This Coleslaw for Pulled Pork is creamy, tangy, and the perfect mix of crunch and flavor. With a blend of mayo, vinegar, and dry mustard, it adds a zesty bite that balances smoky, tender barbecue. Whether served on the side or piled high on a sandwich, it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make classic.
A bowl of this creamy coleslaw is ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or any time you need a quick and flavorful side dish. It’s a great make-ahead option since the flavors deepen as it chills, making it even tastier the next day.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Variations
- How to Make Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
- More Recipes You Will Love
- How to Store Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
- What to Serve with Coleslaw
- Top Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions About Making Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
- More Recipes You Will Love
- Coleslaw for Pulled Pork Recipe
This easy recipe was inspired by our low for pulled pork sliders! We have a couple great recipes that you have to try. Our BBQ Pork Sliders and Hawaiian Roll Sliders were both made from our Root Beer Slow Cooker Pulled Pork.
Why You Will Love This Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and slightly zesty for the ultimate coleslaw taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: The flavors get even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Quick and Easy: Only a few minutes of prep for a delicious, homemade side dish.
- Versatile: Works as a topping for pulled pork, sandwiches, tacos, or as a standalone side.
- Crunchy and Refreshing: A great contrast to rich, smoky barbecue dishes.
Ingredients
A short trip to the grocery store to grab some simple ingredients and you will be on your way to make this perfect coleslaw for summer cookouts.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
- Pre-Shredded Coleslaw Mix: Shredded cabbage allows for the sauce to lightly tenderize, while maintaining a light crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Make this dressing rich and creamy and is balances by all the other flavors.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and light crunch.
- Granulated Sugar: Additional sweetness to balance the tangy flavors.
- White Vinegar: Adds a slight tang.
- Dry Mustard: Offers a lightly earthy profile.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- Ground White Pepper: A subtle peppery flavor and light earthy vibe. You can use ground black pepper for a stronger flavor.
- Garlic Powder: A slightly spicy flavor.
For this easy recipe, you'll want to have on hand measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls and a spatula.
Substitutions and Variations
Love this classic coleslaw recipe but want to make it your own?
- Mayonnaise Swap: Try Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- White Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang, or red wine vinegar for a sweeter one.
- Sugar: Replace with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness. Alternatively, you can leave it out if you prefer a tangier coleslaw.
- Fresh Cabbage Mix: Shred your own cabbage instead of a pre-packaged mix. You can use green cabbage and purple cabbage and carrots. For a softer texture you can even chop Napa cabbage.
- Cabbage Swap: Change it up all together and make a broccoli slaw instead!
- Onion: Try green onions or red onions for a milder flavor.
- Mustard Variation: For a more intense mustard flavor you can use yellow mustard instead of dry.
- Mix-Ins: Add a crunch with some broken up ramen noodles, sliced almonds, or other fresh vegetables, like peppers or celery.
How to Make Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
In just a few steps, you will have a creamy coleslaw ready take to your next event.
Place bagged coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Set aside and make your homemade coleslaw dressing.
In a small bowl add all ingredients and mix.
Pour over top of cabbage mixture and allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Hint: Chilling for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors and softens the cabbage slightly.
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How to Store Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
Store this easy coleslaw recipe to bring to your next large gathering.
- Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: You can store in an air-tight container and freeze, but the texture may change when you thaw it.
What to Serve with Coleslaw
This coleslaw is a perfect addition to any picnic, or large gathering. Here are some recipes that pair well with it.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: We love using this coleslaw on both our sliders on Hawaiian rolls, and our BBQ pulled pork sliders. Try our slow cooker BBQ pulled pork for a tender pork recipe.
- Tacos: Top your tacos with this tangy coleslaw. Use our Instant Pot pork carnitas recipe to make a delicious pork taco.
- Baked Beans: A classic side dish to bring to any gathering. Try our slow cooker baked beans recipe.
- Mac and Cheese: Another great menu item for an outdoor party. We have a baked Mac and cheese or slow cooker Velveeta mac and cheese that both pair well.
- Potato Dishes: Many variations of potato recipes are the perfect side dish for outdoor barbecues. Try a potato salad, potato wedges, baked potatoes, or homemade French fries.
- Grilled Chicken: Our chicken thigh marinade works well for grilled chicken. BBQ chicken sandwiches pairs well with this perfect coleslaw.
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Our honey strawberry lemonade recipe is a sweet addition. It can also be used to make our Hennessy strawberry lemonade.
Top Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the best coleslaw recipe.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, add more mayo. For a tangier version, increase the vinegar.
- Mix Just Before Serving: If making ahead, store the cabbage and dressing separately and give it a good stir before serving.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cabbage has better texture than pre-packaged mixes.
- Taste and Adjust: Everyone has a different coleslaw preference—taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
Questions about make a coleslaw recipe for pulled pork? Maybe we can help!
Yes. We actually prefer to make it ahead. The extra time that the coleslaw spends being chilled allows the flavors to fully meld, and we find that it tastes even better this way!
White vinegar is classic, but apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness.
Absolutely! You can omit the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey.
It’s great on fish or pork tacos, sliders, grilled chicken, or as a simple side with barbecue meals.
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Check out some more of our recipes you will want to try!
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Coleslaw for Pulled Pork Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 16- ounce bag shredded cabbage mix
- ¾ cup mayo
- 1 yellow onion small and minced
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3-4 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place bagged coleslaw mix in a large bowl. Set aside and make your homemade coleslaw dressing.
- In a small bowl add all ingredients and mix.
- Pour over top of cabbage mixture and allow it to sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- Chilling for at least 2 hours enhances the flavors and softens the cabbage slightly.
- If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, add more mayo. For a tangier version, increase the vinegar.
- If making ahead, store the cabbage and dressing separately and give it a good stir before serving.
- Freshly shredded cabbage has better texture than pre-packaged mixes.
- Everyone has a different coleslaw preference—taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking.
Nutrition
We would be so grateful for you to leave us a rating and review on any recipes you try. If you make any alterations, let us know how they turned out.
Abi says
I love coleslaws, but never thought of making them using a bag of shredded cabbage mix which comes in handy. Amazing!
Eva Filer says
It is such a simpler way. Enjoy it.
Joanne says
This coleslaw is very creamy. Great recipe
Eva Filer says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it.