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Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Melanie
Grandma’s Coleslaw – Old fashioned sweet coleslaw with homemade dressing. A favorite recipe from my grandmother. Perfect with pulled pork, bbq summer picnics.
Grandma’s coleslaw is better than all the rest! I grew up enjoying this recipe for summer picnics, Easter dinner and other family get togethers. It’s perfect for potlucks. I’ve done my best to duplicate it.
My grandma grew up in era where many recipes where just made from memory. So here’s my best version of her ultimate perfect coleslaw. Her coleslaw really was the best in my opinion.
My grandma died in a car accident when I was seventeen, a few years before i was making recipes and cooking for myself or a family. I lost her so abruptly but I’m thankful I have a memories of her and this recipe. When I make I think of her. I wish I could call my grandparents as an adult. Have conversations with her or my other grandparents. At the young age of seventeen, she was my last grandparent on earth. My other grandmother died the year before. One grandfather died when I was young and the other died before I was even born. If you still have your parents or grandparents, enjoy the moments with them. They dogo by too quickly!
Grandma’s coleslaw is creamy, slightly sweet and very simple. There’s not a lot of fuss, just a few simple ingredients. You’ll most likely want to make it ahead of time because I believe it’s tastier when it’s cold and has marinated for a bit. But feel free to serve it immediately as well.
This recipe comes just in time for all the picnics, potluck dinners, graduation parties and barbecues we’ll all be attending this summer.
What to serve with Grandma’s Old Fashioned Coleslaw:
- Fresh watermelon
- Fresh blueberry lemonade,
- Grilled burgers
- chocolate Cherry Brownie Dessert Pizza
- Grilled Corn
Add some lawn games. Now, you’re ready for summer partying!
Grandma’s Coleslaw Recipe Tips:
- If you have one, use a food processor to shred the cabbage. I use my KitchenAid processor for this and tt makes the job so simple and creates way less mess!
- You can also buy pre-shredded cabbage to make the job easier.
- You can use a dressing shaker if you have one to mix up the ingredients for the dressing.
- I think this recipe tastes better when it is given ample time in the refrigerator. So plan accordingly.
Til we meet and eat again,
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Grandmas Coleslaw
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 –12 servings 1x
Description
Grandma’s old fashioned coleslaw. Picnic favorite handed down from my grandmother. Perfect with pulled pork, bbq and summer picnics.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage
- 1 large carrot or 2 small carrots (peeled)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Using a food processor or box grater shred cabbage and carrots. Place in a large bowl. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Mix by hand with a spoon or use a hand mixer. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Pour over cabbage and carrots. Stir to thoroughly combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
To make this easier I use a food processor to shred the cabbage. It makes the job so simple. I like the thinly shredded cabbage that you get when you do it at home. You can also buy pre-shredded cabbage and this recipe would be together in about 5 minutes. Use whatever method is best for you.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
You may also like:
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Favorite Fruit Salad
Coleslaw is essential for the Summer!! This looks great!
Thanks Annie. I believe so too. 🙂
Definitely pinning. Grandmas know everything!
Thanks for pinning Meaghan!
This looks delicious! I love coleslaw ?
I love making coleslaw! This one looks good. I do a great dairy-free one.
I read this just in time for this weekend’s picnic. Thanks for sharing the recipe! It looks so delish and I’m already excited to test it out. Coleslaw is so essential for the summer 🙂
Made this right quick to go with fried bass! so great! just added a bit of vinegar, just a little too sweet! Still a great recipe!
Thanks for the feedback Maggie! Glad you could make it to suit your tastes. Have a lovely day!
How many bags of pre-cut cabbage would be needed for this recipe? Thanks, looks great!
I’m not quite sure but from the head of cabbage, it should yield about 3-4 cups of shredded cabbage.
My grandmother made cole slaw with either can milk or codes ed milk. Do you remember this way? Debbie Mcgee
I’m sorry. I do not!
I just made Grandma’s Coleslaw to carry for a funeral meal. The church is providing BBQ and Fried Chicken. We were asked to provide side dishes so I chose the coleslaw. It turned out delicious! Thank you for sharing your Grandmothers’s recipe.
Thank you for the wonderful feedback Sandra. I’m so glad it was delicious. It’s so awesome that my grandmother’s recipe is still get used all over. Bless her heart.
Thanks so much Grandma! Your magic coleslaw saved the day! The vinegar was extra extravagant!
Your coleslaw is great. The whole family thought it was delicious. Thanks a bunch!
Simple and delicious. I don’t like most. Loved my mom’s. Never got the right recipe. This is good! AND.simple.
Thank you for your feedback! We love it at our house and yes it is an easy recipe.
I have tried all different types of cole slaws, but this is my hands-down favorite. I’ve tagged it as my “winner-winner”. Perfect blend of sweet and tart and super easy. My husband told me to just throw all the others away. This is a keeper!
Carla, that is wonderful. So glad to hear. It’s definitely my favorite. Thanks for the positive feedback!