14 Tangy Coleslaw Recipes That Are Great for Picnics and Potlucks

Sweet Potato-Pomegranate Slaw
Photo: Andy Lyons

Coleslaw is a classic side dish, and it can be transformed in so many ways. There's classic creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and mayonnaise, lighter vinegar coleslaw recipes, spicy variations, and so much more. No matter what your main dish is, you'll find the best coleslaw recipe for your meal right here!

01 of 14

Classic Creamy Coleslaw

Classic Creamy Coleslaw
Andy Lyons Cameraworks LTD

If you want a traditional, easy coleslaw recipe, this is the best one around. Combine shredded green and red cabbage with carrots, green onions, and a coleslaw dressing recipe that uses mayonnaise, celery seeds, and lemon juice. It's simple, creamy, tangy, and delicious!

02 of 14

Citrus-Cucumber Slaw with Pickled Shallots

Citrus-Cucumber Slaw with Pickled Shallots
Carson Downing

When you want to serve a fancier, super fresh coleslaw recipe, try this one with grapefruit sections and cucumber slices. The base still has classic cabbage, but it's kicked up a notch with an acidic verjus dressing. If the best coleslaw recipe for you includes some spice, you're in luck–this one also features a little heat from fresh jalapeño peppers.

03 of 14

Spicy Broccoli Slaw

Spicy Broccoli Slawin white bowl topped with jalapenos and red onions
Jason Donnelly

This easy recipe for coleslaw couldn't be simpler: it starts with a purchased broccoli slaw mix, and all you have to do is dress it up a little. Toss in jalapeño peppers and a splash of hot pepper sauce to give it some heat, and small dill gherkins for a little extra tang. A classic mayo coleslaw dressing is the best creamy finish for this tasty side dish.

04 of 14

Cucumber Radish Slaw

Cucumber-Radish Slaw
Andy Lyons

Want proof that not every coleslaw recipe needs cabbage? Look no further than this refreshing cucumber slaw. It combines cucumber slices, radishes, and red peppers with an easy cider vinaigrette. It's ready to eat in just 20 minutes, or you can let it chill in the fridge for a few hours and serve later.

05 of 14

Sweet Potato-Pomegranate Slaw

Sweet Potato-Pomegranate Slaw
Andy Lyons

Sweet potatoes can improve almost any recipe, including coleslaw! Shredded raw sweet potatoes take the place of traditional cabbage in this recipe for coleslaw, and they add gorgeous color and delicious flavor. Pair with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and cilantro for a one-of-a-kind slaw with sweetness and tang.

06 of 14

Sesame Noodle Slaw

Sesame Noodle Slaw
Blaine Moats

This Asian coleslaw recipe mixes cabbage and a vinegar dressing with uncooked ramen noodles, which help give it some crunch. Sesame seeds, soy sauce, and rice vinegar give the coleslaw Asian-inspired flavors. If you want the noodles to be a little softer, instead of serving right away, let the slaw sit in the fridge for a few hours so the noodles soak up some of the dressing.

07 of 14

Creamy BLT Coleslaw

Creamy BLT Coleslaw
Andy Lyons

Two summer favorites in one! Since mayo is classically used in both coleslaw and as a sauce for BLT sandwiches, it's only natural to pair the two into one of the best coleslaw recipes ever. Crispy bacon and juicy cherry tomatoes upgrade this otherwise-traditional slaw.

08 of 14

Vinaigrette Coleslaw

Vinaigrette Coleslaw
Rebekah Molloy

Like your coleslaw with no mayo? This vinegar coleslaw recipe uses classic ingredients like red cabbage and shredded carrots, but paired with a mayo-free vinaigrette. For the coleslaw dressing recipe, shake together cider vinegar, salad oil, dry mustard, and caraway seeds, then let all the veggies marinate for a few hours before digging in.

09 of 14

Red Cabbage and Radicchio Slaw

Red Cabbage and Radicchio Slaw
Blaine Moats

Sweet, juicy, and with a little bit of bite–this easy coleslaw recipe combines a ton of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Red onion, radicchio, red cabbage, and pomegranate arils make for a beautiful purple salad that tastes even better than it looks. The recipe makes six servings, but it's easy to double or even triple if you're planning to feed a crowd.

10 of 14

Peanutty Noodle Slaw

Peanutty Noodle Slaw
Andy Lyons

Just add peanut-sauced chicken and this Asian coleslaw recipe can turn into a main dish. A creamy peanut butter and ginger sesame dressing coats shredded cabbage, crispy ramen noodles, and sesame seeds. Just before serving, top with peanuts for a little more crunch.

11 of 14

Winter Slaw with Kale and Cabbage

Winter Slaw with Kale and Cabbage
Blaine Moats

Coleslaw recipes might be at their peak in summertime, but you can enjoy them year-round. This dish uses a few more wintry ingredients like shredded kale and toasted pumpkin seeds, but there's no reason you can't serve it during summer, too. Toss with a classic mayo dressing and serve on its own as a side, or top with your favorite protein for an easy, healthy main meal.

12 of 14

Waka Waka Salad

Waka Waka Salad
Ray Kachatorian

Call it a salad, call it slaw–no matter what name it goes by, this easy coleslaw recipe is utterly delicious. A combo of Napa cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and red onions make up the veggie base of this tasty side. To put a new spin on classic slaw, top with Spanish peanuts and fried wontons.

13 of 14

Winter Slaw with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Winter Slaw with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Carson Downing

This easy coleslaw recipe makes 10 servings, which is just the right amount for a holiday, picnic, or potluck. Blood oranges add juicy, bright flavor and make the slaw impossible to pass up. The recipe is already quick–it only takes 25 minutes–but you can speed it up even more with pre-shredded kale and coleslaw mix.

14 of 14

Thai Pork Shredded Tacos with Sriracha Slaw

Thai Pork Shredded Tacos with Sriracha Slaw
Andy Lyons

Whether you choose to make the Thai pork tacos or not (and you definitely should!) you have to try the spicy coleslaw recipe they're paired with. Sriracha and mayo make a coleslaw dressing with kick that tastes amazing coating shredded cabbage. If you like cilantro, stir in a handful of fresh herbs to brighten the flavors even more.

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