Why BBQ Coleslaw?
Coleslaw is a staple in the South, period. This BBQ Coleslaw recipe is super simple and takes virtually no time to prepare. Plus, it can go with anything. It requires virtually no kitchen equipment outside of a fridge. Mix everything up and stick it in the fridge. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
This BBQ coleslaw recipe has everything: creamy mayo, vinegar twang and sweetness from sugar. Plus, it gets a little hit of bbq flavor to make it pop and give it a unique color. This coleslaw recipe is sure to please everyone.
This side is so classic. It makes the perfect pairing for lunch or dinner plus keeps well in the fridge after making it. In fact, a little time resting improves it. Similarly, it is the perfect side to make for pretty much any main dish you can think of, especially when the dish is southern-related!
Preparation
All this BBQ coleslaw recipe consists of are a few ingredients that you probably already have most of on hand! All you need to do is gather everything up, mix and rest. Every time I have made this, it has been a huge hit and there is never any left. This BBQ coleslaw recipe is great with just salt and pepper but adding in some BBQ rub plus onion and garlic powder just kicks it up a notch.
Something else that is important is using the ingredients that YOU like. For example, the brand of mayo or rub that you like will make this recipe much better to you than maybe the ones I use. I love to use Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub for this. It is an awesome product that we highly recommend to keep on hand.
If you’re not sure which rub or seasonings you should add, we would recommend adding a sweeter option. There is going to be plenty of tang from the vinegar, but a bit of extra sweetness really shines in this recipe.
Some good options to pair this with are ribs, wings or even burgers!
What Makes a Good BBQ Coleslaw Recipe
In our opinion, the key to making a good bbq coleslaw is letting it sit in the fridge for at least an hour, but you could certainly go overnight with it. Just give it a stir before serving and serve with a slotted spoon, as this recipe tends to be dressing heavy. Letting the slaw rest gives it a chance to have the moisture drawn out of it and flavors to incorporate. Slaw really compliments most any side, but we love it with smoked pulled pork or ribs in particular.
A good bbq coleslaw should also have an nice mix and balance of flavors. It really elevates a dish if you can compliment flavors in a way that make sense. In this case, we match the tangy vinegar with the sweetness from the rub and sugar. It is one of those sides where it doesn’t matter what other sides are present. This one will shine and complement them all.
Southern Style BBQ Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Style BBQ Coleslaw
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl (can use a gallon bag instead for easy mixing)
- 1 Food Scale (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 bag Pre-Shredded Coleslaw (shredded cabbage is a good choice)
- 4 oz Mayonnaise
- 2 oz Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup White Sugar
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- BBQ Rub to taste (prefer to use a sweeter rub for this to compliment the tang of the vinegar)
Instructions
- Add coleslaw to mixing bowl
- Add remaining ingredients
- Mix thoroughly
- Taste Test for flavor and adjust (flavors will change after resting and be slightly stronger)
- Rest in fridge for at least an hour
- Serve cole
Notes
- If you have trouble mixing in a mixing bowl without making a mess, try using a gallon bag and shaking to mix the slaw
- For a lighter version, substitute light mayo and 0 cal sweetener.
