13 Unique Summer Coleslaw Recipes for the Perfect Side Dish
These unique summer coleslaw recipes are the perfect side dish for your next summer BBQ. Each coleslaw salad is bursting with fresh ingredients and creative coleslaw dressing ideas, making them a stand out among summer salads. Find slaw recipes with red cabbage and green cabbage that are so much better than your ordinary colelsaw mix!
Wondering what to serve these with?
Keep scrolling for delicious recipe pairings at the bottom of the post!
About These Coleslaw Dishes
Looking for the perfect easy coleslaw recipe?
You’re sure to find it on this ultimate list!
We’re sharing new recipes with creative ingredients and themes, like Mexican coleslaw, apple coleslaw, and healthy coleslaw with Jamaican-inspired spices.
These homemade coleslaw recipes also feature summer ingredients like green onions, fresh fruit, and bell peppers, along with inventive dressing ideas.
From mayo coleslaw with creamy dressing to recipes with maple syrup and lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar for the perfect tang, there’s truly something for everyone.
You’ll be amazed what you can make with a humble head of cabbage!
On top of being a classic summer side dish, coleslaw is also the perfect recipe to make ahead whether that be a couple of hours or even the day before!
Whether you’re looking for healthy coleslaw recipes or an indulgent crowd-pleaser, these are the best coleslaw recipes out there!
The Best Summer Coleslaw Recipes
This Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw is packed with bold flavors and crunchy textures. It’s tossed in a creamy chili-lime dressing, making it the perfect creamy coleslaw and summer side dish for cookouts, taco nights, or easy weeknight dinners
This 15 minute red cabbage slaw uses olive oil, lime and cilantro as a base with a touch of honey and cumin to round it out for the ultimate flavor.
This cilantro lime slaw is simple to make and has a fresh, vibrant flavor. The zesty cilantro lime dressing makes the veggies taste like summer. A mix of cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper keeps the slaw interesting, and it pairs well with simple grilled meat.
Coleslaw with apples and nuts is a delicious side for any cookout or barbecue. Crisp, bright and tangy, this slaw is also amazing on a pulled pork sandwich or in a fish taco.
Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw is light, easy to make and perfect as a summer side dish, on tacos or with avocado or grilled chicken added in. This salad is fresh, flavorful with a sweet with a hint of spice. Add it to tacos, burrito bowls or alongside your grilled meat.
Vinegar Coleslaw Recipe is a light coleslaw mixing cabbage, carrots and radishes with fresh herbs, and tossed in a light vinegar based dressing. This is perfect as a side salad or a topping to sandwiches, tacos or burgers.
A crunchy, light twist on orzo salad, this easy coleslaw recipe is made with a light and tasty citrusy dressing, toasted almonds for crunch, and dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
8. Kimchi Slaw
Kimchi slaw is a fusion of traditional coleslaw with Korean kimchi flavors. It is a bold, tangy and spicy twist on a classic slaw. You get all the amazing flavor of kimchi with the crunch of a coleslaw. It’s quick and easy too!
Napa Cabbage Asian Slaw is one of my go-to salads to make for parties, and I promise this will be a hit with everyone! If you’re not a cilantro fan, use a little more thinly sliced green onion in this tasty low-carb Asian slaw recipe.
This Greek Cabbage Salad is a fresh, crunchy mix of shredded cabbage, chickpeas, cucumber, briny olives, fresh herbs and creamy feta cheese tossed in a zesty-Greek style dressing.
Curtido is a Salvadoran cabbage slaw or relish made with shredded cabbage, onion, carrot, and vinegar, essential for topping pupusas and other Salvadoran dishes.
This Peruvian Inspired Coleslaw takes the flavors of the best green sauce in history and makes it outdoor eating-friendly.
Light and refreshing, with a creamy dressing that coats every bite, this salad offers robust flavor and color.
Serve These With
Your favorite summer slaw recipe will pair perfectly with other cookout sides like baked beans and pasta salad, as well as main dishes like grilled or smoked meats.
Here are some of our favorite Holiday Huddle pairings:
- Pulled Pork with Coke and Brown Sugar
- Classic Deviled Eggs
- Classic Ambrosia Salad
- Mexican Street Corn
- Mexican Cornbread
To make homemade coleslaw, it’s helpful to have a sharp knife, cutting board, a box grater or mandoline slicer, and a large bowl for mixing.
Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, then place a wedge flat-side down and slice into thin strips with a sharp knife. For quicker prep, you can also use a box grater, mandoline, or food processor for even shreds.
