Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw

Crunchy, creamy, and full of old-fashioned Southern charm, Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is a classic side dish that never goes out of style. Known for its simple ingredients and perfect balance of tang and sweetness, this coleslaw is said to be inspired by the country legend herself—a dish that’s just as down-home and beloved as Dolly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern Style – Creamy, sweet, and tangy in all the right ways.
Crispy & Fresh – With cabbage, carrots, and a touch of onion for flavor.
Perfect Side Dish – Pairs with BBQ, fried chicken, sandwiches, and more.
Quick & Easy – Made in just minutes with pantry ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after chilling.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 small head green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
2 tbsp finely chopped white or yellow onion
¾ cup mayonnaise
1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra zing)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp celery seed (optional, for a hint of spice)

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Grater or food processor
Knife and cutting board
Whisk or spoon
Plastic wrap for storing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Shred the cabbage finely using a knife, mandoline, or food processor.
Grate the carrot and finely chop the onion.
Place all veggies in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard (if using), salt, pepper, and celery seed.
Whisk until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Combine & Toss
Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture.
Toss everything together until the veggies are evenly coated and the dressing is well distributed.

Step 4: Chill & Let It Marinate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
For best results, chill for 2–3 hours before serving.

Step 5: Stir & Serve
Give the coleslaw a good stir before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (add more salt, sugar, or vinegar to balance flavor).

Tips for the Best Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw
Shred Fresh – Hand-shredded cabbage gives the best texture.
Chill Before Serving – Enhances flavor and texture.
Don’t Overdo the Onion – A little goes a long way.
Add a Pop of Color – Red cabbage or bell pepper adds visual appeal.
Double for a Crowd – This recipe easily scales up for gatherings.

Serving Suggestions
BBQ Must-Have – The perfect pairing for ribs, pulled chicken, or brisket.
Southern Sides – Serve with fried chicken, hush puppies, or cornbread.
On Sandwiches – Top burgers, pulled chicken, or turkey sliders.
With Fish – A great complement to fried or grilled fish.
Potluck Star – Ideal for picnics, church dinners, and family reunions.

How to Store & Reuse

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze – mayo-based slaws do not freeze well.

Reusing:
Use as a topping for wraps or sandwiches.
Mix into grain bowls for added crunch and creaminess.
Serve alongside grilled meats for quick weeknight dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
   Absolutely. Use one 14-oz bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix in place of the cabbage and carrot.
2. Is this coleslaw sweet?
   It has a gentle sweetness, balanced by tangy vinegar. You can adjust the sugar to your taste.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, just use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.
4. How far in advance can I make it?
   Up to 1 day ahead is ideal—the flavor only gets better as it rests.
5. Can I add other ingredients?
   Yes! Try adding chopped green apple, pineapple tidbits, or raisins for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Coleslaw is a true Southern staple—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back memories of backyard barbecues and Sunday suppers. With a creamy, tangy dressing and fresh, crunchy veggies, this coleslaw is perfect for any occasion and every table.

Try it out and let it be the star of your next meal. Don’t forget to share your version and leave a review—I’d love to know how you served it!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1–3 hours
Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – yields 6):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 1g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

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