If you’re looking for a creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious side dish, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is the perfect recipe to try! This classic Southern-style slaw is refreshingly simple, slightly sweet, and has the perfect balance of tang and creaminess that makes it a hit at any gathering.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern Flavor – Sweet, tangy, and creamy just like Dolly would make it.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples come together for an easy, fresh side.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for barbecues, picnics, potlucks, or a casual family dinner.
Quick to Prepare – Just a few minutes of prep time.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Coleslaw:
1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded
1 carrot, peeled and grated
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tbsp celery seeds
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board and knife
Grater for carrots
Spatula or large spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
Grate the carrot and finely chop the red onion.
Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Slaw
Pour the dressing over the cabbage, carrot, and onion.
Toss everything together thoroughly until all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
Give the coleslaw a good stir before serving.
Tips for Perfect Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw
Use Fresh Cabbage – Freshly shredded cabbage gives the best crunch and flavor.
Adjust Sweetness – Add a little more or less sugar depending on your taste preference.
Let it Chill – Refrigerating the slaw enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.
Toss Again Before Serving – The dressing settles, so toss well before plating.
Serving Suggestions
Perfect alongside BBQ ribs, pulled chicken, or grilled burgers.
Serve as a topping for sandwiches or tacos for extra crunch.
Pair with fried chicken, baked beans, and cornbread for a full Southern-style meal.
How to Store & Make Ahead
Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Always stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
Making Ahead:
You can prepare Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw a day in advance for even better flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix?
Yes! Using a bagged coleslaw mix saves time and works perfectly for this recipe. - Can I make this coleslaw dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a dairy-free mayonnaise. - How do I make it more tangy?
Add a little extra apple cider vinegar or a splash of lemon juice for more tanginess. - Can I add other veggies?
Yes! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, green onions, or shredded broccoli for variety.
Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is a true Southern classic—simple, sweet, and irresistibly creamy.
Whether you’re hosting a cookout, packing a picnic, or looking for the perfect side dish, this coleslaw delivers every time with big flavor and nostalgic charm.
Whip up a bowl today and enjoy a little taste of Southern comfort!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Cuisine: Southern American
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 200mg
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
If you’re looking for a creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious side dish, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is the perfect recipe to try! This classic Southern-style slaw is refreshingly simple, slightly sweet, and has the perfect balance of tang and creaminess that makes it a hit at any gathering.
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
For the Coleslaw:
1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded
1 carrot, peeled and grated
½ small red onion, finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tbsp celery seeds
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely shred the cabbage using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
Grate the carrot and finely chop the red onion.
Place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Slaw
Pour the dressing over the cabbage, carrot, and onion.
Toss everything together thoroughly until all the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
Give the coleslaw a good stir before serving.
Notes
Use Fresh Cabbage – Freshly shredded cabbage gives the best crunch and flavor.
Adjust Sweetness – Add a little more or less sugar depending on your taste preference.
Let it Chill – Refrigerating the slaw enhances the flavor and texture beautifully.
Toss Again Before Serving – The dressing settles, so toss well before plating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern American
