Quite simply the best coleslaw. This recipe is flavorful, sweet and tangy but not heavy or gooey. It is absolutely perfect with pulled pork or fried fish.
This week we have a wonderful holiday on Friday! I’m putting some extra recipes up just in case you need some new ideas for good food. Enjoy the extra posts.
When we got married, my husband told me he did not like coleslaw. I took him at his word until we had some at KFC and he scarfed down the entire bowl! As it turned out, he generally did not care for coleslaw but he liked the kind that KFC made. Can I just say that marriage is an adventure of learning and discovery that can leave a young woman feeling somewhat down the rabbit hole from time to time. My extended family always thought my coleslaw was excellent so I set about to figure out what it was Jonathan liked about KFC coleslaw.
After testing a few recipes on him I arrived at the secret. Sugar. He wanted a sweet slaw that balanced nicely with vinegar and was unsullied by his archenemy, Raw Onion. It should also limit the offending vegetable, Carrot, to a moderate amount. My final version is one that most people enjoy. It is not pretentious or fancy in any way. Now Jonathan will ask to have coleslaw with dinner, whereupon he will eventually remove the serving bowl from the table swearing he could eat the entire batch if we don’t put it away. Wife 1. KFC 0. Not that I was keeping score or anything…
I think the easiest way to do coleslaw quickly is in a food processor. Texture is everything and I think coleslaw should have a fine, light and airy texture in your mouth. I have an 11 cup Cuisinart that I have been hauling around with me for almost 10 years now. I have worn the plastic off one button and Jon had to glue part of the handle back together this year. I use it all the time so I’m impressed it’s still going. This is my go to for shredding and slicing many veggies and big blocks of cheese. Click here to see on Amazon.
Fourth of July is less than a week away. This is the perfect recipe to have come Friday. Happy 4th!
Another great summer side dish you might enjoy is this popular recipe for Hoisin Glazed Zucchini.
Best Coleslaw Ever (According to me…)
Ingredients
- 8 cups shredded cabbage and carrots three carrots and 1/2 of a large cabbage
- 1/2 cup sour cream reduced fat OK, fat free not OK
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise reduced fat OK, fat free not OK
- 2 Tablespoons vinegar
- 4 Tablespoons sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine vegetables in large bowl.
- Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl; pour over vegetables and mix well.
- Cover and chill for 30-45 minutes.
- Serve.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Your Rating Matters
When you leave a comment or star rating, it means more than you might think. It helps me understand what you’re enjoying, builds trust for other readers, and supports real, tested cooking content. If you have a moment, I’d truly appreciate you sharing your experience. - Mirlandra
Nutrition Estimate
A Note on Nutrition
Nutritional info is an imperfect estimate. Please take it with a grain of salt.
debra jurgens says
Great site Mirlandra! I can’t wait to try some of these recipes.
I also could not find the macaroni I tasted. 🙁 not very savvy on the net)
Debbie
Mirlandra says
Hi Debbie! I’m glad you are enjoying the recipes. Hawaiian Mac Salad is in the Recipe Index under Side Dishes. You can also just use this link http://www.mirlandraskitchen.com/hawaiian_macaroni_salad/ if that is easier for you to navigate. Thanks for stopping by!!!
Susan K. says
My favorite is almost the same as yours except I use lemon juice instead of vinegar!
Mirlandra says
Oh yum! I bet that gives it a lovely flavor. Now I want to try it that way.
Lori says
I make a similar recipe only I use orange juice not vinegar or lemon and I add chopped apple.
Mirlandra says
Yum!
nicolthepickle says
Not that I was keeping score or anything. Made me chuckle.
I’m looking for a coleslaw recipe for lunch tomorrow.
Mirlandra says
Enjoy!
nicolthepickle says
I made it. I added a little sliced red pepper. Hopefully everyone likes it. I’m sure they will.
Mirlandra says
Oh yum – that would be wonderful in there and so pretty! I hope it was a hit!
The Better Baker says
Oh my goodness! You do share some awesome recipes. This is another one that grabbed my attention. Thanks a million for your faithfulness to share with us at Weekend Potluck. Enjoy a safe and fun 4th!
Mirlandra says
Thank you so much. You made my day! I enjoy hanging out with you guys at Weekend Potluck. It is always fun!
The Better Baker says
Well lookie there! Hope we make your day even better…this recipe received most clicks at last week’s Weekend Potluck party, so is being featured this week. Way to go! :-} Keep those awesome recipes comin our way!
Mirlandra says
Thank you! I have been a bit under the weather lately but look forward to joining in more again soon!
