5-Ingredient Coleslaw
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Looking for a go-to, easy coleslaw recipe for pulled pork or enjoy as a side with any BBQ recipes? This is it! It’s creamy, slightly sweet and tangy, and has a little punch from green onion and black pepper. You’ll make this dairy-free, healthier coleslaw again and again!
“This recipe is quick, easy, good, and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Serving this with bbq pulled pork sandwiches tonight and some quick pickled red onions. This has been my go to recipe for coleslaw.”
– Kera ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s simple – Only 5 main ingredients, but it’s healthier than most creamy coleslaw recipes.
- It’s dairy-free – We didn’t use buttermilk or sour cream.
- Less mayo than most recipes, resulting in a lighter tasting coleslaw.
- We opted for honey instead of white sugar.
- Great with leftover rotisserie chicken, Instant Pot Drumsticks, or Asian Chicken.
Ingredients
You’ll just need these five simple ingredients:
- A (16 ounce bag) of coleslaw – I like the kind with shredded carrots and multi-colored cabbage.
- Mayo – You’ll use just a little bit to add creaminess. I prefer to use Avocado Mayo because it’s got all real food ingredients and no additives or preservatives.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a little acidity to brighten and lighten up the flavor.
- Honey – Replaces processed white sugar that’s in most recipes and adds a hint of natural sweetness.
- Green onions – Sliced thinly. Chives also work.
You’ll also need salt and pepper from the pantry.
How to Make This Easy Coleslaw
This recipe is SO easy peasy. Find the full, printable recipe at the bottom.
Simply whip together the coleslaw dressing in a large mixing bowl. Keep in mind, if you like yours a bit creamier, add a bit more mayonnaise in this step.
After that is ready, toss it with a bag of coleslaw mix and some diced green onions. THAT. IS. IT.
What to Serve It With
Because this coleslaw is on the lighter side (less mayo than a typical store-bought recipe), it doesn’t drown out the delicious flavors of the recipe you might be putting it on. This is why we really like this coleslaw for pulled pork recipes.
It would also go well with our Roasted Pork Tenderloin or Crock Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches and Baby Boiled Potatoes on the side. Yum!
FAQs
While we recommend letting this recipe hang out in the fridge for a bit (the flavors get better over time), you will want to eat it all up in 3-5 days. After that, the veggies might start to deteriorate.
Pulling from over a decade of freezer cooking experience, I’d advise you to not freeze coleslaw. After it thaws, it would be soggy and lack the crunchy texture that people love about it.
Pulled Pork
BBQ Chicken Sliders
BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Fried Catfish
Other Side Dishes You’ll Love
If you like this coleslaw, here are some other faves that go with pulled pork or any other BBQ, roasted, or grilled meat:
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5-Ingredient Coleslaw (for Pulled Pork)
Looking for an easy, creamy coleslaw that goes well with pulled pork or any other BBQ? This is it! It’s creamy, slightly sweet and tangy, and has a little punch from green onion and black pepper. You’ll make this healthier (and dairy-free) coleslaw again and again!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup real mayonnaise (my favorite is Avocado Mayonnaise)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (sub: sugar)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (or chives)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 (16-ounce) bag of coleslaw mix (cabbage with carrots)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, honey, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Add the coleslaw mix and stir until well combined.
- Let sit in the fridge for 2-4 hours before serving (the flavors get better!). Be sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference before serving.
Notes/Tips
- Want it creamier? Try using 1/2 cup of mayo instead.
- You can also add in 1 teaspoon of celery seed if you want a more traditional southern style coleslaw.
This recipe is a keeper! The best and easiest coleslaw I’ve ever made. Not too sweet, a little tangy- just right! Thanks so much for all the terrific recipes for so many years!
Hi Karen. Thanks for leaving a review. We’re so glad you are a part of our Thriving Home community.
This is the best ever coleslaw and so easy to make that anyone can do it in no time at all. I am a fan of Kentucky Fried Chicken coleslaw and have a very elaborate recipe I have always used. This beats it by a mile!!! I don’t use the coleslaw mix because I typically have a head of cabbage in my fridge. After all, cabbage is such a versatile vegetable, so I use chopped cabbage, chopped carrot, and if I have scallions, I chop them with the veggies as well. If I don’t have scallions, I just use whatever onion I have. So simple, and I am so happy I found your recipe. Thank you a million times!!!
Wow! So glad you found us as well Cynthia. What a fun review. Gotta love when we beat the favorite by a mile!! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
I’ve made this recipe so many times. It’s my go-to for coleslaw and everyone always compliments it. I use agave instead of honey/sugar but other than that, this recipe is perfection. Thank you!!
Thanks for the review letting us know about your agave substitution Angela. Not everyone loves honey, so it’s good to hear you enjoy this with agave.
Great for on top of a pulled pork sandwiches or as a stand alone side! It does not overpower and complements meat beautifully!!
Hi CJ. So glad you enjoyed this coleslaw. Thanks for leaving a review!
Super easy to make and goes really well with pulled pork sandwiches. Even my seven year old enjoyed it.
A 7-year-old positive review is the best review! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Literally the best coleslaw I have ever had!
Yay! Thanks for the high praise Teresa!
Super easy and yummy recipe! My 3yo kept asking for more “salad.” I only made it an hr ahead of time but was still good. Can’t wait to taste it after a few hours!
Glad your family enjoyed this Lindsey. Thanks for leaving a review!
Love it! I cut the black pepper in half, but that’s just preference. I usually prefer vinegar based slaw because I don’t like mayo, but I made my own avocado oil mayo and used it in this recipe and it’s excellent! Will go great with shredded bbq chicken!
Those changes sound amazing Simone! Thank you for leaving a detailed review.
This recipe was exactly what I was looking for. Something quick, easy and very deliciously paired with my pulled pork. This one will be a repeat offender.
Glad you found a home run to put on repeat Carly! Thanks for leaving a review.
Perfect for pulled pork sandwiches or just eating it. I love it
So glad you found a winner Jan! Thanks for leaving a review.