WATCH FULL RECIPE HERE!
Creamy Coleslaw is a symbol of summer, especially in America. No one can resist crisp cabbage topped with a sweet, creamy dressing. I added my twist to a classic, amping it up with one of my bestselling BBQ rubs. The end result was a flavorful slaw that will bring you back to summer picnics with Grandma.
Try plating a scoop next to your fried chicken, brats, hot dogs, burgers, or BBQ chicken. My Creamy Coleslaw has a tame flavor, making it a great addition to these main events and more! This recipe is out-of-this-world good, but it’s also easy to make. It’s a great recipe to have kids help with. I recommend making it ahead of time and letting the flavors marinate in the fridge.
If you have leftovers, you’ll be pleased to know they taste better the next day! Try this recipe, and let us know what you think. I know it’ll be a key part of your summer, too.
Creamy Coleslaw | Heath Riles BBQ
Creamy Coleslaw is the American standard, but it resembled more of a vinegar-based slaw. In the 20th century, creamy coleslaw took over, as people were adding mayonnaise to every salad under the sun! Many love pairing Creamy Coleslaw with something heavier, such as a plate of fried chicken.
Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your family’s preferences. Everyone has their own version of slaw, and there is plenty of family tradition involved! Optional additions include raisins, nuts, bell peppers, and celery.
Serve your Creamy Coleslaw Southern style alongside your favorite smoked meat, or use it to top tacos and pulled pork sandwiches. Either way, you have a simple side dish that will get you many compliments.
The Ingredients
This Creamy Coleslaw uses common ingredients found in most grocery stores. Here’s what you need to add to your shopping cart.
- Mayonnaise. I kept it traditional, using mayonnaise as my coleslaw base. Mayonnaise’s mild flavor makes it the perfect ingredient for any salad. It pairs incredibly well with Dijon, calming its zest to a dull roar.
- White distilled vinegar. A little white vinegar gives the Creamy Coleslaw that hint of tanginess we all know and love. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can use apple cider.
- Dijon mustard. My grandma used this ingredient in her coleslaw, and she never had any leftovers. For best results, use a smooth Dijon rather than a grainy one.
- Sugar. Coleslaw can be acidic, so we add a dash of sugar. Sweet coleslaw is a personal preference, so add however much sugar you want.
- Heath Riles BBQ Everyday Rub. This delicious seasoning blend takes your basic salt and pepper up a notch. I added a hint of garlic to make veggies, chicken, pork, steak, and burgers taste extraordinary.
- Angel hair coleslaw. I love using a thinly cut slaw in my Creamy Coleslaw, as it helps you get the perfect bite! Plus, the angel hair coleslaw soaks up the creamy dressing, giving you a creamy side dish without being watered down.
- Onion. I wanted my Creamy Coleslaw to have texture, so I added diced onion. This gave the coleslaw a little bite, keeping things interesting.
The Process for Making Creamy Coleslaw
My short video and recipe card provide a detailed demonstration of this recipe. For now, here’s a quick rundown on how to make Macaroni Salad my way.
- Make the dressing. To make the Creamy Coleslaw dressing, I combined mayonnaise, vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar, celery salt, and Heath Riles BBQ Everyday Rub until smooth.
- Mix the slaw. I emptied the angel hair coleslaw mix into a large bowl, poured the dressing over the top, and tossed until coated. Then, I folded in the diced onion and a sprinkle of black pepper. I covered the bowl and set it in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors marinate. The only thing left was to dig in!
The Results
This Creamy Coleslaw was refreshing and full of flavor. The hint of Dijon took me back to eating Grandma’s coleslaw as a kid! This is the perfect simple side dish for any picnic, BBQ, potluck, or game day. I know you’ll love it as much as I do!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Coleslaw
Serve your coleslaw on top of your favorite BBQ chicken or pork sandwich with a handful of potato chips.
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Creamy Coleslaw in the fridge for up to a week. I don’t recommend freezing this dish as it tastes too different when thawed.
