Easiest Summer Slaw Recipe

Called summer slaw because it includes some of the best fresh vegetables of the summer in an otherwise traditional recipe. Easiest because even those who don't cook can put this easy recipe together in just minutes!

Need to take a dish to summer cookouts or a barbecue but you don't cook? This delicious classic mayo coleslaw is a step above the rest as it incorporates two of the vegetables available in abundance in the warm months of summer. This is the perfect side dish for so many reasons!

Based on a family recipe

My mother-in-law has always included tomatoes and cucumbers in her cole slaw and everyone in the family loves it. This summer coleslaw recipe combines those ingredients with the basic creamy dressing I always use to create a classic summer side dish.

If you love family recipes you'll want to check out Southern Cornbread Dressing which came from her too and my mama's old fashioned baked mac and cheese.

Jump to:

• Based on a family recipe
• Ingredient list
• How to make it
• Tips for the best slaw
• Variations
• What is summer coleslaw served with?
• 📖 Recipe
• Cold Side Dishes

Ingredient list

Overall these are simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find.

• Slaw mix - Hear me out on this one. If you want to chop your own cabbage in your food processor or grate a head of cabbage with a box grater, in addition to the carrots and red cabbage, go right ahead. I personally have found that many of the slaw mixes from the grocery store are perfect. I avoid the ones where the green cabbage and the other veggies are shredded very finely. Dole makes the packaged coleslaw mix I used here.
• Mayonnaise - I use full fat and prefer one of the two southern brands, Blue Plate or Dukes.
• Sugar - White granulated is recommended.
• Vinegar - We recommend apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar (not plain white vinegar) to give it the perfect tang.
• Black Pepper - Freshly ground is always best.
• Cucumbers - Use whatever you have. If the skin is thick and tough I peel, partially or completely. If the cucumbers are young and tender don't peel them.
• Tomatoes - Again, any variety is fine. You can use anything from cherry tomatoes to roma tomatoes or anything in between. In the summer when they're coming out of the garden you'll be making Crustless Tomato Pie and Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato salad, but save some for your summer coleslaw.

See recipe card below for specific measurements.

How to make it

Y'all this cabbage slaw recipe is SO easy! As long as you're using the pre shredded package coleslaw mix it will just take you a very few minutes of prep time.

1. Stir the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. That's everything except the slaw mix and additional veggies. If you won't be serving right away refrigerate it in an airtight container.
2. Pour the cabbage mixture into a medium to large bowl and pour dressing over it.
3. Stir it all until well blended and you can add ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt if you like.
4. Add the chopped cucumbers and tomatoes last because the diced tomatoes are a little tender. Give it one last gentle stir to combine all of the ingredients.
5. Pour it all in a medium to large bowl for serving.

Tips for the best slaw

• Don't make it too far in advance. If you need to do a little prep ahead of time you can stir the dressing ingredients together and dice the cucumbers. Leave it all unassembled until a couple of hours before you serve.
• Use good quality mayo. Generic brands are fine in some recipes, but not this one.
• Use a slaw mix that isn't shredded too finely. We recommend having a bit of "texture" for the best homemade coleslaw.

Variations

• Add some diced green or red bell peppers if you like it and have some on hand. It's another summer vegetable that may be coming in like crazy at the same time as the tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Some diced green onions are a nice addition as well. You could also use them as garnish to make your slaw pretty. In these photos we used curly parsley.
• If your slaw mix didn't include red cabbage you can add a little for an additional pop of color.
• Like your slaw with a spicy kick? Give it a few shakes of red pepper flakes.
• Add some fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro is a favorite of ours, especially if you're serving with a tex-mex or southwestern meal like fish tacos.

What is summer coleslaw served with?

Here in the south slaw is a traditional side dish with main dishes like pulled pork (bbq) or with barbecue chicken. Add some baked beans with bacon or smoked baked beans and you'll have a meal that's served in thousands of great spots throughout the south.

It's also traditionally served with seafood of all types, but especially the fried variety like fish and grits, southern fried shrimp or pan fired Mahi Mahi.

Top hot dogs or chili dogs with your cabbage slaw.

📖 Recipe