Once upon a time, I hated coleslaw. That was a long time ago. Now, I still dislike most 'slaws served in restaurants (as I mentioned before) but I love throwing together different variations at home.
This recipe introduced me to a new type of spice I hadn't used before, called celery seeds. We use celery salt for our Chicago-style dogs, but never had I used whole celery seeds. Don't omit them. The inclusion of the celery seeds is what sets the flavor above other coleslaws. Plus, the speckles they create in the dressing add to the visual appeal.
If you are the type that likes to eat coleslaw topped on your sandwiches, as a side to your barbecue, or just for a quick snack, then you have found the perfect recipe. The flavor of this complements any of these scenarios and will quench your slaw craving at any time.
Recipe Card
Memphis-Style Coleslaw
Ingredients
- ½ head of cabbage , sliced (or 1 16-oz. bag shredded cabbage with carrots)
- ½ minced green bell pepper
- 1 to 2 carrots , peeled and grated
- 1 cup mayonnaise (not light)
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt (Kosher preferred)
- 1 Tablespoon grated onion
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, green bell pepper and carrots; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the rest of the ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. Pour over the cabbage mix and toss until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours before serving. Will keep for about 3 days in the fridge.
- Source: Adapted from Our Best Bites, originally Southern Living Comfort Food
Nutrition
Marlena says
Since I found this recipe a few years ago, it's the only one I use. Leaving this comment because I made it today to have with our wings. I can't say enough how this is the best coleslaw recipe! Sometimes I add a little slivered apple which lends a little fresh sweetness but it is phenomenal as is. Today I didn't have enough mayo so I made up for what I was missing with plain Greek yogurt and substituted stone ground mustard for the Dijon because I was out of that. But it tastes just as yummy! Easy recipe which you can adapt to what you have on hand. BTW, I've deleted every other coleslaw recipe from my Pinterest boards. That's how much I love it!
Nikki Gladd says
haha, thank you, Marlena for the review after all these years! 🙂 Love the substitution tips, too!
Steve says
This was SO good! Definitely a keeper. Thanks.
Lisa says
This is the slaw my mother made all the time, but she didn't use the bell pepper. My dad didn't like bell pepper. I add a little purple cabbage for the color, and I like more carrot. I'm from Memphis TN, and this is pretty much how we do it, and yes, we put it on our barbecue pork sandwiches. Delicious!
Rebecca says
I made my own version tonight as I didn't think I had apple cider vinegar. I figured a couple tablespoons of apple jelly and regular cider would be fine. After adding the jelly, I found some apple cider vinegar and added it. Also, I substituted Dijon mustard with stone ground as that's all I had. Maybe they are the same thing. I don't really know. Regardless, it turned out wonderful and the boys whom normally don't care for slaw, said they really liked it.
Nikki says
Isn't it great when your own alterations work out so well? Yay! 🙂
Ana says
Looks delicious! I only have celery salt (and don't want to run out to buy celery seeds as well). Would you recommend skipping the celery seeds entirely or trying maybe 1/4 or 1/2 tsp of celery salt (and obv cut back on the kosher salt)? Thank you:)
Nikki says
I would give the celery salt a try. But, if you do decide to pick up some celery seed, I have a pot pie recipe coming up that uses it, as well. 🙂
Ana says
Thank you:)
Sarah B says
You never put celery seeds in your coleslaw?? I thought that was standard for the flavor...otherwise it's just vinegar, sugar, and mayo. Maybe it's a Jewish thing? I dunno. I grew up with LOTS of kosher staples (Jewish grandmother!) and coleslaw isn't complete without that celery seed. Next you'll be telling me you don't put pickle juice in your potato salad...haha!
Jenise Scarborough says
This recipe has the same ingredients that I put in my slaw, except I rarely measure anything anymore. I always get compliments on it,and if I say so myself, it is delicious! I started using celery seed several years ago when I never had celery on hand. I even put celery seed in my potato salad instead of chopped celery and also in my tuna, chicken,salmon salads and deviled eggs. It is better to refrigerate your slaw or whatever for a few hours before serving to let the flavors mix.
sweetsugarbelle says
I had to "grow into" coleslaw, but I love it now!
Tonia says
Sounds and Looks De-lish....I love celery seed in coleslaw too. I've had a similar recipe and can't wait to try this one!!
Jessica says
I absolutely love celery seed in my cole slaw! So glad you've come around to the wonderful world of slaw. 🙂
Laura says
Yum! Over a pulled pork BBQ sandwich - Heaven on a plate. I love celery seeds. To me, they're the star ingredient in Old Bay. Also, they're wonderful in cold pasta salads. Such a pungent little burst of flavor. They're great!
Erin says
Even though I have always seen coleslaw served with BBQ growing up in upstate NY, I never in my life would've imagined putting it on the sandwich like they do here in Memphis. Probably because I always disliked it. I recently have come to enjoy certain types though, but I haven't figured of what in them makes me like them.
Ammie says
Oh, I never thought to put celery seed in coleslaw! If you are looking for how else to use it, try it in egg salad and chicken salad for sandwiches - delicious!