13 Easy Coleslaw Recipes for BBQs, Picnics, and More

Let’s skip the typical mayo-drenched cabbage that’s been sitting in the fridge too long. These easy coleslaw recipes bring bold, fresh flavors that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for the bland stuff at the deli counter.

We’re talking about crisp, colorful slaws that range from tangy Asian-inspired creations to spicy Mexican style that’ll steal the spotlight at any barbecue.

Each recipe strikes that perfect sweet spot between creamy and crunchy, with clever twists that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds. These recipes are about to become your new go-to sides.

1. Classic American Coleslaw

Prep time: 20 minutes + 1 hour chilling
Servings: 8-10

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage (2 pounds), finely shredded
• 2 medium carrots, grated

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Salt shredded cabbage and let drain in colander for 30 minutes
2. Meanwhile, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth
3. Pat cabbage dry and combine with carrots
4. Pour dressing over vegetables and toss well
5. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving

2. Vinegar-Based Memphis Style Slaw

Prep time: 15 minutes + 2 hours marinating
Servings: 6-8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• 1 medium onion, finely diced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients until sugar dissolves
3. Pour over vegetables and toss thoroughly
4. Marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, tossing occasionally

3. Asian-Inspired Sesame Slaw

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 Napa cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1 cup snow peas, sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

1. Combine all vegetables in a large bowl
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss vegetables with dressing
4. Top with sesame seeds and almonds just before serving

4. Spicy Mexican Coleslaw

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 avocados, diced

Dressing Ingredients:

• Juice of 3 limes
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cabbage, jalapeños, corn, and cilantro
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss vegetables with dressing
4. Add diced avocado just before serving

5. Creamy Blue Cheese Slaw

Prep time: 15 minutes + 1 hour chilling
Servings: 8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Salt cabbage and drain for 30 minutes
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients
3. Pat cabbage dry and combine with dressing
4. Top with walnuts and extra blue cheese if desired
5. Chill for at least 1 hour

6. German Red Cabbage Slaw

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 red cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 2 Granny Smith apples, julienned

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cabbage and apples
2. Heat dressing ingredients in small saucepan until sugar dissolves
3. Pour warm dressing over slaw
4. Let stand 10 minutes before serving

7. Tropical Hawaiian Slaw

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine cabbage, pineapple, and bell pepper
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss with vegetables
4. Top with macadamia nuts before serving

8. Healthy Greek Yogurt Slaw

Prep time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 2 carrots, grated
• 4 green onions, sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Salt vegetables and drain for 30 minutes
2. Meanwhile, mix dressing ingredients
3. Pat vegetables dry and combine with dressing
4. Chill before serving

9. BBQ Ranch Slaw

Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all vegetables and beans
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss with slaw mixture
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes

10. Apple and Fennel Slaw

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Slaw Ingredients:

• 2 fennel bulbs, thinly sliced
• 2 green apples, julienned
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine sliced fennel and apples
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss with vegetables just before serving
4. Garnish with mint leaves

11. Curry Mango Slaw

Prep time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage (2 pounds), shredded
• 2 mangos, julienned
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup cashews

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine cabbage, mango, and onion
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss with slaw mixture
4. Top with raisins and cashews

12. Broccoli Slaw

Prep time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Slaw Ingredients:

• 4 broccoli stems, peeled and shredded
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1/2 red cabbage, shredded
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all shredded vegetables
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss with vegetables
4. Top with sunflower seeds

13. Winter Root Vegetable Slaw

Prep time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 celeriac, julienned
• 2 parsnips, julienned
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all julienned vegetables
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients
3. Toss with vegetables
4. Garnish with fresh herbs

Tips:

• Keep undressed vegetables and dressing separate for longer storage
• Dressed creamy slaws last 1-2 days refrigerated
• Vinegar-based slaws last 3-4 days dressed
• Always store in airtight container
• If making ahead, add nuts or seeds just before serving