16 Tangy Coleslaw Recipes That Are Great for Picnics and Potlucks (2024)

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!

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Classic Creamy Coleslaw

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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!

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Cucumber Radish Slaw

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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.

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Sweet Potato-Pomegranate Slaw

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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.

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Sesame Noodle Slaw

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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.

Spicy Broccoli Slaw

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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.

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Creamy BLT Coleslaw

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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.

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Vinaigrette Coleslaw

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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.

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Red Cabbage and Radicchio Slaw

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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.

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Peanutty Noodle Slaw

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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.

Waka Waka Salad

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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.

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Winter Slaw with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

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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.

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Thai Pork Shredded Tacos with Sriracha Slaw

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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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Copycat Coleslaw

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If your favorite part of a fried chicken meal is the coleslaw, this is the recipe for you! Our copycat KFC coleslaw recipe is made with green cabbage, carrots, and a sweet creamy sauce. Plan ahead as it tastes best the next day.

Delicious Copycat Recipes That Are Even Better Than the Originals

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Trisha Yearwood's Fourth of July Coleslaw

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Rather than sugar, Trisha Yearwood sweetens her coleslaw recipe with diced sweet pickles. She also adds sweet onion, mayo, and big pinch of salt. You can shred your own cabbage and carrots but a bag of coleslaw mix will work in a pinch.

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Coleslaw with a Twist

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The twist to this creamy coleslaw recipe is fresh dill and lime juice. We also added thinly sliced red peppers for flavor and crunch. Chill for at least two hours before serving.

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Asian-Style Chicken Sliders with Snow Pea Slaw

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Swap in snow peas for the cabbage in this creative coleslaw recipe. They add big crunch and sweetness. Serve this slaw on our chicken sliders or alongside your favorite grilled meat.