits all the right notes. The dressing blends mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar into a smooth, creamy base with just enough tang to balance the sweetness. The celery seeds give it that classic coleslaw flavor without overpowering the cabbage.
Since it uses a bag of slaw mix, you can throw this together quickly, and it chills into the best side dish for summer cookouts or weeknight meals. It’s a homemade coleslaw recipe that consistently gets rave reviews because it’s simple, familiar, and crowd pleasing.
Sweet Coleslaw Ingredients
- Coleslaw mix: A bag of shredded green cabbage and carrots gives you crunch and convenience. You can use your own cabbage if you prefer, but the bag version saves time.
- Mayonnaise: Makes the creamy base for the dressing. For southern sweet coleslaw flavor, stick with full-fat mayo.
- White sugar: Adds the sweetness that makes this a sweet coleslaw recipe instead of a tangy vinegar coleslaw.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings a gentle tang and helps balance the sweetness. You can also use white vinegar or rice vinegar depending on personal preference.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps soften the cabbage slightly as it chills.
- Celery seeds: A classic coleslaw ingredient that adds depth and that familiar restaurant-style coleslaw taste.
How to Make a Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly and tastes even better after it chills. The full printable recipe card is below.
Step one: In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and celery seeds. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step two: Add the bag of coleslaw mix to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and stir until every bit of crunchy cabbage is coated.
Step three: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours so the flavors settle and the cabbage softens slightly.
Enjoy creamy salads? Try my Classic Potato Salad and this sweet Amish Potato Salad.
Substitutions & Variations
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less sugar depending on how sweet you like your coleslaw recipe.
- Try sweet and sour coleslaw: Increase the vinegar slightly for a sweet and sour flavor that pairs well with pulled pork.
- Use a different mix: Swap in a bag of coleslaw mix with purple cabbage or add green onions for color.
- Make it southern style: Add a pinch of black pepper or a splash of white vinegar for a southern sweet coleslaw taste.
- Add seeds: A small sprinkle of poppy seeds or celery seeds adds texture and classic flavor.
Tips for the Best Sweet Coleslaw Recipe
- Chill before serving: A couple of hours in the fridge helps the creamy dressing soften the cabbage and blend the flavors.
- Use a large mixing bowl: It makes tossing easier and keeps the dressing evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust: Because cabbage varies, taste the dressing before adding it. You can balance sweetness and tang to your personal preference.
- Keep it crunchy: To avoid watery coleslaw, don’t make it more than a day ahead. The cabbage continues releasing moisture the longer it sits.
- Use fresh coleslaw mix: A crisp bag of slaw mix or shredded cabbage gives the dressing something sturdy to cling to.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Keep out no longer than 1 hour before refrigerating.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir before serving to redistribute the creamy dressing.
- Freezer: This coleslaw does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise base, so refrigerate only.
Frequently Asked Questions
The creamy dressing combines mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in equal parts balance, creating that classic sweet slaw flavor you find in restaurant-style coleslaw. The celery seeds deepen the flavor and give the dressing a familiar homemade taste.
Yes. Reduce the sugar or increase the vinegar for a tangier version. If you are looking for a non sweet coleslaw recipe, simply cut the sugar in half and add a splash of white vinegar.
Absolutely. This is the sweet coleslaw recipe most people use for pulled pork sandwiches because the creamy dressing and crunchy cabbage balance smoky meat perfectly. It also works well with BBQ ribs, hot dogs, and grilled chicken.
You can make it 1 day ahead for best results. The cabbage softens but stays crunchy for several hours. To prevent watery coleslaw, keep it in a sealed container and stir it just before serving.
Yes. Southern coleslaw often has a creamy mayo base with sugar, vinegar, celery seeds, and crunchy cabbage, which is exactly what this recipe uses.
More Potluck Sides
Sweet Coleslaw
Ingredients
- 1 bag coleslaw mix 16 oz.
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and the celery seeds until well blended. Add the coleslaw mix and stir until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving.
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I love this coleslaw! This is now my go-to recipe when wanting coleslaw. So simple and easy though I prefer to let it mingle overnight. It reminds me of my grandma’s coleslaw that she never wrote down. I’ve tried many coleslaw’s that left me always disappointed but not this one.
Samantha, glad you love it! Yes, it definitely tastes better with a little extra time to “mingle” in the fridge. :) Thanks so much for commenting!
The best!
This is the best! The only recipe I use! My family loves it! Thanks for the recipe! ??❤️
This is hands down the best coleslaw we have ever had. It is the ONLY one I make. It will not disappoint. Thanks you!
I’m so glad that you love my easy coleslaw recipe! Thanks so much for commenting Diane! :)
I just made this, yum yum! I’m eating a dish of it now and it tastes great . I can’t imagine it could be better after two hours, but I’m looking forward to trying it out later
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This is the BEST coleslaw I have ever made or tasted! I added just a little brown mustard and fennel seeds to give it an edge. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Yay, I am SO glad you loved it! Brown mustard and fennel seeds sounds amazing, will try that!
This is great I add feta and chopped peanuts – it takes it to the next level!
So good!! I tripled it for a BBQ and it was a hit!
Yummy! I add raisins
Never thought about adding raisins to coleslaw but that sounds amazing. Maybe dried cranberries even?
Furr’s Cafeteria always served cole slaw with the raisins, I always ordered it ! So good.
Just a note. There is a Mexican Restaurant in Midland Texas that serves their Chili Relenos topped with sour cream, pecans and raisins. It might sound awful, but it is just to die for if you like raisins and pecans. This is the only place where a person can find this.
Old favorite recipe. Yes, this is the best. Not restaurant recipe, but home style.