This 5 ingredient coleslaw recipe is simple to make with coleslaw mix and a homemade dressing that is sweet, tangy and creamy from a touch of mayo. It’s my favorite way to top pulled pork!

Homemade coleslaw in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

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Easy 5 Ingredient Coleslaw

This easy homemade coleslaw is one of my favorite summer side dishes to bring to a BBQ. It’s simple to make with a bag of crunchy coleslaw mix and a creamy mayonnaise coleslaw dressing.

I always keep a bag of coleslaw on hand in the summer so I can throw this recipe together for cookouts, potlucks or weeknights. My favorite way to serve it is with lime juice and cilantro mixed in, then piled on a kalua pork slider or BBQ pulled pork sandwich. So good!

XO - Jamielyn

Ingredient Notes

Coleslaw dressing being whisked in a glass bowl.
  • Coleslaw mix: I love to use a pre-shredded bag of coleslaw mix for convenience, but you could chop up a head of cabbage, carrots and radicchio too.
  • Mayonnaise: I add in about 1/3 cup mayo. If you prefer a creamier coleslaw, feel free to add more but I think that it is the perfect amount for a mayonnaise coleslaw dressing.
  • Vinegar: Cider vinegar or white vinegar both work great.
  • Lemon or lime juice: Can use either depending on preference and what you have on hand.
  • Honey: I like to add in honey for the sweetener, sugar will work just as well.

How to Make Coleslaw

Pouring dressing over coleslaw mix in a glass bowl.
  • Make the coleslaw dressing with mayo. Whisk together mayo, vinegar, lime juice, and honey. Salt and pepper to taste. I added about 1/3 cup mayo, which was perfect for my taste. If you prefer a more creamy coleslaw, feel free to double the dressing.
  • Combine ingredients and toss. Add coleslaw, dressing, and any desired mix-in’s to a large bowl. Toss until well coated and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Coleslaw in a glass bowl with a silver spoon.

Favorites to Serve With

Anything BBQ flavored tastes amazing with homemade coleslaw. Below are some of my favorites to pair it with:

Optional Mix-In’s

It’s really easy to customize this homemade coleslaw recipe to make it your own. Here are some of my favorite additions:

  • Chopped cilantro or parsley
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped bell pepper
  • Dried cranberries
  • Diced apples
  • Sliced almonds
  • Diced pineapple
Coleslaw in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

More summer side dish recipes include my caprese salad, this easy pasta salad my refreshing watermelon salad.

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coleslaw in a white bowl

Easy Coleslaw Recipe

5 from 16 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
This easy coleslaw recipe is made with only 5 ingredients in just 10 minutes. The perfect summer time side dish that's always loved by all!
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Ingredients 

  • 8 ounce bag coleslaw mix
  • ⅓ cup mayo
  • 1 Tablespoon cider or white vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice , more to taste
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons honey , or sugar

Optional add in's: S&P, chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced green onions, chopped bell pepper, dried cranberries, diced apples, sliced almonds

Instructions

  • Whisk together the mayo, vinegar, lime juice and honey. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Combine the coleslaw and dressing in a large bowl. Add desired mix in's. Toss until evenly coated and then store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

  • I love to use lime juice with chopped cilantro to add to tacos or bbq pulled pork.
  • If you prefer a more creamy coleslaw, feel free to double the dressing.
  • Make ahead: This recipe tastes best if made within a few hours, however it can be made the night before if needed. I wouldn’t recommend making it any further in advance for the best results. I like to make the dressing ahead of time and then mix everything together right before serving.
  • Store: Fresh coleslaw is best to eat within 2 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a big stir before enjoying.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 67mg, Potassium: 72mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 40IU, Vitamin C: 16.1mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.