Summer Coleslaw is a creamy, tangy staple at all our summer barbecues! It’s the perfect cold side dish or pulled pork sandwich garnish.
When the warm weather hits, I find myself craving some spicy shrimp recipes. This tangy, sweet Summer Coleslaw gives the perfect balance against the heat! You only need a few pantry ingredients to make this classic summer side dish with my favorite add-in: raisins!
SUMMER COLESLAW
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When I was in high school, my mom asked me to make coleslaw. I tried to remember what went into it, and I was pretty proud of the result. But at dinner, both my parents asked why I put raisins in my coleslaw. It was a happy mistake because it tasted amazing and now it’s one of my favorite coleslaws to make in the summer — hence the name Summer Coleslaw!
When we have pulled pork sandwiches I HAVE to top it with Summer Coleslaw! There’s something about a creamy, cool coleslaw on a warm and smokey pulled pork sandwich that makes your cookout amazing.
Ingredients
WHITE VINEGAR: To give my summer coleslaw dressing that perfect tang, I use a little vinegar. But fear not! I sweeten it up with a little honey and mayo, too.
SHREDDED CABBAGE: There’s no coleslaw without the cabbage. Pre-shredded or home cut works! I add shredded carrots, too.
RAISINS: I love the hint of sweetness of raisins in this summer coleslaw recipe! You can always leave them out, but try it before you knock it!
I use a little salt, pepper, and celery seed to season this summer coleslaw salad.
How to Make Summer Coleslaw
- First, mix together the vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, celery seed, and mayonnaise for the summer coleslaw dressing.
- Then, toss the cabbage, carrots, and raisins in the dressing until it’s all coated. Let it chill in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
This really couldn’t be any easier to make. If you’re wanting to make it a few hours ahead of time for a party or big dinner I’d make the sauce in the bottom of the bowl and top with the cabbage but wait to toss until you’re ready to serve it up. If you do it ahead of time it’ll get pretty soft. I like a bit of crunch from the cabbage so I hold off.
Summer Coleslaw Ideas
I love coleslaw because it’s so easy to make and so versatile, too! I’ve got a host of coleslaw recipes to pair with any meal.
If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll love this classic coleslaw recipe. It’s just like the Chick-fil-A coleslaw!
To add a little spicy sweetness to the table, try this honey sriracha coleslaw. It’s got a pop of color from the red cabbage and a spicy kick, too.
This Asian slaw is everything you love about classic recipes with an Asian-inspired twist. Don’t forget the ramen noodles for a great crunch!
More Delicious Summer Side Dish Recipes
- Classic Macaroni Salad
- Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
- Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad
- Parmesan Cilantro Corn
- Red Potato Salad
- More SIDE DISH recipes…
Tools used to make Summer Coleslaw
Mixing bowl: You just need one big mixing bowl for the best summer coleslaw recipe.
Serving bowl: I love using this gorgeous plastic serving bowl for all my poolside parties! It’s as stunning as my china but won’t break on my patio.
*This post originally posted on 07/19/2015.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 cups green cabbage shredded (see note)
- 1 cup carrots shredded
- ½ cup raisins
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, celery seed, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and raisins to the bowl. Toss until coated in dressing.
- Serve immediately or cover and place the coleslaw in the fridge until ready to eat. Give the coleslaw a stir before serving.
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