Our 7 Top Coleslaw BBQ Sides

Crisp and refreshing coleslaw makes an excellent BBQ ribs side dish, It provides a delightful contrast to the rich and savory flavors of smoked or grilled ribs.

These are the 7 top slaw sides CampGrilling recommends for your next BBQ.

1. Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The classic creamy coleslaw is a BBQ favorite due to its crisp and creamy texture.

It serves as a refreshing counterpart to the robust and smoky flavors of grilled meats, creating a delightful balance that keeps guests coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The tangy apple cider vinegar slaw is favored at BBQs for its ability to cut through the richness of grilled meats.

The acidity from the apple cider vinegar refreshes the palate, providing a perfect interlude between each savory bite from the grill.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green and red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Spicy Jalapeño Coleslaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The spicy jalapeño coleslaw gains popularity at BBQs for its fiery kick.

The heat adds an exciting dimension to the grilling experience, making it a top choice for those who enjoy a bit of spice mingling with the smoky notes of the grill.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, chopped jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

4. Honey Mustard Coleslaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The honey mustard coleslaw is a BBQ staple due to its sweet and savory profile.

The combination of honey and mustard enhances the overall taste, making it a crowd-pleaser that complements the bold flavors of barbecue dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green and red cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

5. Asian Sesame Slaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The Asian sesame slaw is embraced at BBQs for its global flavors.

The addition of sesame oil and soy sauce creates a savory profile that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of grilled meats, adding an international flair to the gathering.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded Napa cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine shredded Napa cabbage and carrots in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and sesame seeds.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

6. Pineapple Cilantro Slaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The pineapple cilantro coleslaw stands out at BBQs for its tropical infusion.

The sweetness of pineapple and the freshness of cilantro provide a delightful contrast to the smoky barbecue, transporting taste buds to a sunny grilling paradise.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, carrots, diced pineapple, and chopped cilantro.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

7. Avocado Lime Slaw

Why it's Popular at BBQs: The avocado lime coleslaw earns its BBQ popularity with a creamy and citrusy burst.

Its refreshing qualities, stemming from the creaminess of avocado and the zing of lime, make it an indulgent side that perfectly complements the bold and smoky notes of grilled delights.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lime juice.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Discover your favorite grilling experience by trying different coleslaw types. Each one is crafted to enhance the flavors of your favorite grilled dishes.

Coleslaw Alternatives

Need more side dish ideas? We recommend trying a good potato salad or cool watermelon salad side with your next BBQ grilling feast.