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Creamy Southern-Style Coleslaw Recipe with Easy Tangy Buttermilk Dressing

creamy southern-style coleslaw - featured image

A creamy and tangy Southern-style coleslaw featuring crisp cabbage and carrots coated in a light buttermilk dressing, perfect for cookouts and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely shred about 6 cups of green cabbage using a mandoline or sharp knife. Peel and julienne or shred 1 cup of carrots, then thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion if using. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Toss all the veggies together in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add 1/2 teaspoon celery seed, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the dressing over the shredded veggies and toss gently but thoroughly until every strand is lightly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften slightly while staying crisp.
  4. Before serving, give the coleslaw a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

If coleslaw looks watery after chilling, drain excess liquid before serving. For dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk plus lemon juice and use vegan mayonnaise. Avoid overdressing to prevent sogginess. Chilling for at least 1 hour improves flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, southern coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, buttermilk dressing, tangy coleslaw, summer side dish, barbecue side, easy coleslaw recipe