Phyllis Smith says
This is the first time I have visited your site; I found this recipe on Pinterest. I just made this and it’s Yummmyy! My husband said it is the best he’s ever had … That’s always a winner!!
Thank you for sharing!!
Mirlandra says
I’m so glad it was something you all enjoyed! My husband is pretty darn crazy about it and for most of the year it is the most popular recipe here on the blog so you are not alone 🙂
Cheryl Tucker says
I make mine almost the same, instead of sour cream I use 1% milk. The next time I make it I’m using your recipe, I love sour cream. Thanks for posting Cheryl
Mirlandra says
I think you will love the difference! When I discovered the magic combo of sour cream and mayo for coleslaw it was revolutionary! Enjoy 🙂
Laurie says
Thanks! I live in Wisconsin.????
Mirlandra says
What a beautiful place to live! I have had the privilege of traveling through your neck of the woods quite a few times over the years and it is always a treat!
kim says
made this yesterday for a family gathering. was a huge hit! next time i will have to double it. thanks for such a simple yummy recipe.=)
Mirlandra says
It is always wonderful to find a great family staple! I’m glad you all enjoyed it.
Laurie says
Hi, just wondering what kind of vinagar? I have white, red wine and apple cider vinegar. Making pulled pork sandwiches.
Mirlandra says
I use white vinegar. It is perfect for this! Enjoy your pulled pork – I wish I was eating at your house today!
Kayla says
I have been looking for a good coleslaw recipe, and this is the best one yet! I added shredded sharp cheddar cheese to mine, because I love putting cheese in my slaw! Thanks for the recipe!
Mirlandra says
That sounds excellent! I will have to try that.
Karen says
Yes, truly the best coleslaw! Just the right balance of sugar and vinegar. This is so much better than recipes calling for all mayonnaise – using it with sour cream makes it so fresh tasting! Definitely in my favorite recipe list. Will take the suggestion above to add grated cheese next time – that sounds great. Thanks so much for this great recipe!
Mirlandra says
Thank you! It is a real family favorite and it makes my heart happy to know you loved it too 🙂 I need to try the grated cheese too – it sounds really good! Happy cooking!!!
Chris Frank says
Very delicious way of making coleslaw…I have been making it this way for years however, I sometimes use cider vinegar, 1 tsp of celery seed , couple stalks of celery and or chopped or finely slivered apples.
And so delicious with pulled pork. Thx Miranda
Mirlandra says
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was in the hospital having our daughter and I’m just now catching up on comments! Your version sounds wonderful. Celery seed is always a wonderful addition and really people don’t use it enough! I often add it to my chicken casseroles too. Thank you for sharing!
AndreB says
Recipe looks tasty, but only 0.2% vitamin C? With half a cabbage in this recipe and cabbage being a great source of vitamin C, how could such a low persentage of C be possible?
Misprint maybe?
Mirlandra says
So nutrition facts… I don’t fill them out at all. Here is the story for you! I’m not a nutritionist! I’m a business owner and a writer and a creator. I use an industry standard software that in theory calculates everything in the recipe and gives a rough approximation. Unfortunately it just does not always get things right! If there is ever a better option to do this I totally will but for now this is as good as I’ve got. Wish it was a better!
Susan says
This was soo good!!! I made it for Easter dinner and was a little worried that my husband wouldn’t like it, But he loved it too!!!! Thank you for a fabulous recipe. I can’t wait to make this for my extended family once the shelter in place ends.
Thanks again!!!!
Mirlandra says
Susan I’m so excited to hear that!!! This is a big favorite around here. Are you guys HI Macaroni Salad people? I so you might like this one too – we just had it over the weekend with some Korean BBQ and oh my word – SO good. https://www.mirlandraskitchen.com/hawaiian_macaroni_salad/
The Bearded Baker says
Excellent the best cole slaw eva!!
Mirlandra says
Wow – high praise!!! Thank you so very much 🙂
Malani says
I’ve never been a big fan of coleslaw, until I found your recipe! I used to like KFC’s, but this recipe has their’s beat, hands down! I use apple cider vinegar and a little onion powder.
Thank you for this delicious recipe! 😋
Mirlandra says
I’m so glad to hear that Malani! Thanks for sharing. I should try some onion powder next time – that sounds good!
Kila says
Hey Miranda! Thanks for sharing this coleslaw recipe, it looks so yummy.
I’m going to make it and add a wee bit of chopped pineapple in it!
You’re the best!
Mirlandra says
Thank you for telling me! I think a little pineapple would be perfectly tasty! Enjoy 🙂