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Creamy Memphis-Style Coleslaw Recipe with Tangy Southern Flair Made Easy

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A creamy Memphis-style coleslaw with a tangy Southern dressing that balances textures and flavors perfectly. Quick and easy to make, this coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser ideal for barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight sides.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, peeled and grated
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s recommended)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk plus 1 tsp lemon juice as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes): Remove outer leaves of cabbage and cut into quarters. Finely shred cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline. Peel and grate carrots with a box grater or shred in a food processor. Finely chop red onion and parsley. Toss all vegetables together in a large mixing bowl. (Optional: soak chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce bite, then drain.)
  2. Make the Dressing (5 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, honey, celery seed, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more buttermilk if dressing is too thick.
  3. Combine and Toss (5 minutes): Pour dressing over shredded vegetables. Gently toss with tongs or large spoons until all shreds are coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Chill for Flavor (at least 30 minutes): Cover bowl with plastic wrap or transfer coleslaw to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and cabbage soften slightly.
  5. Final Stir and Serve: Stir coleslaw before serving. If dressing thickened in fridge, add a splash of buttermilk and mix well. Serve chilled alongside Memphis-style BBQ or as a refreshing snack.

Notes

For less onion bite, soak chopped onion in cold water for 5 minutes then drain. Use mandoline for even shredding or a sharp knife carefully. Chill coleslaw at least 30 minutes for best flavor and texture. Adjust dressing thickness with buttermilk. Variations include vegan mayo and plant-based milk for vegan option, adding cayenne for spice, or nuts/seeds for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: coleslaw, creamy coleslaw, Memphis-style coleslaw, Southern coleslaw, tangy dressing, barbecue side, potluck recipe, easy coleslaw

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-memphis-style-coleslaw-recipe-with-tangy-southern-flair-made-easy/